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The discussion about macOS versus iOS comes up every time Apple releases a new iPad Pro with hardware that the software can’t seem to push. In the musings of my WWDC post, an interesting idea about making the iPad more useful came to mind: What if Apple allowed Parallels and VMware to offer virtualization on iPadOS?
About Apple@Work: Bradley Chambers has been running an enterprise IT network since 2009. With his experience in deploying and managing firewalls, switches, enterprise-grade mobile device management, Wi-Fi, 100 Macs, and 100 iPads, he will highlight the ways Apple’s IT managers use it to deploy Apple devices, build networks to support them, train users, stories from IT management moats, and ways Apple can improve its products for IT departments.
Before you rush to judgement, hear me out. iPadOS needs to continue to evolve beyond its iOS siblings in feature sets. iPad Pros are more powerful than they need to be. Virtualization requires power and will open iPadOS to many compelling use cases for enterprise customers.
Let’s say you’re the type who likes to use the iPad for as many things as possible, but there are a few tasks that are either not possible on iPadOS or are just too cumbersome. If Apple allows virtualization on iPadOS, you’ll have the option to open Parallels or VMware, run macOS (or Windows), and use the included Magic Keyboard as if you had a full desktop computer. Additionally, if iPadOS eventually gets better support for external monitors, it’s possible to have macOS in one window while iPadOS is running in another.
If you are someone who travels a lot or works in the field, the simplicity of a very portable device when you are away from your desk will come in very handy. You will no longer have to think “will I need a Mac” on this trip. You can take your iPad and it can become everything you need to be.
Why not double boot?
It’s certainly possible that Apple will allow iPads to dual-boot between macOS and iPadOS, but I think the virtualization story is a better story for enterprise customers. It will make the iPad Pro one of the most versatile “computers” on the market because it can run every major operating system. It will become the perfect travel computer. I haven’t owned a desktop computer in a very long time (early 2000s), but if I could use macOS while traveling on my iPad Pro, I’d switch to an iMac right away.
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I firmly believe that allowing virtualization on the iPad Pro will unlock the device to many new use cases and help justify the cost of the device. Right now, I find it hard to justify the iPad Pro over the iPad Air unless you want the 12.9-inch screen. However, let’s say the iPad Pro can become the all-in-one device that gives you the flexibility of a desktop operating system when the situation calls for it, but you can also enjoy the lightness of iPadOS when your needs don’t require it. If the iPad Pro can make macOS the default when needed, I think it will continue to grow in popularity in the enterprise market.
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