Chapter 1: The Need for Focus

In today's fast-paced work environment, there are moments when I crave the ability to concentrate without interruptions from emails, Slack messages, or phone calls. Unfortunately, my Mac is often a hindrance during these times, as it contains all these potential distractions—even if the apps are closed, they still manage to disrupt my focus at least once daily. I have attempted various strategies, including disabling notifications and using apps like Freedom, but none have been entirely effective.

Every day at noon, I take a break to brew coffee and immerse myself in Swift programming articles on my iPad. This 30-minute window is my sanctuary—free from calls, emails, and Slack notifications. The absence of these distractions on my iPad, which doesn’t have Slack or iMessage (though I acknowledge I can't delete the Messages app, I can close iMessage), transforms my experience into something truly exceptional.

The iPad holds a special place in my heart; it was my first Apple product. When I was just nine years old in 2012, my family gifted me an iPad mini. This connection likely makes my feelings towards the iPad more subjective compared to other Apple devices.

On April 20, 2021, Apple unveiled the new iPad Pros equipped with the revolutionary M1 chip. Previously exclusive to the latest Mac models—including the MacBook Pro 13", MacBook Air, Mac mini, and iMac 24"—the M1 chip's integration into the iPad Pro marked a significant milestone.

The M1 chip differs fundamentally from Intel-based processors as it is ARM-based. This architectural choice allows Apple to seamlessly integrate this chip into iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches, all of which utilize ARM technology. Given the impressive performance and efficiency of M1 Macs compared to their Intel counterparts, this is a unique advantage for Apple that no other tech company possesses. Consequently, the new iPad Pros are significantly faster and more efficient than their predecessors, thanks to the M1 chip.

With the new iPad Pros, it’s fair to claim that an iPad can rival a Mac in power. This capability opens the door for running demanding applications that are typically reserved for Macs on iPads.

If you’re an aspiring app developer on Apple platforms, you’re likely aware of the Mac Catalyst technology announced at WWDC19. This innovation simplifies the process of running iPad apps on Macs. As I write this, WWDC21 is just a week away, and developers are already buzzing with hopes for new technologies. As an iOS and macOS developer, my fervent wish for WWDC21 is the introduction of a feature that allows Mac apps to operate on the iPad, perhaps dubbed “iPad Catalyst.”

Though I’m not part of Apple’s iPad engineering team, I believe that iPads can function similarly to Macs. The new iPad Air and iPad Pros boast hardware nearly identical to the latest M1 MacBooks, and the display quality of the new iPad Pros surpasses that of the M1 MacBooks.

At this point, I find myself wondering—though it may seem far-fetched—if iPads could eventually run macOS. While iPadOS sometimes feels limited, Craig Federighi has likened macOS to a finely-tuned vehicle. Nonetheless, it’s an intriguing thought.

Reflecting on my extraordinary experience with the iPad, largely due to its lack of distracting apps like Slack and WhatsApp, I began to entertain the idea of using the iPad as my primary work device. The prospect of seamlessly using applications like Xcode, Terminal, and Figma on an iPad without interruptions would allow me to concentrate more effectively on my tasks, similar to my reading routine.

Maintaining focus can be a daunting challenge in our current environment. To enhance concentration, one must often alter their surroundings and tools, which can be costly. Some opt for retreats to remote locations to sharpen their focus, while others spend months in hotels to complete a writing project.

The number of knowledge workers has surged globally, and as the term implies, these individuals leverage their intellectual skills to generate income. For optimal productivity, maintaining good mental health is crucial; however, the digital distractions of today—ranging from internet content to incessant emails—can make this difficult.

Both Macs and iPads serve as essential tools for knowledge workers, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research indicates a worldwide decline in productivity due to the rise in remote work. Since the mind is the primary asset for knowledge workers, any decline in mental health becomes a significant concern.

For those of us who cannot relocate for better focus, the tools we choose are paramount. Therefore, I believe that an iPad capable of running Mac applications could be transformative. (In fact, if Apple introduces such a feature at WWDC21, I’d be ready to order an iPad Pro immediately!)

This change would be life-altering for me, especially since I need to check Slack and respond to emails several times a day. As I mentioned earlier, my iPad is devoid of distracting apps, and I don’t intend to change that. I envision being more focused while using the iPad for work, allowing me uninterrupted time to code in Xcode.

Of course, when Apple eventually releases the capability for Mac applications to run on the iPad, it won't be flawless. Some applications may lack support for external monitors, among other issues. Transitioning third-party applications to ARM-based Macs is a process that will take time, but many developers have already begun adapting their software for this new architecture.

Conclusion

The iPad is an exceptional device, and it’s high time we utilize it for more demanding tasks! Technological advancements can profoundly influence our lives, often in ways we may not anticipate. I believe that the innovations announced for iPadOS this year will be transformative.

With WWDC21 fast approaching, I’m eagerly awaiting the announcements regarding iPadOS. Ultimately, the new APIs and technologies revealed at WWDC21 will shape my upcoming year. In the days ahead, I will continue writing about the updates from WWDC21.

In this video titled "Dear Apple - The iPad needs help," the creator discusses the potential improvements needed for the iPad to enhance user experience.

The second video, "Dear Apple, Why Should Anyone Buy This?" delves into the reasons consumers should consider purchasing the latest iPad models, exploring features and usability.