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WIRED
6 hours ago
- WIRED
Apple Finally Destroyed Steve Jobs' Vision of the iPad. Good
Aug 16, 2025 7:00 AM Cupertino has done the thing it swore it never would: turn its tablet into a full-blown window-wrangling, compromise-abandoning computer. Yes, it's better, but lurking deep in the settings the ghost of Jobs remains. Photo-Illustration: WIRED Staff; Apple For years, Apple treated the idea of windows on the iPad as sacrilege. But with iPadOS 26 installed, today's iPads are doing macOS cosplay, becoming touchscreen Macs in all but name. And here's the thing: It's actually pretty good. So how did we get here? When did this fundamental shift occur that killed off Steve Jobs' vision of the iPad? When Jobs first revealed the iPad in 2010, it was pitched as a 'third category' of device—something between a phone and a laptop. For that category to justify its existence, Jobs said it had to be better at certain key tasks. He duly listed browsing the web, dealing with email, watching videos, listening to music, playing games, reading ebooks, and enjoying photos. Coincidentally, those were the exact things the iPad was really good at. Playing up the distinct nature of a tablet experience, the original demo found Jobs using his iPad not at a desk but while relaxing in a chair. 'Using this thing is remarkable,' he said of the iPad. 'It's so much more intimate than a laptop, and so much more capable than a smartphone with its gorgeous large display. Holding the internet in your hands is an incredible experience.' Assuming, of course, you didn't want to do much more than read. This, then, was a device that was focused. Elegant. Simple. Better than a phone or a laptop for lean-back media consumption. But even during that demo, there were hints of the tension that was to come. A Brush With the Future Brushes creator Steve Sprang appeared on stage and suggested the iPad could move beyond the consumption-first narrative: 'Artists have already done amazing things with the iPhone, and I think with this larger screen they're going to have a true portable paint studio.' And Apple itself introduced touch-optimized—if noticeably simplified—versions of its iWork office suite. The problems came when you started using these apps. Sprang's was fun. It looked gorgeous. The bigger canvas offered room to play. But artists were pining for input options beyond their own digits. That didn't align with Jobs' scornful comment about other tablet makers: 'If you see a stylus, they blew it.' And iWork? You could quickly sketch out the bones of a document or presentation while sitting on the sofa, then send it to your Mac to finish. But trying to be meaningfully productive solely on the iPad was a chore. In attempting to simplify computing and pare things back, Apple had cut things to the bone. Interaction was opinionated to a fault. And the lack of a system-wide file manager—a Finder for iPad—meant files were siloed in apps, duplicated as you moved between them, and impossible to track. Perhaps Apple underestimated how quickly users would demand more from the iPad than basic tasks and media consumption, or how frustrating it would be to not have access to computing norms like traditional multitasking or a file system exposed to the user. Apple soon found out. The iPad sold incredibly well—at first. But its position between two existing extremes began to unravel. Not to the point it became a flop. But the initial meteoric sales trajectory plateaued and went into decline. As Apple scrambled, experimenting to boost flagging sales, the focused iPad vision started to fade. Apple's Awkward Middle Child The problem was that the iPad sat between two existing critical device categories but couldn't replace either of them. Smartphones were becoming indispensable. The iPad? A nice-to-have. And Apple's laudable build quality meant iPads lasted for years. Most people rarely felt compelled to upgrade, because their first iPad still did everything they needed it to, which often wasn't much. But a noisy cohort—people who wanted to work on an iPad and who might favor a tablet over a laptop—grew frustrated. The iPad gained a reputation. It was sometimes great for doing one thing at a time. Useful when you wanted to focus. But when you needed more, it all fell apart. Apple responded with the iPad Pro, which brought more horsepower than anyone knew what to do with. The original iPad had debuted at $499, which Jobs argued would get it into many hands. The Pro was priced like a Mac but was still paired with an operating system designed for prodding web pages, flicking through photos, and finger-painting. Alongside it came the Apple Pencil—an Apple stylus. Had Apple therefore 'blown it'? Well, no, because the iPad didn't require a stylus, and it provided an answer for users who needed precision input. But it was a clear departure from the original vision, which Apple continued to chip away at over the years—a seeming admission that maybe users did want more than a supersized iPhone. Yet the company also held back, reluctant to risk cannibalizing Mac sales. So instead of allowing the iPad to become the device it wanted to be, Apple preferred to smooth the transition between devices, leaving casual and power users alike in a strange limbo. Between a Mac and a Hard Place Each year, the iPad strayed further from Jobs' vision and yet somehow managed to still leave people unsatisfied. Apple added complexity for typical users and kept reinventing the wheel in ways that always left power users wanting more. Focus was replaced by confusion. Apple insisted the iPad wasn't a laptop replacement, then shipped a magnetic keyboard that made it look like one. Mouse support was grudgingly added. M1 chips arrived in a blaze of glory to no crushing need, on devices that still couldn't even optimize second-screen output for external displays. Then Stage Manager showed up in 2022, a windowing model across iPad and Mac that nobody asked for and almost nobody liked. Clunky. Fiddly. An overdesigned answer to a problem Apple refused to fully grapple with: Why not just make the iPad more like a Mac? Now, Apple