Okay, I'll admit, this mostly applies to the iPad Pro. The cheaper iPads offer options to people who don't need more than just the iPad, and if it works for them, that's great!

And I'm sure there are people that get by just fine with just the iPad Pro and a phone, too. But, for the majority of people that consider getting it, it is ONLY needed because Apple is too stubborn to incorporate elements of the iPad into MacBooks (or even vice versa!)

As a student that needs access to running some computer programs, if I wanted an iPad for notetaking, barring accessories like AirPods, I would have to take:

My phone

My MacBook

AND My iPad

This is just clunky. Keeping track of 3 batteries every day is annoying, and having to take out the MacBook and the iPad on a desk to do computer work and Pencil notetaking is just clunky.

The iPad doesn't need to exist. If the MacBook had a touch screen (or even just Apple Pencil support) I wouldn't have to worry about taking the clunky iPad with me for notetaking. But they won't because they're stubborn. Hell, if the iPad supported third party apps or MacOS apps, this could even go the other way around and I could ditch the laptop!

Neither of those will likely happen, though.

I'd pay more for a MacBook that can fold 180 and turn into an Apple Pencil supporting iPad, but they likely won't offer it anytime soon and I'll be stuck with an additional device that doesn't need to exist.

Just like how the iPhone took the role of the iPod, I hope that the MacBook takes the place of the iPad soon.

Can anyone else think of a better reason for the iPad to exist other than Apple's stubbornness? Only one I can think of is mobile gaming, and honestly, I still prefer the convenience of my phone.