I am not the only one giving this serious consideration. As many of you know, I previously attempted an iPad-only workflow. While it came close to replacing my MacBook Pro, it ultimately fell short. With the release of iPadOS 26, I am prepared to try again. No predictions, no promises. We shall see.
I am a diehard Mac user, even if it means I have to lug around a big and heavy (relatively speaking) MacBook with me instead of something more portable. I’ve tried using an iPad, but like many people, I found that iPadOS isn’t the proper environment for my productivity.
Apple may have changed that … Basically, it’s an iPad until you need it to be a Mac …
The main reason why anyone picks an iPad over a Mac isn’t portability. The biggest iPad, a 13-inch iPad Pro, with the Magic Keyboard, is 2.8 pounds (1.27 kilograms), while a 13-inch MacBook Air is 2.7 pounds (1.24 kilograms). That’s the same. You can go with smaller iPads—these new features are also available in the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini—but you need to be willing to sacrifice significant screen real estate for portability.
But the main reason why I—or any other Mac user—would pick an iPad over a Mac is that they want the touch interface. iPadOS 26 is the closest thing to a touchscreen Mac we have ever seen—and may ever get.
There is much to appreciate about iPadOS 26, but one of the great new features is the ability to set a default app. I was able to set iA Writer as my default app for all markdown files. Fantastic!
Don’t dump your MacBook, you’re going to need it. The iPad doesn’t have, and will probably will never have, a real automatic backup system.
But with any old Mac, and a backup program like Arqbackup, you can use an iPad as your main computer. And have your files and photos automatically backed up.
In fact, if you avoid using iCloud for your files, the cheapest windows laptop from your local BestBuy will work just as well.
Having tried to use my iPad Pro 2018 as my primary device several years ago, I can’t see repeating that experiment again.
For me, the key issues are:
Lack of audio/video features still holding back using external devices with iPad.
The fear that it is likely some app, feature, or device that I might need will not work with the iPad and will never work.
I know that will not be the case with a Macbook, and thus the safer longer-term choice.
It’s been years since I faced the risk of needing a Windows app or Windows accessory that doesn’t work on the Mac, would hate to go back to that frustration by switching back to the iPad as my primary device.
Long time ago I wished my iPad could replace Mac, but I have given up this and never think of again even when iPadOS 26 is out. The only reason is I use MacBook Air is to type and use some functions I may need but rarely.
So,
I prefer 11-inch iPad Pro with Apple Pencil and case only for portability to go out sketching and write something (like a short article). The size allows me to put into my small backpack for running.
Instead of replacing my MacBook, I try to update laptop less often. At least I will use it for 8-9 years.
The cheapest Windows laptop is also an option, but my concern is security.
