michael shanks

I don't think that apple will go down the traditional desktop OS model for an ARM CPU.

In my severely limited opinion, I think they are more likely to add a windows manager on top of current iOS devices, and migrate their Pro models to USB-C or use a lightning dongle for breakout. I think they could do it with lightning, but I think they are more likely to use it as a reason to standardise on USB-C across their product line.

It may be that the device switches between mobile and desktop modes, or they sell a dedicated desktop device locked to windows manager.

I think the features needed on top of current iOS are:

1) True windows manager and API support for applications
2) Peripheral support - keyboard, mouse, 
3) Video out - connection to an external screen

Trying to sound like Ive - "the design language between iOS and MacOS is converging"

They essentially have all of this in the current package, (split screen, keyboard, screen sharing). It's just a question of opening it up a bit more. Apple will have the luxury of having a developer base who can transition mobile apps to a more desktop experience, and then drive on top of them. I think they want a transition of mobile apps to Desktop iOS, rather than a transfer of MacOS apps to Desktop iOS.

I think they will eliminate MacOS in the next 10 years.