How will iOS 13 change iPad: What does the Apple tablet need to become a full -fledged computer?

When at the end of 2018 I wrote a text about the necessary changes in iOS, I treated it like a wish list, which can have very little in common with reality.This is probably the last edition of the warehouse before WWDC 2019 and all media reports indicate clearly: it will be a year of iOS and it will be the year of the iPad.What changes do the Apple tablet need in reality?Is the iPad actually a computer?Is it worth buying it in 2019?

The future of the iPad seems more and more promising.Let's remember, however, that this was not always the case.After a few years of splendor, when Apple released the first generation, iPad 2 and its successor with Retina screen, the years of solid technological stagnation came, but also weakening sales results.I also lost my faith on the iPad and sold my last private art in 2016, because I decided that MacBook is better suitable for studies, and at home I practically do not use it anymore.This does not mean, of course, that I lost contact with these devices.They were even available at my university to work in some classes.Getting rid of the iPad was mainly influenced by its functionality, which is significantly different from the functionality of the computer, but did not exceed my iPhone in any way.A few years ago, tablets were associated only with equipment for young children, whose needs do not go beyond simple games and fairy tales from VOD services.

At the same time, Apple faced the pressure of consumers who expected a tactile MacBook modeled on Surface or Asus Transformer.The hybrids were very popularized at the time, but Apple showed conservatism.Such devices were usually very expensive (e.g..Surface) or cheap and clearly technologically backward.The greatest pity was aroused in me by devices that had pre -installed Windows and Android so that they could act as a tablet and computer, although in none of these modes they could not be used smoothly, even for viewing networks and text editors.It was in such times that the world came to the world.At the end of 2015, a less than 13-inch tablet with A9X processor and the possibility of operation by Apple Pencil was presented.Although it was a powerful machine, which in the benchmarks falls similarly as last year's iPad, Apple forgot about the system, which was still an enlarged iOS version, known from earlier editions of the iPad, and these were not much different from iOS known from iOS from the iPhone.In terms of software, it was simply still a 13-inch phone with an exceptional possibility for Apple to use two applications at the same time and service.

It is the new periphery that allows you to look at the iPad for an increasingly successful computer prosthesis.Today we can buy Apple Pencil and keyboard connected by Bluetooth or Smart Connector for all iPads sold.It even does this from the cheapest iPad 2018 A device that we can easily use e-mail, work in Safari, text editors, or prepare a presentation in Keynote or Powerpoint.This trend is consciously and effectively strengthened by Apple.Last year's iPad Pro got a USB-C connector with the possibility of ripping photos from memory media, the full version of Photoshop was announced, which will allow graphic designers to work directly on the displayed facility.This is a great advantage compared to the graphic tablets connected to computers.The company's final voice was the presentation of a tablet with other computers at the October event.It's symbolism, but Apple never renounced it.

The beginnings of thinking about the iPad as one of the computers can be found in the very premiere of the device.When Steve Jobs showed a new child of the company in 2010, he put a handful of pins into the very promising netbook market then.Today, most consumers do not even remember that we once bought such devices.Cheap, ugly, unstable and limited pseudo computers, they often worked on the dying Windows XP.The iPad was to compete with these products and in fact the tablet market switched off the netbook surface in just a few months.Remember, however, that the basic difference was to be the light and ultra -fled mobile system on which the iPad worked on.From today's perspective, I think that such a road was right, because it was the market of mobile devices that chased a technologically more efficient personal computers market.Microsoft accepted another path, which instead of developing mobile equipment to be technologically caught up in computers, decided to limit the software capabilities for the needs of his first hybrids.This is how Windows RT worked, which was a limited version of the "eight", created for the needs of Surface RT.At that time, Microsoft's hardware was unlikely to be successful.Only the full version of Windows 10 and significant strengthening of the parameters gave the next generation of Surface a good opinion.

However, we have 2019 and we have a time when the latest iPads match the performance of personal computers.In the case of the PRO line, you can even talk about the detachment.In benchmarks, the new iPad Pro almost duplicates MacBooks Pro from 2015 in the basic configuration.So only the software is divided by the equalization of the functionality of tablets with computers.IOS 13 is to remedy this problem.Will it happen?I see a great chance for it.Analyzing the information that has recently appeared, we can expect above all a new or significantly improved file explorer.In several foreign articles, even the name "Finder" fell, which I am very happy, because I made such predictions last year.Regardless of what name this functionality will take, it is more important what she will boast of.First of all, you need the ability to freely catalog your own content in the device's memory.We are talking about the possibility of more convenient folder creation, tagging, selecting and moving files.The expected function would be support for handoff and full service of external memory media.Such changes would allow you to enjoy what the file application already has.And it must be praised primarily for safety.It is a space that has not been integrated directly with the operating system, which means that any harmful software is not able to interfere in the work of an iPad or iPhone.Another big plus is native synchronization with clouds such as Google Drive.I would not even be angry with my MacBook for such functionality.

