Apple’s software engineering chief, Craig Federighi, has explained why iPads won’t run macOS despite recent updates that make them more Mac-like. According to Federighi, iPadOS 26 strikes a balance between productivity and simplicity, but retains the unique touch-screen experience of iPads. The company is adapting best ideas from each platform to create a seamless user experience.
In an interview with Swiss tech journalist Rafael Zeier, Federighi said that if macOS were to run on iPads, users would lose what makes the iPad unique. However, Apple is working on new features for future iPhones and iPads, including touch-screen Macs and foldable iPads, which may one day allow iOS to run on these devices.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2025/06/13/apple-explains-why-ipads-dont-just-run-macos