Skip to main content

How to multitask in iPadOS

iPad Split Screen.
Bryan M. Wolfe / Digital Trends

The iPad has various multitasking options to help you work more efficiently and get the most out of your tablet. Here we’ll break down the key ways to multitask on your iPad.

These options aren’t available on every iPad, both current and older. However, they are offered in their entirety on newer ones like the iPad Pro (2024) and iPad Air (2024), two of the best tablets on the market.

Recommended Videos

Difficulty

Moderate

Duration

10 minutes

What You Need

  • A supported iPad

There are five multitasking tools: Split View, Slide Over, Stage Manager, Picture in Picture, and App Switcher.

We'll note below which iPads work with which type of multitasking tool.

How to use Split View on iPad

Split View is a feature on the iPad that is perhaps most associated with multitasking. It works on all iPad models and allows you to divide your tablet screen into two sections. This enables you to view and interact with two apps at the same time.

To confirm the Split View option, go into the Settings app on your iPad, then choose Multitasking & gestures, then select Split View & Slide Over.

Step 1: To activate, open an app, then reveal the Dock.

Step 2: Next, choose an app icon from the Dock and move to either the left or right edge of the screen.

Step 3: From there, adjust the divider between the apps to resize them to your liking.

Step 4: The replace an app, choose a new app from the Dock and move it over the app you want to replace.

Split View on iPad.
Screenshot Bryan M. Wolfe / Digital Trends

How to use Slide Over

With Slide Over, a floating app window sits on the top of your main app. It’s a great solution when completing quick tasks such as checking your messages or calendar entries.

Step 1: To get started, open an app, and then choose an app icon from the Dock and drop it in the middle of the screen.

Step 2: From there you can move left or right at the bottom of the Slide Over window to switch between recent apps.

Step 3: At any time, you can move to Split View by choosing the top of the Slide Over window to the left or right edge to move it into Split View.

iPad Slide Over.
Screenshot Bryan M. Wolfe / Digital Trends

How to use Stage Manager

Stage Manager is a more advanced multitasking tool on iPad. It makes it possible to work with overlapping windows of different sizes.

To use Stage Manager, you must have an iPad Pro (12.9-inch/13-inch third generation or later), 11-inch iPad Pro, iPad Air (fifth generation and later), or iPad (tenth generation. It doesn’t work on any iPad mini model.

Step 1: To activate, you must first go into Settings > Multitasking & gestures and choose Stage Manager.

iPad Stage Manager.
Screenshot Bryan M. Wolfe / DIgital Trends

Step 2: With Stage Manager activated you can resize and overlap windows, minimize them to the left side, or group apps together for specific workflows.

How to use Picture in Picture

With Picture in Picture, you can watch a video or continue a FaceTime call in small, moveable windows while using other apps.

To use Picture in Picture, you need to be watching a video or on a FaceTime call. From there, go to the bottom of the screen, then return to the Home Screen or switch to another app.

How to use App Switcher

With App Switcher, you can quickly switch between recently used apps.

Step 1: Start by grabbing the bottom of the screen and moving upward, then hold until the App Switcher appears.

Step 2: To close apps, move upward on an app preview to close it.

Jackie Dove
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jackie is an obsessive, insomniac tech writer and editor in northern California. A wildlife advocate, cat fan, and photo app…
iOS 18.4 is coming: everything we know so far
An Apple iPhone showing Siri's interface.

This week, Apple rolled out the iOS 18.3 update for supported iPhones. While it may not be as feature-rich as iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2, this update introduced several new features, including updated Notification Summaries, mobile Safari enhancements, Calculator app improvements, and various bug fixes. With this update behind us, attention will soon turn to iOS 18.4.

Although this upcoming update has not yet been released in beta form for developers, we already have some insights into what it may include.
A more aware Siri
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman expects iOS 18.4 to focus almost exclusively on a refreshed version of Siri that’s part of Apple Intelligence.

Read more
The next iPad may miss out on Apple’s biggest new feature
Two hands holding an iPad.

Apple Intelligence is, without a doubt, the biggest advancement Apple has made in years — so it's surprising that the next iPad might not have those features. The iPad 11 could ship with the older T8120 processor, and that likely means it will use the A16 chipset. The A16 chipset, powerful though it might be, doesn't offer the same level of support for Apple Intelligence features as newer models.

The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, along with the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, both use this chipset. According to MacRumors, the information is backed by a source that chose to remain anonymous; however, it also contradicts what Mark Gurman has previously said, and Gurman has the more proven track record.

Read more
Government demands answers from Apple over iOS 18 performance problems
A person holding the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Soon after Apple began the public rollout of iOS 18 — loaded with the Apple Intelligence stack — there were plenty of negative reports documenting sluggish performance, camera woes, UI status, and more.

Today, Apple has received a stern notice from India’s consumer watchdog over the performance issues encountered by iPhone users after installing the update. It is not quite the same as “Apple deliberately slowing down old iPhones,” because the iOS 18 woes also affect the latest iPhone models. The notice was issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), a regulatory agency that oversees consumer grievances and violations of their rights, while also conducting investigations and issuing orders related to recalls.

Read more