Mac Format

Two -up apps

One app at a time has been the iOS mantra, but we want a side-by-side option

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The long-rumoured iPad Pro is supposed to boast a larger display than the iPad Air, along with a means to simultaneo­usly display two apps. The hardware might be elusive, but developers have confirmed code exists for two-up app display in iOS, splitting the screen in half and other ratios.

Full-screen apps can be beneficial by forcing you to focus on a single task. You can easily switch between apps using a four-finger swipe. But there are times when it’s frustratin­g not to see two apps at once, such as reference material alongside what you’re writing, or even just to browse the web and keep a messaging app open alongside it.

Should a split-screen option come to pass, it’ll need careful considerat­ion from Apple, because it has the potential to add complexity to the iOS interface and confuse. Done right, it would definitely inject some ‘pro’ into the iPad, regardless of whether we get iPad hardware in a larger size.

 ??  ?? Apple loves full-screen mode, but we’re pretty sure actual people would be fond of viewing two iPad apps at once.
Apple loves full-screen mode, but we’re pretty sure actual people would be fond of viewing two iPad apps at once.

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