Wouldn’t it be great if you could use it to replace your iPhone?

It can’t make regular phone calls or receive SMS messages.

It has no Wallet app, and it can’t pair with an Apple Watch.

An iPad mini side-by-side with an iPhone.

Jeremy Bexanger / Unsplash

Especially the fantastic new mini.

“However, the iPad is better for getting things done.

iPad Only?

An iPad, Apple AirPods Pro, iPhone, Apple Pencil, and an Apple keyboard arranged on a desk (The Apple ecosystem).

Brandon Romanchuck / Unsplash

An iPad really is just a bigger iPhone.

They use the same chips and execute the same apps.

Hardware-wise, there’s the size difference, and the iPhones get better cameras.

Software-wise, the differences are chosen by Apple, but could be reversed.

In both cases, an iPad may be a better gear than the iPhone.

Reading, watching movies, and even checking Instagram would be better with a bigger screen.

Obviously, I’m not saying that the iPad is better than the iPhone for everyone.

FaceTime audio is better anyway, and who needs SMS anymore?

And it’s not just the iPad mini that would make a great iPhone alternative.

Why Not?

The most obvious reason that Apple doesn’t unlock the iPad is that people may buy fewer iPhones.

Right now, the iPad is an extra purchase on top of your phone.

This is to say, Apple deliberately differentiates its products to widen its market.

Which is another way of saying it’s suitable for everything.

The iPhone is more portable and much more convenient to whip out to take a photo.

But that’s my point.

It would be better to let the user decide.

But think about itwouldn’t an iPad mini be a great everything unit?

For some of us, at least?

Let’s keep our fingers crossed.