There is still infighting in a family, but that is not the case for Apple's iPad and Mac, as the iPad vice president, Tom Boger, clarified that both devices complement each other.
Apple is known to offer a "Sidecar" feature that allows the iPad to extend the Mac's screen, offering a touch-based interface that extends the work done on the computer.
Some reports previously claimed the iPad is now better than the Mac, particularly with its portability and connectivity, aside from the new iPad Pro getting the first M4.
Apple's iPad and Mac Are 'Complementary'
(Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Boger explained that the iPad is a "touch-first" device, and the Mac uses built-in or external peripherals like the mouse and keyboard, but it does not mean one is inferior.
There are still massive differences between the two, and for the buyer, both devices have pros and cons, with the macOS going towards another part, which is more on the "paradigm of computing."
On the other hand, the iPad runs on its iPadOS, but it also features 5G connectivity, portability, a touch screen, and the Apple Pencil that allows further hands-on work.
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No Competition Between iPad, Mac
Despite its differences, Cupertino sees no competition between the iPad and Mac. Boger said some computer users get tablets or own both devices to expand their experiences.
The iPad works as an extension to the Mac, offering touch-screen controls for several Mac apps, but the computer still has unique features to deliver.
Apple's iPad and Mac
With the macOS Catalina released in 2019, Apple introduced the Sidecar feature, which essentially gave the iPad a newfound purpose of complementing the Mac in various ways.
While it was only available to later Macs at that time, it is a feature that allowed the Mac and MacBook variants to use the iPad as an extended screen, all while still having purpose and use after disconnecting it.
Additionally, the iPad and Mac's Sidecar are seamless features for both devices, and the good thing is that it does not require a USB-C to C or USB-C to Lightning (for older iPads) to connect.
Users only need to be connected to the same network for the Mac to cast its screen via AirPlay to the iPad, and this could also work as either a second display or mirror of the desktop.
It is one nifty feature for those who own both devices and are eligible to use the feature if their devices are compatible with the operating system that allows the feature.
However, the dawn of Apple's Let Loose event gave the iPad an edge over the Mac with its cellular data capabilities and M4, but Cupertino does not consider this a competition but rather a complementary relationship for its renowned devices.
Related Article: iPad with Cellular Takes the Edge Over MacBook for Portability, Connections
