Multitask on your iPad

Use more than one app at once on your tablet

From day one, Apple has been keen to position the iPad as closer in nature to a computer than an iPhone. And with its extra screen space — especially on the larger models — it was great when Apple introduced multitasking to iOS.

It’s possible to use two apps side by side (Split View), and have one in a floating panel on top (Slide Over), though you’ll need a suitable device: an iPad Pro, 5th–gen or later iPad, iPad Air or Air 2, or iPad mini 2 or later, just to give some examples. You can also play video atop other apps, and run two instances of Safari at once — useful when making comparisons. These tips will help you be a multitask master in no time.

1 TRY SLIDE OVER

When in an app, drag the Dock upwards and stop when it’s fully in place (don’t drag further or you’ll inadvertently return to the Home screen). Drag an icon up out of the Dock and drop it on top of the current app. The second app will now run in a floating Slide Over pane.

2 USE SPLIT VIEW

Instead of dropping the dragged app icon on top of another app, drag it to the left or right screen edge. The other app will shrink to one side to make room. Let go and the two apps will sit adjacent to each other. Drag the divider between them to adjust each one's allocated space.

3 GO TWO–UP IN SAFARI

In landscape orientation, hold a finger on the tabs button and pick Open Split View. The screen will split in half, giving you two Safari ‘windows’. Tabs and links can be dragged between the sides. To exit, hold on that icon again (on either side) and tap the option to close all tabs.

4 USE PICTURE–IN–PICTURE

Play a video and tap the Picture–in–Picture button to switch it to a floating panel. (With some apps, you may have to enter full–screen mode first.) Move/resize the panel by dragging or pinching/spreading fingers. Swipe it off the left or right screen edge when you need space.