Don't Panic! Split View Isn't Gone in iPadOS 26 – It's Just Evolved
So, you've updated your iPad to iPadOS 26, and suddenly, that familiar side-by-side app magic seems to have vanished. You're not alone! A lot of users have been scratching their heads, wondering if Apple quietly removed one of the most useful multitasking features. But take a deep breath, because the good news is: Split View is still very much alive and kicking. It's just been integrated into a more sophisticated, flexible system. Let's dive in and figure out exactly where to find it and how to make it work for you.
The Great iPadOS 26 Multitasking Mystery
It's understandable why folks thought Split View was gone. With the big jump to iPadOS 26, Apple introduced a significant overhaul to how we manage multiple apps. The old, rigid way of dragging an app from the Dock to snap it into a perfect 50/50 split, or the floating Slide Over window, has been phased out. Instead, Apple is pushing a more "Mac-like" experience with resizable windows. This change, while powerful, initially left many users feeling a bit lost. Online forums and social media were abuzz with complaints, with many lamenting the perceived loss of a feature they relied on daily. It felt like a step backward for some, and who can blame them when your workflow is suddenly disrupted?
But here's the thing: Apple didn't remove the functionality of Split View; they've evolved it. Think of it less as a removal and more as an upgrade. The core ability to have two apps open and working side-by-side is still there, but it's now part of a more dynamic windowing system. This new approach is designed to be more adaptable, especially for iPads with M-series chips, offering greater flexibility than the fixed splits of previous versions.
How to Reclaim Your Split View in iPadOS 26: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to get back to multitasking like a pro? It's actually pretty straightforward once you know the new gestures and controls. We'll walk through it together, step by step.
Step 1: Activate Windowed Apps Mode
First things first, you need to ensure your iPad is set up to handle multiple windows.
- Access Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen.
- Tap the Windowed Apps Icon: Look for an icon that resembles overlapping squares. This is your gateway to the new multitasking environment. If you don't see it, you might need to enable it in your settings.
- Make it Persistent (Optional but Recommended): For a smoother experience, head to Settings > Multitasking & Gestures > Windowed Apps and toggle it on. This ensures your iPad is always ready for multi-window action without needing to activate it each time. It’s a small tweak, but it makes a big difference!
Step 2: Setting Up Your Side-by-Side Apps
Now for the fun part – getting your apps into that familiar Split View.
- Open Your First App: Launch the app you want to use as your primary window (e.g., Safari, Mail, or your favorite note-taking app). Make sure it's in full-screen mode.
- Access the Dock: Swipe up gently from the bottom of the screen to reveal the Dock. If you want to see all your open apps, swipe up and hold.
- Drag and Drop Your Second App: From the Dock or your App Library, tap and hold the second app you want to use. Now, drag it towards the center of your screen. You'll see a visual cue – a window outline – appear.
- Snap It into Place: To achieve that classic Split View, flick the app window you're dragging towards either the left or right edge of the screen. It should snap into position, creating a side-by-side layout. You can then adjust the divider between the two apps by dragging it left or right to customize the space each app occupies. It's not a rigid 50/50 anymore; you can make it 70/30, 60/40, whatever works best for your current task.
- For a "Slide Over" Feel: If you prefer a floating window for quick glances, instead of flicking the app to the edge, just place it on the side without snapping. It will float as a resizable overlay, perfect for keeping an eye on emails while you're deep in a document.
Step 3: Exploring Advanced Multitasking Features
iPadOS 26 offers even more ways to manage your workflow.
- Exposé Mode: A quick swipe up and hold from the bottom of the screen brings up Exposé. This shows you all your open windows in a neat grid. From here, you can drag one window onto another to create new split-screen arrangements or stacks. It's a great way to visualize your entire multitasking setup.
- Minimizing All Windows: Want to clear the decks? A double-swipe up from the bottom of the screen will minimize all your open windows, giving you a clean slate to start fresh. This is a handy shortcut for when things get a bit cluttered.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: If you use an external keyboard, you'll be happy to know that Command + Tab still works for switching between apps. For more precise window placement, try Option + Drag. These shortcuts can really speed up your workflow.
What's Really New and Improved?
The shift in iPadOS 26 isn't just about a new way to split your screen; it's about a more powerful and adaptable multitasking experience.
- Truly Resizable Windows: Unlike the fixed splits of the past, you can now resize windows dynamically. Drag the edges to make them as small or as large as you need, from tiny pop-ups to near full-screen. This level of control is especially useful on iPads with M-series chips, offering a more desktop-like experience.
- Enhanced Stage Manager: The underlying technology, building on Stage Manager, now offers improved previews and smoother transitions. It's designed to handle more complex workflows, making your iPad feel more like a portable workstation.
- Better App Integration: Developers are updating their apps to take full advantage of these new multitasking capabilities. You'll find that apps like Procreate and Final Cut Pro now handle multi-window editing much more gracefully, with less chance of glitches.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you're still struggling to get Split View working, don't worry. A quick restart of your iPad can often resolve minor software glitches. Also, make sure you're running the latest version of iPadOS 26, as Apple has released updates to iron out some of the initial kinks reported by users. Sometimes, it's just a matter of getting used to the new gestures. Give it a few days, and you'll likely find the new system becomes second nature.
So, there you have it! Split View isn't dead. It's just been reborn into a more flexible and powerful multitasking system in iPadOS 26. Embrace the change, explore the new features, and you'll probably find your iPad productivity reaching new heights. Happy multitasking!
