The iPad Pro on iPadOS 26 now operates on the same class of silicon as Apple’s entry-level Macs. It ships with M-series processors, 8GB of unified memory, support for multiple resizable windows, a menu bar, and proper external display connections. The device already has the foundation required for professional software development. The only gap is the absence of Xcode.
Making the full version of Xcode available on iPad Pro would not take away from the Mac. Large and resource-intensive projects will still require the power of MacBook Pro and Mac Studio. What it would do is allow smaller and mid-sized projects to be developed directly on iPad Pro, which the hardware is fully capable of handling. That dynamic is complementary, not cannibalizing. Developers would continue to buy Macs but would also buy iPad Pros for portability and flexibility.
The revenue upside is clear. Lowering the entry barrier means more developers enrolling in the Apple Developer Program at $99 per year, creating predictable recurring subscription income. A wider developer base leads to more apps reaching the App Store. Even if many are small, Apple benefits from every transaction through its revenue share. This strengthens the services business, which already delivers the company’s highest margins.
There is also a direct hardware impact. Once Xcode is available, iPad Pro will be recognized as a legitimate professional development device. That drives more unit sales of a high-margin product line and increases attachment rates for accessories like the Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil, and external monitors. Instead of eroding Mac sales, the effect is expansion. Developers will own both devices.
The case is straightforward. The hardware is ready. The operating system is ready. Enabling full Xcode on iPad Pro would expand the developer funnel, grow recurring subscription revenue, increase App Store volume, and boost high-margin hardware and accessory sales. It is a decision that benefits developers, strengthens the ecosystem, and maximizes profit.