has done the thing it swore it never would. iPadOS 26 turns the iPad into a full-blown multitasking, window-wrangling, traffic-light-button-clicking, external-display-supporting, compromise-abandoning Apple computer. Windows can overlap. The cursor is pointy. There's even a menu bar. It's fluid, capable, and familiar. And while it's not quite a Mac—arguably, it in some ways should be more like one—it's definitely not a Jobs-era iPad either. It finally abandons the original pitch. Jobs' Ghost Still Haunts the iPad And yet. Buried in iPadOS 26 is a throwback mode: a Full-Screen Apps option that removes modern multitasking to a degree the iPad hasn't seen in years. No windows. Not even Split View. It's one app at a time, with all the purity of the original iPad. Which means the iPad no longer sits between two extremes—instead, you switch between them . The iPad is now two devices in one, the iPad that Steve Jobs imagined and the machine that pros have begged for. A touchscreen consumption slate and a windowed productivity machine. An Apple spork. So, yes, an iPad running iPadOS 26 may still contain the soul of the original iPad, lurking deep in Settings, waiting to be turned on. But the Jobs dream of a focused, elegant third device category between smartphone and laptop is effectively dead. Back in 2010, the man himself said: 'Do we have what it takes to establish a third category of products, an awesome product in between a laptop and smartphone? The bar is pretty high. It's gotta be better at doing some key things. We think we've done it.' Indeed you did. But it didn't last. And it's for the best because, if it had, the iPad itself might not have lasted either.
Indianapolis Star
7 hours ago
- Indianapolis Star
Get the cutest retro mini fridge for $60 off just in time for the new school year
I'll be honest, I think a retro-looking fridge is the coolest thing in the world. A retro-looking mini fridge is even better because it is way more affordable than the full-size. And I found one on sale for less than $160. Whether you're heading to college, upgrading your home office or prepping your kids for a new school year, Best Buy's back-to-school sale is packed with savings on popular brands like Apple, Samsung, Bose, Insignia and more. From laptops and tablets to headphones, streaming sticks and of course, retro mini fridges, this sale is your one-stop shop for student essentials. Below, check out a few popular Best Buy deals that are available to shop now through Sunday, August 24. Shop Best Buy back-to-school deals More: Bite into Apple's back-to-school deal: Students get free AirPods with iPad purchase 🍎 More: The ultimate back-to-school shopping guide: Supplies, dorm essentials, clothing, snacks Best Buy's back-to-school tech sale is live now, but these deals won't last forever. Whether you're shopping for a student or upgrading your own gear, now's the time to grab top-tier tech at unbeatable prices.
Time Business News
16 hours ago
- Time Business News
iPhone App Development Company in Los Angeles
The demand for innovative mobile solutions has skyrocketed in recent years, and 2025 is no different. With Apple's continuous evolution of the iOS ecosystem, businesses are shifting focus towards delivering high-quality mobile experiences. It ensures innovative, high-quality solutions that set your brand apart. The game-changing move your brand needs in Los Angeles. Working with an iOS app development specialist ensures your app adheres to Apple's rigorous quality standards and stands out in today's competitive marketplace. For companies in Los Angeles, the technology hub offers immense opportunities for iOS-focused innovation. 2. Why Los Angeles is a Hotspot for Mobile App Development Los Angeles is not just home to Hollywood; it's rapidly becoming a thriving hub for technology, startups, and innovation. The city's creative environment, diverse industries, and large pool of tech talent make it an ideal location for building cutting-edge mobile applications. An app development company los angeles benefits from close proximity to clients, strong networking opportunities. Access to a wide range of creative professionals — from UI/UX designers to seasoned iOS engineers. 3. Understanding iOS App Development iOS app development refers to creating mobile applications exclusively for Apple devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. The process uses tools like Xcode, Swift, and Objective-C to create secure, high-performance apps packed with rich features. For businesses aiming to make an impact in the premium market segment, iOS app development services provide unmatched quality, scalability, and customer engagement potential. 4. Role of a Professional iOS App Development Company A professional ios app development company doesn't just code an app; it offers end-to-end solutions. Every stage — from market research and UI/UX design to backend development and App Store launch — is handled by experienced specialists. The result? A polished, reliable, and innovative app that aligns perfectly with your brand's vision and customer expectations. 5. iPhone Application Development – The Process iPhone application development involves multiple stages to ensure quality and performance: Idea & Conceptualization – In this stage, market research is conducted to understand the needs of the target audience, and the app's core features are defined to set a clear direction for development. Wireframing & UI Design – The basic structure and flow of the app are created, focusing on intuitive navigation and a visually appealing interface design. Development & Integration – The approved design is transformed into a functional application, a robust architecture is built, and necessary APIs or third-party services are integrated. Testing & Quality Assurance (QA) – The app's performance, usability, and security are tested, and any bugs are identified and fixed to ensure a flawless user experience. Deployment & Support – The app is published on the App Store, followed by post-launch support that includes updates, maintenance, and performance optimization. 