Users eager to run macOS natively on an iPad now have an experimental jailbreak that works on M1 and M2 iPads running iPadOS 16. Hosted on a GitHub repo called Virtual Mac on iPad, the tool exploits a flaw between iPadOS 16 and 16.3.1, so a specific device and setup are required.

It supports macOS Monterey to Golden Gate, but for stability recommends staying between Ventura and Sequoia. An iPad Pro with 1TB or more is advised, though newer Air or Pro models with M1 or M2 chips will also run it. A Magic Keyboard is not mandatory, yet it eases touch‑only workarounds.

Because it is an unofficial jailbreak, you cannot sign in with an Apple ID and many functions remain broken or quirky. The project is open for contributions and aims to extend support to iPadOS 15 and future releases, but is aimed at advanced users and should be approached with caution.

If the risk feels too high, the article recommends simply using Sidecar for a similar effect, or waiting for rumored touchscreen MacBook Pros. While Apple has historically kept iPad hardware separate from macOS, the proof‑of‑concept demonstrates that the OS can technically run on the tablet implementations.