I am considering purchasing a new iPad because the display of the iPhone 14 Pro is too small for my needs. Currently, I am exploring the iPad mini 6 as an option, but I am also keeping an eye on the upcoming iPad mini 7, which is expected to be available alongside the iPad Air 6 and the OLED iPad Pro. I might also consider the iPad Air 5 or the 4th-gen 11-inch iPad Pro. However, I have made up my mind not to buy the OLED iPad Pro, and this decision is not solely based on its rumored high price, although that is a factor. Reports indicate that the 11-inch iPad Pro could start at $1,500, while the 13-inch model may cost between $1,800 and $2,000. In comparison, a new MacBook, including the recently introduced M3 MacBook Pro, can be purchased for less, with the current sale price for the M3 MacBook Pro starting at just $1,399. This pricing issue is the primary drawback of the iPad Pro. At its current state, iPadOS cannot replace a Mac as my primary computing device. Although I wish this was possible, the current iPadOS 17 does not support it. I have recently considered getting an iPad due to my need for a larger screen for certain computer-related activities. I have also contemplated getting an iPhone Plus or Pro Max in the future for the larger display, primarily for entertainment purposes such as browsing the internet, reading, and watching movies, where a larger screen would be beneficial. Additionally, I am interested in utilizing the Mac’s Sidecar Continuity feature, which enables the iPad to function as a secondary device. This functionality is available on any iPad, and the Mini has the added advantage of being lighter and more portable than the other models. Although I have pondered using an iPad for work, I currently cannot envision it, even though I am considering it. Despite running on high-end chips similar to the Mac, the current and upcoming iPad Air and Pro models are not capable of performing the same tasks as a Mac. My main issue is with multitasking, and I do not find Stage Manager to be a satisfactory solution. If I had to rely on Stage Manager on a Mac or iPad for additional tasks, it would not meet my requirements. I also envision an iPadOS that functions more like macOS, particularly in regard to apps. To be honest, I am dreaming of macOS running on iPads or a 2-in-1 tablet/laptop hybrid, which Apple is unlikely to produce anytime soon. For these reasons, I am not particularly interested in the upcoming OLED iPad Pro. Although the OLED panel display is expected to be exceptional, and the 2024 iPad Pros are anticipated to be lighter and smaller, these factors are not sufficient to change my decision. If the price were reduced by about $500, my opinion might change. This may come as a surprise, considering my willingness to spend $3,499 on the Vision Pro, which I envision using for productivity. While the laptop can run an operating system similar to iPadOS, it offers a new and faster way to interact with computers and superior performance. It also integrates with Mac through Continuity. If I can wear a headset for extended periods without discomfort, I can foresee a future where I use a desktop computer for some of my work. Naturally, I will have a few weeks to test the Vision Pro before deciding whether to keep or return it. Regarding the iPad Pro, I believe that the combination of iPadOS 18 and the M3 processor will bring significant improvements to its capabilities. Additionally, it is worth noting that iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 are expected to feature the main Apple GPT format, according to various leaks. Once these updates are available, my opinion on the OLED iPad Pro may change. While the OLED iPad Pro will likely be more expensive, this is not the primary reason for my hesitation. In conclusion, Apple’s iPad tablets are not a complete substitute for the Mac.
