Apple’s iPad is a powerful device that has strong hardware. People who watched the Apple WWDC 2025 keynote thought the company would make the iPad more like the Mac. Many people want the iPad to work like a Mac, i.e., it should become a complete desktop computer. But this is not happening. Why? This is due to Apple’s walled garden system, which places several restrictions on the iPad. This system controls what you can do on the iPad and what you cannot. This is the reason why “a walled garden is the iPad’s biggest roadblock to becoming a Mac.” Apple’s rules do not allow the iPad to be completely free like a Mac. Apple’s approach prevents users from fully enjoying the features of a Mac.
What is Apple’s Walled Garden?
Apple’s “walled garden” is a system in which Apple controls everything. You can download apps only from the App Store. If you want to use any third-party app not available on the App Store, it’s not allowed. Your choice of browser is also limited. This system locks you in a limited ecosystem. Operating system freedom is reduced in this. Apple has a strict privacy policy and security rules that protect your data but at the same time lock-in the Apple system. This is part of Apple’s strategy, often referred to as “giving people a reason to stick”—once you start using Apple, you gradually become locked into its ecosystem.
Why the iPad Can’t Fully Replace a Mac
iPadOS 26 has some upgrades, but the iPad is still a simpler option than macOS. The iPad Pro’s hardware is strong, but using apps and managing tasks feels smoother and easier on the MacBook. When you need to connect a peripheral device, the Mac easily supports it, but the iPad seems a bit limited. Until the iPad has full macOS and desktop-level control, the iPad will remain just an advanced tablet.
Software Restrictions and App Store Control
On an iPad, you can only install apps from the App Store. This means that Apple itself acts as a gatekeeper. You can use only those apps that it allows to run. You can use iMessage, but if you want to use a different browser or enable ad-blocking, there are restrictions. On the other hand, in Macs and MacBooks, you get more freedom—you can freely use any app or tool. On iPad, this control system is quite strict, which limits freedom.
WWDC 2025 and iPadOS 26: What’s New?
During Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote, people expected that Apple would remove the limitations of iPad and bring it closer to Mac. Like every year, new OS updates and tools were announced at this WWDC as well. This time, Apple launched iPadOS 26, which brought some new features, like better multitasking and an improved file system. Apple has made software updates simpler and has also promised faster updates. Along with this, the App Store’s library of apps has also been expanded to give more options to the user. But still, many people believe that Apple’s control of the walled garden is not completely over yet. This system has now become the biggest roadblock for the iPad to become a Mac.
Can an iPad Become a Mac?
Can an iPad ever become a Mac? It can—but Apple will have to make changes to its OS, ecosystem, and interface. Until iOS, macOS, and iPadOS are merged into a strong combo, the iPad will remain the same. Even today, if you connect a Latest iOS device to another device, you will get restrictions. Until Apple reduces its control over Apple devices, the walled garden will continue to prevent the iPad from truly becoming a Mac.
Conclusion
Apple’s ecosystem provides a secure and smooth experience but also keeps the user in control. The iPad is powerful, but the iPad’s OS and lack of freedom prevent it from becoming like a Mac. That’s why Apple’s walled garden is still the biggest block. If you want full freedom, then you have to think—do you want to stay in Apple’s system, or do you want a little open environment? Clearly, the walled garden remains the biggest roadblock stopping the iPad from becoming a Mac.
