The Latest on iPadOS 26 Multitasking

iPadOS 26 introduced a significant overhaul with a macOS-like windowing system, replacing the dedicated Split View interface. This initial change removed the intuitive “drag-and-drop from the Dock” method, causing user frustration . However, in response to feedback, Apple has been actively restoring familiar functionality. Key updates include:

iPadOS 26.1 brought back the Slide Over feature .
iPadOS 26.2 (currently in beta, as of late 2025) has restored the classic drag-and-drop gestures for both Split View and Slide Over .
The “three-dot” multitasking menu has been redesigned into a “traffic-light” button (similar to a Mac) located at the top-left of app windows .

📊 How to Split Your Screen: Method Comparison

You now have two primary ways to create a split-screen view. The best method depends on your preference.

Method	Best For	Key Steps
Drag & Drop from Dock (iPadOS 26.2+)	Quick, visual arrangement; feels like the old system.	1. Open your first app. 2. Swipe up to show the Dock. 3. Drag a second app icon to the left or right screen edge until an outline appears. 4. Release to snap apps into place .
Use the Window Controls Menu	Precise control; works from any window state.	1. Open your apps. 2. On the window you want to position, touch and hold the green traffic-light button at the top-left. 3. From the menu, select the left/right split-screen icon .

🛠️ Step-by-Step Guide & Tips

Prerequisite: First, ensure Windowed Apps mode is active. Go to Settings > Multitasking & Gestures and select “Windowed Apps” .

1. Using Drag & Drop (iPadOS 26.2+)
This restored method is often the fastest:

Drag your second app from the Dock, Home Screen, App Library, or Spotlight results .
As you drag, visual indicators will show whether the app will enter Split View (snapping to half the screen) or Slide Over (floating on top) .
To replace an app in an existing split-screen, simply drag a new app on top of the one you wish to swap out .

2. Using the Window Controls Menu
This method is always available and offers more options:

If an app is in full-screen and you don’t see the window controls, swipe down from the top of the screen to reveal the menu bar where the controls are located .
From the menu that appears when you hold the green button, you can also select “Enter Slide Over” to create a floating window .

3. Adjusting Your Layout

Resize: Drag the vertical bar between the two split-screen apps left or right .
Switch Sides: To swap the positions of the two apps, you must use the window controls menu on one of the windows and select the split-screen icon again .
Close Split View: Drag the center divider all the way to one side, or tap the window controls and choose the full-screen button (green circle) .

💡 Important Notes & Troubleshooting

Update Your iPad: For the drag-and-drop feature, you must be running iPadOS 26.2 or later. Check for updates in Settings > General > Software Update .
App Compatibility: Not all apps support multi-window or split-screen functionality. If an option is grayed out, the app may only run in full-screen.
A Known Quirk: In the windowing system, window sizes are “sticky.” If you set an app to use half the screen and later open it alone, it may still open in that half-screen size. Use the green window control to return it to full screen .

The multitasking system in iPadOS 26 combines new flexibility with restored familiarity. If you try these steps and a specific app isn’t behaving as expected, feel free to ask for more targeted help.

The Latest on iPadOS 26 Multitasking

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