Does the iPad 26 make the iPad a computer? (video)

The moment Apple unveiled the iPads 26, it felt like we iPad users were finally asked. For years, the iPad has always been “almost there.” There was strong hardware, but the software was way too limited to the experience for most people. But now the iPads 26 has almost completely disappeared. With the new windowing system, improved multitasking and improved file management, the iPad feels more like a computer than before.

The next natural question is that the iPad can be your only computer. Let’s break this all.

A big reason for this idea came about is that the current M4 MacBook Pro is on sale on Amazon for $1299 (absolutely insane value). The M4 iPad Pro is a retailer for $1,199. So I thought this was a great comparison. Watch the video below to practice both devices in greater detail.

Internal specifications

Let’s start with a comparison of “on paper”. The M4 iPad Pro and M4 MacBook Pro use the same chip, so the raw performance of each is essentially the same.

• Geekbench Single Core: ~3700 for both
• Geekbench Multicore: ~13,500–14,500
• GPU score: 50,000-60,000 depending on the condition

So, from a power standpoint, you won’t lose anything with either device. When I talk about RAM in the baseline model, things start to change a little. The iPad Pro starts with 8GB of RAM and can only get 16GB of RAM if you upgrade to a 1TB storage model. Meanwhile, the Baseline M4 MacBook Pro comes with 16GB of RAM standard. So, the pure power is the same, but the MacBook Pro offers a little more headroom when comparing the baseline model.

External hardware

This is where you start to make sure they are different devices (of course). One is the tablet first, and the other is a traditional laptop. Let’s start with the iPad Pro.

• iPad Pro:This is ultra-thin at just 5.1mm, and is one of the most amazing displays of any product in any price category, with its promotional tandem OLED. Once you get one Thunderbolt USB-C port and purchase a Magic Keyboard, you will see an additional port on the charging hinge.
• MacBook Pro: This is obviously thicker, but in terms of the amount of force you get, it is still relatively thin. The display is also packed with punches with a 120Hz promotional mini-driven display. The display alone gives the iPad an edge. The first thing that pulls a MacBook really is I/O. It comes with 4 Thunderbolt ports, HDMI, SD card slots, MagSafe and two headphone jacks.

After that, there is a battery life. The iPad Pro can offer 8-12 hours of use depending on how you use it, but the MacBook Pro can easily get a 16-20 hour battery life without any issues. So if you want a true all-day battery life, your MacBook Pro will take it.

26 vs macos 26

They have the same raw power and we know there are some hardware differences, so this is where things start to get excited. The iPads 26 really converted the iPad, but they are still relatively different operating systems. The iPad is still a touch-first computer, so many of the iPads 26’s UI and UX still hold it, but it’s getting some of the best parts of MacOS. Let’s break it down.

iPados 26

What works for the iPados 26:

• New window system with infinitely sizeable floating windows
• New multitasking layout: split view, triple split (vertical and horizontal), quad view, and up to 12 floating windows
• Allows up to 29 apps in the expanded dock (previously only 18 apps could do)
• Overhaul of the Files app with background downloads, customizable columns and filtering, folders and files pinned to the dock, and new color tagging folders.
• Full support for one external display and scale.
• Then, of course, all tablet things work fine, like pencil support and touch.
• There is a cellular data option.
• Access millions of iOS and iPads apps in the App Store

What iPados still can’t do:

• There is no terminal access
• Supports multiple external displays or clamshell modes
• There are no desktop apps like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Xcode, Full Photoshop, etc. (Yes, these apps have some iPados counterparts, but they’re not that good.)

macos 26

What MacOS26 works:

• Run traditional legacy apps such as Final Cut Pro, Logic, Xcode, and Adobe Suite.
• Terminals and automation tools.
• Multi-monitor support (up to 2+ external displays).
• A mature software ecosystem with decades of desktop class apps.

What Macos still can’t do:

• There is no touch input
• There is no versatility in pencil or tablet mode
• There is no cell connection
• A much limited app store in terms of the number of apps available

So the bottom line here is simple. The iPad 26 makes the iPad Pro feel closer to a Mac, making the iPad more computer-like. But the MacBook Pro is a safer bet if you rely on these Pro apps, coding, or heavy multitasking.

Final Thoughts – Which is correct for you?

After all, the iPad Pro is about versatility. It can be a laptop with a magic keyboard and will quickly become a tablet for reading, drawing, or taking notes. This is the best “2” Apple has ever made.

On the other hand, the MacBook Pro is about Reliability and maturity. Get more ports, better battery life, and software ecosystem for decades.

This is the easiest way to decide.

• Students and casual users – iPad Pro. Perfect for notes, reading, content consumption, and lightweight productivity. Apple pencils and new multitasking are perfect for school life. Make sure the apps you need for your situation exist in the App Store.
• Creative experts – it depends. If your work includes drawing, sketching, and touch-first apps (Procreate, Lightroom, Affinity), the iPad Pro is invincible. If you want heavy video editing, music production, or Adobe tools, stick to your MacBook Pro. (I edit all the videos on my iPad Pro, but I can handle more on my MacBook Pro)
• Power Users and Developers – MacBook Pro. If you need Xcode, terminals, or multiple external displays, there will be no contests. MacOS is the only option.
• Daily User – Both tasks. If you want something more familiar, go to the Go MacBook Pro. If you like the idea of ​​one device that can double as an entertainment tablet and work machine, head to the iPad Pro.

So this is my last thought. If you need one device to get the job done, get your MacBook Pro. Even if you live a little more “flexible”, the iPad Pro is closer to replacing a laptop than ever. I personally choose the iPad Pro 10 in 10 times. Which one will you go?

Best Apple Deals and Accessories