iPad Pro wish: eGPU for Macs

Should Apple make an external display for Macs? One with a built-in GPU? How about the 2018 iPad Pros?

Apple’s September 2018 iPhone launch event didn’t mention the iPad Pro range. What might the future hold? The Apple rumour industry predicts a new look – inspired by the iPhone: smaller bezels, antenna lines around the edge. The iPad Smart connector may move to a different edge and the home button is removed to allow for Face ID to replace Touch ID.

If Apple start promoting another use for iPad Pros – as Pro accessories for Macs – then the iPad update may come in an event also promoting new Macs.

iPad Pro for MacBook Pro and Mac mini Pro

Many Mac users also have iPads. What if new iPads could improve Macs? My wish: that new iPads can act as external screens and eGPUs for Macs. This would be useful for MacBook Pro users who need more screen space and more power when on the move. The iPad Pro has a 2732 by 2048 pixel wide colour display. Its GPU can update the display 120 times a second. That graphics power could be useful for high-end applications.

Mac minis with a Thunderbolt 3-powered USB C connectors could get extra processing power and a display. For those who would like to manage multiple Mac minis, having a handy external screen to move from device to device would be very useful.

As many professional applications make extensive use of GPU processing, any help they can get from adjacent devices would be useful. I don’t know if the Lightning port on iOS devices can connect at Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth. Maybe the iPad Pro Smart Connector can.

Some professional applications could even add features that work on connected touchscreens like iPads and iPhones. For example a Lumberjack System-like keyword palette might be use for Final Cut Pro X.

If Apple did this, it would be very likely that I would seriously consider replacing my current iPad 2 with a new iPad Pro!