Introduction
For over a decade, Apple has maintained two distinct operating systems – macOS for its Mac lineup of desktop and laptop computers, and iOS for its iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch mobile devices. However, as mobile devices become more powerful and Mac computers become more portable, the line between desktop and mobile operating systems has blurred. This has led some to wonder – should Apple merge its macOS and iOS into a single unified operating system?
In this article, I will examine the potential pros and cons of Apple combining macOS and iOS. There are reasonable arguments on both sides of this debate, and valid concerns about the risks and rewards of unified operating system. By looking at the key factors involved, we can objectively evaluate whether merging macOS and iOS would be beneficial for Apple and its users, or if keeping them separate remains the wisest path forward.
Pros of Merging macOS and iOS
Here are some potential benefits Apple could realize by combining macOS and iOS into one unified operating system:
Simplicity and Familiarity
Having a single OS would allow for a more streamlined experience across all Apple devices. Users would only have to learn one interface, and could transition seamlessly from an iPhone to an iPad to a Mac. This could boost adoption of Mac computers for iOS users.
Easier App Development
Developers would only have to build apps once to have them run on all Apple platforms. This could spur more app development and innovation, as developers can target a broader range of Apple devices more efficiently.
Tighter Integration and Continuity
A unified OS could allow for tighter integration between Apple devices when it comes to synchronization, Handoff, AirDrop, and other Continuity features. It could also enable new cross-device capabilities.
Focus and Collaboration
With a single OS, Apple’s software engineering teams could work together and focus their efforts, rather than having to maintain separate code bases. Resources could be used more efficiently.
Future Flexibility
A unified foundation would give Apple more flexibility in device design in the future. Software would be designed to scale across product categories from the start.
Cons of Merging macOS and iOS
However, there are also some notable downsides or risks to Apple combining macOS and iOS:
Disrupting Mac User Experience
Bringing macOS and iOS together could require changes to the Mac UI and how macOS works. This could upset long-time Mac users who prefer the desktop computing experience macOS offers today.
Regression of Features
To create a unified OS, Apple would likely have to regress or remove some advanced macOS features not needed on mobile devices. This could frustrate Mac power users.
Stifling Innovation
With iOS and macOS on different tracks, Apple has been able to innovate in different ways optimized for each platform. Merging them could stall some innovations that benefit a particular device category.
More Bugs and Instability
Bringing two large, complex operating systems together would undoubtedly introduce new bugs and instability. Apple would have to be very careful in execution.
Substantial Development Effort
Creating a unified OS would require an enormous engineering effort, consuming resources that could be applied to other efforts like improving Siri, Maps, etc. It’s an incredibly complex task.
Confusion for Developers
While a unified OS could benefit app developers long-term, in the short term it would create confusion as developers adapt to new APIs, capabilities, and UI requirements.
Loss of Distinct Experience
iOS and macOS have different interfaces optimized for touch or mouse/trackpad input. Unifying them could result in a lowest common denominator experience that isn’t great for any one device category.
Potential Approaches to Merging macOS and iOS
If Apple did decide to merge iOS and macOS, there are a few potential approaches they could take:
I. iOS Form Factor Independence
Make iOS able to adapt to different screen sizes and input methods like mice/trackpads. Then make iOS the core of both platforms.
II. Incremental Convergence
Slowly introduce iOS apps and frameworks into macOS over time, and macOS apps/frameworks into iOS. Allow the two to organically converge into one OS.
III. Hybrid OS
Create a new hybrid OS that takes the best of iOS and macOS. Provides a consistent core experience while still being optimized and customizable for each device form factor.
IV. Progressive Web Approach
Instead of one native OS, work to make Apple platform apps run on the web via web technologies. Then they work across devices without porting.
Conclusion
The concept of Apple merging its macOS and iOS operating systems raises intriguing possibilities, but also poses substantial risks and challenges. There are good arguments on both sides of this debate, and reasonable people can disagree on whether beginning the complex process of combining these two OSes would be beneficial or not. Apple faces a difficult decision in weighing these pros and cons, and fundamentally changing its software strategy.
Overall there are compelling upsides if done well, like simplicity for users, easier app development, and tighter integration between devices. But there are also downsides like disrupting the Mac experience, stalling innovation, and confusing developers. If Apple ever does decide to merge macOS and iOS, they would need to execute it carefully over many years, maintaining the best of both while creating a unified whole greater than the sum of its parts. But there is certainly no guarantee that the benefits would outweigh the costs, so for the time being, keeping the two operating systems separate may well be the wisest path forward.
