If you’ve been dying to run macOS on iPad hardware natively, a jailbreak solution has emerged for M1 and M2 iPads running iPadOS 16, though it is extremely experimental.
There has been an endless debate surrounding the iPad since Apple debuted the first iPad Pro. It runs iPadOS, a branch of iOS, which is much more locked down compared to macOS.
Users that want to use macOS on an iPad can finally give it a try, but it’ll be a limited experience. The GitHub repository for the Virtual Mac on iPad software will provide you all of the information you’ll need.
Since it takes advantage of an exploit found in iPadOS 16 to iPadOS 16.3.1, you’re going to need a very specific device and setup. Even then, the macOS and Xcode versions available are limited.
An iPad Pro with 1TB or more storage is recommended, though this works on iPad Air or other iPad Pros with M1 or M2 chips. Users can install anything from macOS Monterey to macOS Golden Gate, but it is best to stick to macOS Ventura to macOS Sequoia for stability.
If you’re wanting Xcode, install the correct version for the given OS you’ve installed.
While a Magic Keyboard isn’t required, it is recommended. macOS isn’t designed for touch, and you’ll be using some odd workarounds with the virtual keyboard otherwise.
The GitHub is open and asking for contributions to the active projects. Goals include adding support for iPadOS 15 and finding ways to support the feature in later iPadOS versions.
Not for the novice tinkerer
Since this is a jailbreak and an unofficial install of macOS, you won’t be able to sign into your Apple ID. Expect other aspects to be odd or broken as well.
The iPad has always been a computer whether anyone was confused about that or not
Jailbreaking can lead to problems, and the Virtual Mac on iPad software is experimental at best, so do this at your own risk. Or, if you’re really that curious, perhaps watch someone on YouTube do it for you.
I’d highly recommend just running Sidecar for a similar effect. Sure, you wouldn’t actually be running macOS on iPad, but you’d also not be ruining a perfectly functional iPad either.
I very seriously doubt we’ll ever see macOS on an iPad, not even via an official hybrid system introduced by Apple. The company has been very clear about keeping the hardware categories separate.
Of course, Apple has changed its mind before. This software is a fun proof of concept for something we already knew was possible — macOS can run on the iPad.
Alternatively, you could just wait for the rumored touchscreen MacBook Pro. Whether or not we actually want or need macOS on iPad remains up for debate.
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