Apple designer suggests a major iPad change could come in the future

Is this the beginning of the end for the MacBook?

iPad Pro 2024
(Image credit: Future)
Quick Summary

An Apple product designer has suggested that future iPads could get a significant design change.

That suits modern use cases for the model, but also raises questions over other devices from the brand.

Earlier this month, a new range of iPads were unveiled by Apple. The Cupertino-based brand has become synonymous with the tablet market, with the range offering a sleek design and great usability.

When questioned on the orientation of the Apple logo on the rear of the device, product designer, Molly Anderson, suggested that it could be set to move 90°. She said, "I think it could change, I don’t think it’s set in stone. We are thinking about it. The iPad has long been a product that is used in portrait mode, but we are using it more and more in landscape mode."

Article continues below

That could prove to be a more significant change than it seems on the face of it. For many years now, the iPad appears to have been edging into territory which had previously been occupied by their MacBook range.

With devices like the Magic Keyboard, many users have migrated over to using the iPad as a laptop replacement. That's a large part of the reason why discussions around the logo orientation even came about.

As the iPad range continues to grow in this direction, it raises one question – is the end of the MacBook near? It's certainly an interesting thing to ponder. The continued growth of both the iPad range and the high end Apple desktop computing products like the Mac Mini and the Mac Studio certainly suggest their laptops could lose ground.

Still, it's hard to say with any certainty. All we know for now is that there's a chance the Apple logo could turn to suit the more common landscape orientation in the future – and that certainly makes sense.

Sam Cross
Senior Staff Writer

Sam Cross is an award-winning journalist, with nine years of experience in the media industry. His work can be found in publications as diverse as Oracle Time, Metro and Last Word on Sports.

Here at T3, Sam is best known as the brand’s go-to guy for all things luxurious – from exquisite watches to fine fragrances; the latest performance vehicles to intricate audio equipment, and more.

He’s often found travelling around the world to test new launches, complete with high-end backpacks and suitcases in tow. And when he’s not adding to his air miles, Sam can be found in front of a video camera, bringing his distinctive brand of storytelling to T3’s social media channels.

Sam also loves all things analogue including listening to music on vinyl or cassette, and photography on vintage film cameras.