Apple is offering Microsoft 365 as an iPad Pro accessory
Apple has, as part of the ordering process for the iPad Pro, started advertising Microsoft Office 365 as an “accessory” for the device. As such, the Cupertino, California company is striving more than ever to market its iOS-powered tablet as an attractive and realistic alternative to the conventional Windows PC.
As The Verge reports, when customers enter check-out for iPad Pro orders made using Apple's website, they're given the option of “adding a subscription for Office 355 – the only non-Apple accessory to appear in the order form.” Of course, Office 365 brings Mac and mobile apps to customers paying one single subscription fee, and it's something I've been using for a while now.
This move sends out one resoundingly clear message: in case you hadn’t heard, Apple believes that the iPad Pro is without doubt a personal computer capable of replacing your personal computer. And through offering an Office suite, Apple believes customers can viably make such a move. Microsoft's Office apps for Windows (and Mac) are so heavily embedded within most workplaces that it'd be ludicrous to imagine a computing solution that didn't offer support for the suite. As such, it's a huge boon for Apple that Microsoft indeed offers and actively develops a series of Office apps for iOS.
Apple believes that the iPad Pro is without doubt a personal computer capable of replacing your personal computer.
Though I tend to do as much work as possible inside of iWork for iOS, Microsoft's Office suit is no doubt impressive – especially since support for the Apple Pencil was added. So if you are planning on picking up an iPad Pro, a subscription might not be such a bad idea. It's certainly something that we'd recommend.
Looking for a place to start? Try this one: