iPad Pro wants to replace PC? 7 problems iOS 13 needs to solve

Recently, Apple released a new iPad Pro advertisement, which gave 5 reasons why iPad Pro can replace PC. However, although Apple updated the iPad Pro this year, it is still a tablet.

This week, an article from foreign media iDropNews pointed out that there are still many factors that prevent iPad Pro from completely replacing Mac or other PCs. Apple needs to solve 7 problems in iOS 13. Let's take a look.

Support for more file types

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The iPad Pro cannot read data from general external storage, which is the biggest obstacle for the iPad Pro to replace a PC. This means that you can't edit a document on the iPad Pro immediately after plugging in a USB-C storage device. In fact, this has always been a limitation of iOS devices.

If the iPad Pro wants to be a PC replacement, it needs to fix this problem before the next round of hardware updates. Apple needs to lift the file type restrictions that the iPad Pro supports and allow the Files app to read and open a wide variety of files in external storage. Until then, the iPad Pro cannot completely replace the PC.

Better iOS multitasking

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The workflows of iOS and macOS are arguably very different, but after Apple introduced iPad-specific multitasking features in iOS 11, iOS became more like macOS. There are rumors that iOS 13 will achieve better multitasking, and Apple really needs to make the rumors come true. iOS 13 should allow iPad Pro users to run two windows of the same app at the same time in split-screen view. In addition, Apple should go a step further, such as allowing users to add tags to certain apps.

Mac-like universal features

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Apple executives have previously said in interviews that they will not merge iOS and macOS, but if Apple can add some Mac-like features to the iPad Pro, it will undoubtedly provide some help to users, especially when dealing with external devices. For many users, they do not need to turn the iPad Pro into a Mac, but only need the iPad Pro to have Mac-like functions in certain usage scenarios, such as getting an on-screen cursor through a mouse or trackpad when the iPad Pro is connected to an external display.

More professional applications

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You might think that after Adobe announced that it would launch the full Photoshop suite on iPad, the era of professional applications for iOS is coming. But iDropNews believes that Apple has rushed to provide users with more professional applications before Adobe. For now, although the iPad Pro has the Pro title, it still lacks some professional-level applications. Apple needs to release iPad Pro versions of Final Cut Pro X and Logic Pro X, as well as some applications needed by professional creators.

Supports multiple accounts

Compared to smartphones, tablets are more likely to be shared among family members or colleagues. The current iOS still looks like a single-user operating system. If Apple can introduce multi-user support for iPad Pro in iOS 13, different accounts can use different apps and app layouts, which will provide a more convenient sharing experience for different users.

Make Safari more like macOS

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Nowadays, many users browse the web on smartphones, and many websites have launched mobile versions. However, it is a bit inappropriate to still display the mobile version when browsing the web on iPad Pro.

Safari on the iPad Pro should behave more like Safari on macOS, since the iPad Pro has a much larger display than the iPhone. It should at least display the desktop version of web pages. Apple could also add more native support to browser-based tools, similar to what it does on Chromebooks.

System-wide dark mode

To be honest, Dark Mode shouldn’t be an iPad Pro-specific iOS 13 feature. For years, many users have been hoping that Apple would introduce this feature in iOS updates.

Apple has implemented a system-wide dark mode in macOS Mojave. Although iPad and Mac will not be merged, Project Marzipan will make it easier for developers to create applications that can work across platforms. Considering that there are already quite a few dark mode macOS applications, it makes sense to add this mode to iOS.