A concern for use, thanks to Apple Vision Pro, ended up building one of the biggest dreams of many users, the MacPad.
We’ve thought for years that Apple should give the iPad Pro a full operating system like macOS. Wasting the power of the incredible M-series chips is something that simply cannot be allowed. Someone has already overcome all the obstacles and turned their MacBook keyboard and trackpad into a perfect hybrid for their iPad. Yes, we are talking about MacPad, absolute madness made by Federico Viticci from MacStories. Better yet, this problem wasn’t from having a better iPadOS, but rather from having a perfect keyboard and trackpad combination for the Apple Vision Pro. Now combines macOS, iPadOS and visionOS in a truly amazing story.
A better keyboard for Apple Vision Pro that has become an incredible hybrid computer
As the first lines of this story tell, Federico Viticci needed a better keyboard for his Vision Pro. Not satisfied with the numeric keypad and various third-party keyboard options, he thought about how to include the trackpad in the equation. The problem is that not every trackpad is accepted by Vision Pro, this is the first challenge..
MacPad in action with iPadOS and macOS
After trying different options combining the Apple trackpad, he was not satisfied. Comfort was a key factor, to write and edit articles the way we do it is important to be comfortable. 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 difficulties since he decided that the best option was his same laptop but without a screen..
Using the ability to migrate the Mac screen to Vision Pro and Control Universal, he decided to combine desktop applications and visionOS experiences. I wasn’t satisfied because one more thing was needed.
The MacBook screen is in the way, the best thing was to remove it to make room for the MacPad
It was easier to make Apple wish it could 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 advance his aspirations and he succeeded. He realized that it was not necessary to have the physical screen of the MacBook because with his Vision Pro he could have it at the size he wanted..
Thanks to a video from YouTuber Luke Miani, Viticci dismantled the screen of his MacBook to leave it “headless”. The idea was already taken care of, all I had to do was carry out the corresponding operation and the rest would be history. You would only have half of your MacBook, retaining the keyboard and trackpad, which would significantly reduce the weight when using it on your lap. You can also forget about those bulky external accessories.
A laborious process to disassemble a MacBook screen but with a great reward
The mission was now accomplished, use Mac with Vision Pro… And the iPad? He remembered universal control from Mac to iPad and using Sidecar. In this case, your iPad Pro would be added to the MacBook body. MacPad, your new laptop, was born here. Hybrid from start to finish: keyboard and trackpad for Vision Pro; Mac with detachable screen and iPad Pro with external keyboard and trackpad.
If you own a portable MacBook (preferably an Air due to its weight), an iPad Pro, and Vision Pro, you might be able to replicate Viticci’s MacPad. You can find the full guide here.
The Apple ecosystem made MacPad possible
Apple Pencil can be used in the macOS interface thanks to Sidecar
To conclude this incredible testimony, we once again recognize the power of the Apple ecosystem. The features and integrations converging across devices are wonderful. Sidecar, Universal Control and the function of having the Mac in Vision Pro They were essential to creating MacPad. Without one of them, Viticci’s dream could not have come true. He himself states that this should not be done if you are only looking to improve Vision Pro typing with keyboard and trackpad. Those in Cupertino would have to create the accessory (which won’t happen anytime soon).
The mystery at the beginning of this article will continue to exist unless Apple decides to quickly retire iPadOS. There won’t be a touchscreen Mac either. The lesson that this story leaves us is that there should be a hybrid, a laptop that can be used as a tablet depending, of course, on each of our needs. Long live MacPad!
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