Crazy rumor claims Apple’s 12-inch iPad will run iOS and OS X

By

How OS X may look on an iPad. Mockup: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
How OS X may look on an iPad. Mockup: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Having the ability to switch from iOS to OS X on your iPad when you need to get real work done sounds like an awesome idea, but Apple’s full desktop operating system isn’t designed to be used with a touchscreen. That’s why a new rumor that claims the upcoming 12-inch iPad will run both platforms is just downright crazy.

“Apple’s rumored 12-inch tablet, which is said to be scheduled for release in 2015, may become the vendor’s first device to feature an operating system that integrates Mac OS and iOS,” DigiTimes reports, citing “rumors in the upstream supply chain.”

The report adds that Apple actually has two 12.9-inch iPad prototypes in testing — only one of which is a “2-in-1” device that runs both iOS and OS X, while the other is a “regular tablet.” Mass production is expected to begin in early 2015, but it’s unclear at this point whether just one or both of these devices will be brought to market.

DigiTimes has a famously bad track record when it comes to Apple rumors, and we always advise readers to take its claims with a heaped spoonful of salt. While Apple could well be testing the feasibility of OS X on an iPad, it’s highly unlikely it would optimize the platform for a touchscreen tablet.

Instead, the Cupertino company is likely to just enhance iOS for a larger screen, and add new functions and features that will make it even more productive — such as split-screen multitasking and support for multiple user profiles. We’ve already seen the beginning of this process with the iPhone 6 Plus, which has new landscape modes that take advantage of its bigger display.

Source: DigiTimes

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.