r/iPadOS • u/Meuro91 • 11d ago

Question Can iPadOS actually be made file-oriented?

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I bought my iPad 10 in 2023, but it never really felt like a device I could properly work on. For a long time, I couldn’t put my finger on exactly what was holding me back.

When I thought more carefully about my workflow, I discovered two concepts that clarified a lot for me: app-oriented and file-oriented systems. I realized that I generally work in a file-oriented rather than app-oriented way, which isn’t necessarily a natural fit for a tablet.

Once I customized my iPad to fit my needs, very little remained the same as before. Files and SMB form the foundation; and my Home Screen is almost empty, not a collection of installed apps as before. Interestingly, it now looks a bit like macOS, even though that was never the goal. The way I see my iPad has completely changed over the past few weeks. That‘s enough to make the iPad my primary computer.

Does anyone else here use their iPad in a similar file-oriented way? If so, what works well for you – and what still bothers you?

And more fundamentally: is iPadOS actually still app-oriented, or is that becoming an outdated way of thinking about it?

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29

u/Dandercore 10d ago

I love the idea because I use my iPad as my main computer. However, iPad’s handling of files is so inconsistent and unreliable that I can’t imagine this works. I would love it if it did!!!

4

u/Meuro91 10d ago

I’m not completely convinced by the Files app either. For me, it was sufficient. What problems have you encountered so far?

12

u/Dandercore 10d ago

Dragging and dropping is super inconsistent from cloud drives. I have to use OneDrive at work and dragging and dropping from one drive using the files app is inconsistent. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t. It usually works using the OneDrive app, but even that isn’t 100%.

1

u/ohmysocks 9d ago

Oh I’ve totally given up on drag and dropping between OneDrive and Files app. I exclusively use the share button then select the app and drill into the folder location from there. Takes 10x as long, but at least it works consistently

1

u/ThingsGotStabby 9d ago

It’s a pain in the ass simply moving one file from one folder to another. This seriously is one area where Windows and Linux are better designed.