iPadOS 26 is a huge step forward for the iPad—but it's still not quite a Mac. In this video, I break down 20 specific things iPadOS still can’t do compared to macOS. From the lack of Terminal and multi-user support to limited external display and developer tools, this is the ultimate guide to help you decide: iPad Pro or MacBook Air?
Even though I love the iPad and use it as my daily computer, I want to give you the full picture before you spend $1,000+ on your next Apple device. Drop a comment with what YOU think the iPad is still missing—and I’ll pin the best one!
📱 iPadOS 26 is available now as a developer beta
💬 Comment 🐬 if you made it to the end!
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Monitor used: https://www.sotsu.com/products/flipaction-elite-16?ref=9to5
Get iPad A16 for under $300: https://amzn.to/3ZnanCA
Try Paperlike today: https://paperlike.com/9to5/2506
👀 More WWDC 2025 coverage:
👉 https://youtu.be/o3Gbxf2l_LA
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📦 Other tech I like:
The $2 Airtag: https://9to5toys.com/2024/11/25/heres-how-to-get-an-airtag-for-just-2/
iMac mini m4: https://amzn.to/3B5Kleg ($529, Normally $599)
M2 MacBook Air: https://amzn.to/3VcDlTq ($749, normally $999)
M3 Macbook Air: https://amzn.to/3ZcWrtX ($844, normally $1099)
M4 MacBook Pro 14: https://amzn.to/3B1CjD6 ($1749, Normally $1999)
iPad 10th Gen: https://amzn.to/49bKkC6 ($259, Normally $349)
iPad mini 7th Gen: https://amzn.to/3ZrPVkd ( $459, Normallly $499)
iPad Air 11: https://amzn.to/415W6vP ($499, $599)
Apple Pencil:
Apple Watch SE: https://amzn.to/4idQDJc ($149, Normally $249)
Series 10: https://amzn.to/3CQ3ZLM ($359, Normally $429)
AW Ultra Ocean: https://amzn.to/3ZqPbvM ($719, Normally $800)
AirPods Pro: https://amzn.to/4i7na3H ($153, Normally $249)
AirTags: https://amzn.to/3Z9RpP0 ($72, Normally $99)
📌 Timestamps
00:00 – iPadOS 26 Is a Big Step… But Not Enough
00:31 – Why This Comparison Matters
01:11 – Choosing Between iPad and Mac? Watch This First
01:27 – No Terminal Access, Period
01:52 – Still No Multi-User Accounts
02:32 – Only One External Display Allowed
03:11 – No True Clamshell Mode
03:29 – No Multi-Desktop Support
04:15 – Limited Peripheral Customization
04:51 – Still No Plugin Support
05:07 – No Menu Bar Tools or Diagnostics
05:38 – Missing Developer Tools Like Xcode
05:53 – iPads Can’t Run Real Scripts
06:22 – Still Only One Audio Source at a Time
07:03 – No Guest or Kid Accounts
07:25 – Games Don’t Go Full Screen on Monitors
07:46 – No Wi-Fi or Network Diagnostics
08:08 – Final Thoughts on Limitations
08:46 – Why MacBook Air Still Makes More Sense
09:37 – Your Turn: What’s Still Missing?
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