A convenient and extensive file explorer should go hand in hand with a new iOS interface that would allow free operation of application windows, including windows of the same programs next to each other.The main screen space that iPads have until you ask for more than a fixed icon grid.We need new peripherals to support an extensive system.I was very happy about the first information about the support of mouse and trackpads, including those from other than Apple producers.There has also been information that Apple can plan to introduce a smart keyboard folio with a built -in touchpad.After all, for the iPad to replace us with a computer, sometimes it just has to be.

My fear is born here.While I can believe that all these new products will appear in June on iPads Pro, I have a lot of doubt whether Apple will want to share the joy of an extensive system with the owners of iPad Air, iPad Mini, and even more so with the owners of the cheapest versiontablet.Let's remember that the "educational" iPad already has limited multitasking to a maximum of two active applications.When the third program is launched in the form of a hanging window, the other two are extinguishing.Therefore, if you are thinking about the iPad today and see in it a device that could replace your computer over time, hold on.While I believe in significant changes in the iPad Pro software, I am able to imagine the situation when Apple, by emitting this series.

Even if only the iPad Pro was looking forward to such changes, I think it is worth considering.Let us remember that a dark motif or refreshed email will also come to iOS.We will buy iPada Pro for PLN 3799.For this we need Apple Pencil and Keyboard.The first one costs PLN 599, and Smart Keyboard Folio is an even more abstract expense in the form of PLN 849.Therefore, instead of the original Apple keyboard, I will add Logitech Smart Keyboard Folio, which is over PLN 300 cheaper, has standard, "clicking" keys and is more durable than the destructive keyboards covered with soft material.Its downside is the need to charge because it uses Bluetooth to communicate with iPad.For PLN 4,917, we get a device that could offer perfect performance, all day of battery work and support for professional applications such as Photoshop and (I hope) Finalcut Pro.If such an iPad would support external disks and memory cards and periphery, he would have an extensive file explorer and a convenient interface, what it would miss compared to a 12-inch MacBook, which is more expensive by almost PLN 1,600, or in combination with a MacBook Air more expensive1000 zlotys?And even if these devices were at similar prices, let's think about what we gain when choosing an iPad?We get all the functionalities of the iPad for a well -equipped computer, which is a hundred times a better solution than the MacBook, when we read a book or newspaper, we browse social media or want to play games.

Perhaps this is excessive optimism, but if this is the future of the iPad, my worry would be the fate of MacBooks, which in recent years have lost many computer privileges.We have already lost the possibility of replacing components such as disks or RAM.We have lost the possibility of independent battery replacement, unless we have a handy DIY set at home and the courage to start a computer ourselves for several thousand zlotys.We finally lost all ports that made a universal and complete device in all circumstances from the MacBook Pro in all circumstances.It is true that USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 are a fantastic connector of the future, brilliant in its universality.It is a pity, however, that the USB-C era has still not fully come.Whoever does not understand, try to connect the iPhone to the MacBook with cables that he got in the set.

Remember, however, that there are many social groups that will not even look in the direction of extensive tablets.Today, it's hard to imagine a professional video editor, graphics, programmer or music who abandons the world of PC or Macintosh in favor of the Apple tablet.Despite fantastic changes in the iPad, remember that the computer market is also changing, and MacOS is a system that makes Apple a unique company compared to Google, Samsung, Huaweie or Xiaomi.

So after a few years of separation I will return to the iPad?I think so.That's exactly what I would like to take to work, on a journey or on a city when I don't need to take a MacBook, and I know that I am waiting for some important tasks that day.If you are planning such a purchase with me, let's abstain at WWDC.Today, buying an iPad is a bit of buying a cat in a bag.We can know the profitability of such a purchase only after updating to iOS 13.If all these privileges were exaggerated, it may turn out that the iPad will still remain a smartphone on steroids.But if Apple honestly believes in the attachment of consumers to Mac, it can take a bold step towards the integration of these two devices, and the history of Apple clearly shows: who does not risk, he does not drink champagne.Cheers Apple!

Artykuł ukazał się pierwotnie w MyApple Magazynie nr 3/2019