We’ve been thinking for years that Apple should give the iPad Pro a full-fledged operating system like macOS. The power of the incredible M series chips simply cannot be allowed to go to waste. Someone has already pulled out all the stops and turned his MacBook keyboard and trackpad into the perfect hybrid for his iPad. Yes, we are talking about the MacPad, which is complete madness. Federico Viticci From MacStories. Best of all, this concern wasn’t about having a better iPadOS; Rather, I needed the perfect keyboard and trackpad combination for the Apple Vision Pro. Now combines macOS, iPadOS and VisionOS into one truly amazing story.

A better keyboard for the Apple Vision Pro, which becomes an incredible hybrid computer

As described in the first lines of this story, Federico Viticci needed a better keyboard for his Vision Pro. Unsatisfied with the digital keyboard and different third-party keyboard options, he thought about how to incorporate the trackpad into the equation. The problem is that the Vision Pro does not accept any trackpad; This is the first challenge..

When working with MacPad, iPadOS and macOS

Not satisfied after trying different options combining Apple trackpad. Comfort was an important factor; It’s important to be comfortable writing and editing articles the way we do. There are two ways here; Use your laptop as usual or connect it to an external display using external accessories. He overcame all the levels and challenges ever since he decided that the best option was the same laptop without a screen..

It began combining desktop apps and VisionOS experiences using the ability to move the Mac display to Vision Pro and Control Universal. I was not satisfied because one more thing was needed.

MacBook screen gets in the way, best to remove it to make room for MacPad

It was easier to wish Apple would make a keyboard with a trackpad that included a stand, but Viticci knew that would never happen, especially in the short term. He needed to further his goals and he did so. He realized that he didn’t need to have the physical screen of the MacBook because with the Vision Pro he could have the screen of any size he wanted..

Thanks to a video from YouTuber Luke Miani, Viticci ripped out his MacBook’s screen, leaving it “headless”. The idea was already worked out, I just needed to perform the relevant surgery and the rest would be history. You only get half your MacBook, retain the keyboard and trackpad, and significantly reduce weight when you use it on your lap. You can also forget about those bulky external accessories.

A laborious process to disassemble a MacBook screen but with a big reward

Mission accomplished, use Mac with Vision Pro… What about iPad? He recalled using Universal Control and Sidecar from Mac to iPad. In this case, your iPad Pro will be attached to the body of the MacBook. Your new laptop, MacPad, was born here. Hybrid from start to finish: Keyboard and trackpad for Vision Pro; A Mac with a detachable display and an iPad Pro with an external keyboard and trackpad.

If you have a portable MacBook (preferably Air due to weight), iPad Pro, and Vision Pro, maybe you can clone Viticci’s MacPad. You can find the full guide here.

Apple ecosystem made MacPad possible

Apple Pencil can be used in the macOS interface thanks to Sidecar

Concluding this incredible testimony, it is once again appreciated how strong the Apple ecosystem is. The features and integrations coming together across devices are amazing. Cart, Universal Control and Mac presence functionality in Vision Pro These were crucial to creating the MacPad. Without one of these, Viticci’s dream would not have been completed. He notes that this should not be done if you just want to enhance Vision Pro input with a keyboard and trackpad. Cupertinos will have to create the accessory (which won’t happen anytime soon).

The mystery at the beginning of this article will persist unless Apple decides to quickly retire iPadOS. The Mac will also remain untouched. The moral of this story is that of course there should be a hybrid laptop that can be used as a tablet depending on our every need. Long live MacPad!