The Problem’s Never the Hardware

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the current state of the iPad and whether Apple truly understands what the iPad needs to improve. It highlights the ongoing challenges with the iPad's software and user experience, despite advancements in hardware.

🙋 Q&A

[01] The iPad's Problems

1. What are the key issues with the iPad according to the article?

• The iPad still can't fully shake off its iPhone OS roots, and almost everything Apple has attempted to bolt atop iPadOS to make it more useful has come with weird tradeoffs.
• File management on iPadOS is still a mess.
• The iPad can never become what Apple promised unless Apple drastically changes course.

2. What is the author's view on Apple's approach to the iPad?

• The author believes that Apple continues to view the iPad as a general-purpose computer, which it is not for a lot of people.
• The author expects that iPadOS will continue on its current trajectory at WWDC, which many find underwhelming, especially given the iPad's impressive hardware.

3. What are the author's thoughts on Apple's strategy of having two platforms (Mac and iPad)?

• The author suggests that this may be the reality we're living in now, but they are not sure if anyone has told Apple.
• The author questions whether Apple is okay with having two distinct platforms and letting people choose which one is best for them.

[02] The iPad's Potential

1. What are the strengths of the iPad according to the article?

• Running the same library of apps as the iPhone is a big deal.
• Doing so in a more secure way than traditional personal computers is an even bigger deal.
• The combination of a touch screen, the Apple Pencil, and traditional input methods like a keyboard and trackpad make the iPad extremely versatile.

2. What is the author's view on the iPad's potential?

• The author believes that the iPad can never become what Apple promised unless Apple drastically changes course.
• The author suggests that the iPad's problem is not in its hardware, but in its software and user experience.