Ever since Apple announced iOS 9, they introduced new multitasking features to the iPad. It may not have gotten much attention back then, but with the launch of the iPad Pro, which feels like Apple’s way of replacing laptops, Multitasking has become a lot more useful and important.
One of the multitasking features introduced to iOS is split screen in which apps can run side-by-side, but there are actually two types of split screen and here’s how you can go about using it on iPad. First, you need to make sure that Multitasking is enabled.
How To Turn ON Multitasking
- Launch Settings
- Go to General > Multitasking & Dock
- Make sure the Allow Multiple Apps toggle is turned on
Split Screen
Unlike Slide Over, Split Screen will lock the app into place on your screen. The benefit to Split Screen versus Slide Over is that Split Screen allows you to resize both the first and second app, so you can have both apps sharing an equal amount of real estate if you choose to.
How to Split Screen
- Launch the first app of your choice that you want to Split Screen with
- Pull up the dock on your iPad’s screen by sliding up slowly from the bottom of your iPad
- Drag the app until you see that both apps have been grayed out and their icons are showing
- Let go of the second app and it should be locked into place on the screen
How To Turn A Slide Over Window To Split Screen
- Follow the steps to create a Slide Over window
- Tap the horizontal icon at the top of the app and drag it upwards
- Drag the app until you see that both apps have been grayed out and their icons are showing
- Let go of the second app and it should be locked into place on the screen
How To Resize Split Screen Windows
- In between both apps, there will be a small vertical black bar with a vertical gray icon in the middle
- Tap the icon and drag it left or right to resize the windows
- You will be to choose between a 25-75 or a 50-50 ratio for both apps
How To Close Split Screen
- Tap the horizontal icon at the top of the Slide Over app
- Drag it downwards to get rid of it
Slide Over
With Slide Over, it creates a floating window with the app of your choice. This allows you to move the app anywhere across your screen, and here’s how to do it.
How To Slide Over
- Launch the first app of your choice that you want to Slide Over with
- Pull up the dock on your iPad’s screen by sliding up slowly from the bottom of your iPad
- Tap on the app that you want to Slide Over with and drag it onto the first app
- If successful, you will see the second app floating to the side on top of the first app
How To Close A Slide Over Window
- Tap the horizontal icon at the top of the Slide Over app
- Drag it downwards to get rid of it
How To Add A Third App
So far the methods above will allow you to run two apps side-by-side at the same time. This means that both apps will be running at once and you will be able to interact with both of them simultaneously. However, if you wish to add a third app to the mix, you will be able to do so but take note that when you do, the third app can only be run in Slide Over mode.