Contrary to many rumors and speculations that have been going on for years (including my own one from a few weeks ago), Apple seems to be committed to keeping the iOS and OS X separate and distinct operating systems. This point has been reiterated by several of Apple’s top level honchos, and it’s safe to assume that they really mean it. They have provided the same rationale that has been used in the past – difference in the way we use our PCs and tablets, the uncomfortable experience of using a touchscreen on a computer, etc. They have taken some roundabout shots at their main rivals – Google and Microsoft – both of which seem to be headed in the “one OS to rule them all” direction, and are happy with the touch interface on desktops and laptops. Granted, Apple has been known (especially during the Steve Jobs reign) to be adamant about certain directions in which they will not go (video playback on an iPod, books in iTunes, smaller iPad, etc.) only to do a complete 180 degree reversal not too long after. However, this time around they seem to be pretty dead set against the merger idea, and will likely be like that for years – if not forever.

Still, this doesn’t mean that there won’t be a 12 inch iPad sometime soon, or that iOS and OS X will not cross pollinate in terms of their look and functionality. Especially now that all of Apple’s devices have switched to the 64 bit processor platform, and can in principle run many of the same apps with a very similar functionality. I expect this to be particularly the case with the iWork and iLife suites.