In one of the more unlikely Apple rumours we’ve heard in recent times, reports on Tuesday say the company is plotting an iPad running elements of both the iOS and Mac OS X operating systems.
According to the usual ‘supply chain sources’ the firm is testing a version of the rumoured 12.9-inch iPad Pro as a two-in-one device.
Digitimes reports there are two prototypes currently being tested; one which integrates both iOS and Mac OS X, while another runs iOS just like other iPads.
Of course, given the often unreliable nature of the source and the surprising nature of the rumour, we’re not reading too much into this, but one wonders whether that is a path Apple would be advised to tread.
The firm has continued to converge the two operating systems down the years, with more and more cross over features.
With iOS 8 and Mac OS X Yosemite Apple is introducing features like Continuity and Hand-off, which aid users on both platforms, but has in the past played down the prospect of merging the two operating systems into one platform.
One area whether the iPad’s still fall down is the ability to truly replace the PC in terms of productivity. Perhaps an iPad running elements of Mac OS X would be the answer for business users? Could it be Apple's answer to the Microsoft Surface Pro range which excels as a laptop replacement?
The report claims the iPad Pro isn’t expected to enter production until 2015, which if true would probably rule out the chances of it appearing at the forthcoming iPad launch event, expected to take place later this month.
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Via: Pocket Now