Modder Builds the iPadBook Apple Refuses to Make
▼ Summary
– A Chinese modder created a hybrid device called the iPadBook, combining macOS and iPadOS by integrating an iPad Pro with a modified M1 MacBook Air.
– The modder, Shu Chan, designed a custom magnetic hinge (MagBaka) with 12 magnets to attach the iPad Pro as the MacBook Air’s display.
– The setup includes a custom case for the iPad Pro, making the mod look polished and almost Apple-like in design.
– When attached, the iPad Pro acts as the MacBook Air’s primary touchscreen display with Apple Pencil support.
– Detaching the iPad Pro reverts it to a standalone M4-powered tablet while the MacBook Air remains functional.
Tech enthusiasts have long dreamed of a device that seamlessly blends the power of macOS with the versatility of iPadOS, but Apple has shown no signs of merging the two platforms. One determined creator decided to take matters into their own hands, crafting a custom hybrid called the iPadBook that delivers the best of both worlds.
The project, spearheaded by modder Shu Chan, transforms an M1 MacBook Air into a dual-purpose machine by replacing its display with an iPad Pro. Using a custom 3D-printed magnetic hinge system named MagBaka, the setup securely fastens the tablet in place with twelve strategically placed magnets. Though the iPad Pro’s screen isn’t as wide as the MacBook Air’s original panel, the mod’s sleek execution gives it an almost Apple-level finish, making it look like an official product rather than a DIY experiment.
When docked, the iPad Pro acts as the primary display for the MacBook Air, fully supporting touch input and Apple Pencil functionality. Detaching it instantly reverts the tablet to its standalone iPadOS mode, powered by Apple’s latest M4 chip. This clever design eliminates the need for cumbersome adapters or software tweaks, offering a fluid transition between desktop and tablet workflows.
While Apple continues to keep its operating systems separate, projects like the iPadBook prove that demand for a unified device remains strong. The mod not only showcases impressive engineering but also highlights what could be possible if Apple ever reconsidered its stance on merging macOS and iPadOS. For now, though, tinkerers and power users will have to rely on inventive solutions like this one to bridge the gap.
(Source: The Verge)