6. Custom iOS Application Development Not all businesses are the same — and neither should their apps be. Custom iOS application development focuses on building apps tailored to unique business needs. This ensures better functionality, user experience, and long-term ROI. From specialized features for e-commerce to HIPAA-compliant healthcare apps, customization opens endless possibilities. 7. iOS Mobile App Development Services Portfolio An advanced iOS mobile app development services portfolio often includes: Native iOS Apps – Apps developed for Apple devices using languages like Swift or Objective-C ensure seamless hardware integration, smooth performance, and an exceptional user experience. Hybrid iOS Apps – By leveraging cross-platform frameworks like React Native or Flutter, developers can create apps. By employing one codebase, they function seamlessly on iOS and Android, reducing development time and costs. AR/VR Integrated Apps – Applications that utilize Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies to create immersive, interactive user experiences, widely used in gaming, education, and retail. IoT-Enabled Apps – Apps that seamlessly connect with Internet of Things (IoT) devices, providing advanced functionalities for smart homes, healthcare monitoring, and industrial automation. 8. Choosing the Right iPhone App Development Company in Los Angeles Finding the right iphone app development company requires evaluating: Portfolio & Case Studies – A company's past projects and case studies provide clear evidence of its design quality, level of innovation, and industry expertise, helping in the decision-making process. Client Feedback – Reviews and testimonials from previous clients give insights into the company's reputation, professionalism, and project delivery standards. Technical Expertise – Mastery of skills, tools, and technologies within the development team ensures they can successfully handle complex, scalable, and high-performance projects. 9. Mobile App Development Company in Los Angeles – Benefits Partnering with a mobile app development company in los angeles provides several advantages: Local Market Understanding – In-depth knowledge of Los Angeles' consumer behavior and industry trends enables developers to create perfectly tailored strategies for your target audience. Face-to-Face Collaboration – Physical meetings and direct communication speed up decision-making, reduce misunderstandings, and ensure smooth project execution. Networking Opportunities – A local presence provides easy access to investors, accelerators, and major tech events, helping to drive business growth and foster valuable partnerships. 10. iOS App Development Trends in 2025–2026 The future of iOS application development services will be shaped by: AI-Driven Personalization – Apps leverage Artificial Intelligence to deliver customized content, product recommendations, and seamless experiences based on user behavior, preferences, and usage patterns. Augmented Reality – Using AR technology, apps create interactive 3D visuals for shopping, gaming, and education. That blend seamlessly with the real-world environment. Wearable Integration – Applications designed for Apple Watch and other health devices offer fitness tracking, health monitoring, and instant notifications. 5G-Optimized Apps – By utilizing high-speed 5G connectivity, apps deliver faster data transfer, ultra-low latency, and real-time interactive features. 11. Custom iPhone App Development Services for Different Industries Custom iPhone app development services are transforming industries: Healthcare – Through HIPAA compliance, applications ensure. E-commerce – Apps offer personalized shopping experiences with secure payment integrations, providing customers with a fast, smooth, and engaging online buying journey. Entertainment – Streaming platforms and interactive gaming apps deliver high-quality content, real-time interaction, and immersive entertainment experiences to users. 12. Cost Factors for iOS App Development in Los Angeles The cost of mobile app development los angeles varies depending on: Complexity – An app's cost primarily depends on its size and complexity. Features & APIs – Adding advanced features like payment systems, GPS tracking, AI solutions, and external integrations impacts the development cost and timeline. Post-Launch Support – Regular updates, bug fixes, and performance optimization ensure. The app remains compatible with the latest OS versions and consistently delivers the best user experience. 13. iPhone App Development Services – Post-Launch Support iPhone app development services don't end at launch. Ongoing support includes: Performance Monitoring – The app's speed, stability, and responsiveness are continuously tracked to detect and resolve any issues promptly. Bug Fixes & Updates – Regular patches and feature updates keep. The app secure and ensure full compatibility with the latest iOS versions. Marketing Support – App Store Optimization (ASO), targeted ad campaigns, and promotional strategies are used to boost the app's visibility and increase downloads. 14. Mobile App Development in Los Angeles – Future Opportunities The future of mobile app development in los angeles is bright with emerging opportunities in: Smart City Apps – These applications are designed to efficiently monitor and manage urban infrastructure, traffic management, waste disposal, and public services. Making city operations smarter and more citizen-friendly. EdTech – Interactive learning platforms provide schools, colleges, and online learners with engaging lessons, real-time collaboration tools, and personalized study experiences. Fintech – AI-powered, secure financial apps streamline banking, payments, and investments, enhance fraud detection, and deliver personalized financial insights. 15. Conclusion Choosing the right iphone application development company or a mobile app development company los angeles. The difference between an app that fades away and one that dominates the App Store. With the right team, your business can harness iOS technology. Keep a competitive advantage for many years to come, not just in 2025. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
