While some companies already tried the "docking" model and failed, the reasons why they failed are practically the same: they don't have a real desktop OS.
Now Apple is moving to converging iPadOS and macOS, and the app eco-system is likely to go forward with that, it'd be very interesting to see if Apple is willing to take this direction.
For example, if Apple made a simple dock with a HDMI/DP connector and a few USB ports for keyboard and mouse, and when you connect the dock to your iPhone, it goes into an iPadOS/macOS mode, it could replace a lot of home desktop PC. It might eat into some of the iMac markets, but I think it's going to be a great replacement for Mac minis (which, unfortunately, was neglected by Apple for some years). For millions of iPhone users, it's essentially an almost "free" new desktop computer, if they happen to have a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse lying around. The dock can even function as an optional power adapter so you can charge your phone when you use it as a desktop computer at the same time.
Honestly I don't have high hope of Apple doing this, but I'd buy it without question if they decided to make one.
As you may be aware, iPadOS is being taken in this direction, the keyboard+mouse+display interface is already in place, in a functional but a bit primitive state. From there to iPhones is probably more or less the flipping of a software switch (+ marketing, Apple is only just starting to point out the possibility to the already converted). I’d prefer MacOS, because I’m just more comfortable getting hands on with the file system, and an OS tailored to those input devices in general.
As I mentioned, there is just something very appealing to having all your computing needs in your pocket,
adaptable to whatever I/O mechanisms that suits your tasks. I’ve wanted that since my PalmPilots.
So if people already use cell phones to communicate, take and edit pictures and video, maintain calendars and schedules, take notes, get directions in cars, play games, handle their banking and do their taxes - what do they need PCs for at all?
Steve Jobs take on that was that traditional computers were like trucks - tools to get jobs done that are too heavy and/or impractical to with mobile devices (2
great minutes, where he also observes how this will make oldtimers uncomfortable. He was right.) And in this transition to Apple Silicon the company top brass have been very clear in their messaging. The first observation is that they all talk about performance, not just Johny Srouji. They not only seem confident in their competitiveness, they describe much improved performance as a prime reason why they transition at all. This is in line with their view of computers vs. mobile devices, if you build trucks and cars you want your trucks to offer greater capacity than your hatchbacks, otherwise what’s the point? The other thing that stood out to me was the absence of "enabling new designs and form factors". Not even mentioned once. Rather, they talk about matching silicon capabilities to existing form factors appearing positively conservative, for Apple.
While they will probably want to change things around a bit to separate old from new, enabling new designs was not a motivator, and thus not how they will sell their new systems. (Goodbye, Jony Ive. Maybe we can have ports on laptops again.)
Judging from their presentation of this transition, I have good hope that their new systems will pack a punch. It is also a good excuse to keep ASPs up. If adding 70mm2 of silicon die area allows a $400 higher price, that’s great for margins. And customers actually get something for their money. Considering what AMD delivers in their 7nm console SoCs, what Apple could deliver on 5nm or better might be quite impressive - and actually make their trucks capable of things their hatchbacks still can’t.
