A source has claimed that Apple is working on a version of macOS that will be developed exclusively for the M2 iPad Pro and is scheduled to be released sometime in 2023.
One of the main criticisms of the iPad is the lack of support for desktop-class software. There are repeated calls for Apple to port not only Final Cut Pro but also a full version of macOS to the iPad, at least to the iPad Pro series. The sources of leaker Majin Bu have now betrayedthat Apple is working on a "smaller" version of macOS exclusively for the M2 iPad Pro. It will be internally codenamed "Mendocino" and released as macOS 14 in 2023. Testing will be done with a macOS interface that is 25% larger to make it touch-friendly. However, the apps that run on the product will still be iPad-optimized versions, not macOS versions.
Rumor should be treated with caution
It remains unclear why Apple would move the iPad to a macOS interface in such a half-step. Those who argue for macOS on the iPad do so because of the software rather than the interface. Rumors of software testing should always be taken with a grain of salt. Very few, if any, details about Apple's software plans have leaked out. Reports of macOS on the iPad have been around for more than a decade, by the way. Rumors about the original iPad suggested that macOS was a possibility even before the device was released. Additionally, Apple likely runs versions of macOS on iPads for internal testing and configuration.
M2 iPad Pro: New software could also be based on macOS
The informant may have seen an iPad in a debug state and not the current operating system. The other possible explanation is that it is not macOS at all. Apple may be working on bringing iPadOS even closer to macOS by adding a menu bar and other Mac-like interactions. A Mac window feature called Stage Manager was already introduced in iPadOS 16, so this could be the next iteration. Majin Bu also suggests that the exclusivity for the iPad Pro M2 could be a marketing ploy. If the feature is only available on this iPad, more people would buy it. So what we can expect next year remains to be seen for now - but we can stay excited. (Image: Apple)
