iOS 8 Likely to Bring Split-Screen Multitasking to the iPad

[iMaven]

Split screen only with certain apps?

It only allows you to split screen with those 4 apps showing at the top? I don't see where you can split screen with any app on the iPad.

 

[JoEw]

Ugh. Do we really need this? I think the iPad needs multi-user support much more desperately.

It really does. I think we will see this when iPads get touch Id, then the user account is locked to the fingerprint allowing for seamless access.

 

[mono1980]

They better double the RAM then. I see this feature only really being feasible on new iPads.

 

[D.T.]

First, I’m always astounded at the effort that’s put into these concept videos, and the resulting quality. I hope if it's their ultimate goal, some of these folks get hired by Apple.

And hopefully multi user accounts.

I’m betting on iOS8 having some basic user account features, with profiles/configurations for at least some of the core apps (like rating settings in iTunes, Music, email accounts, messages). Then we’ll see an 8.x release with the API opened for 3rd party use.

With touchID [most likely] showing up on the next gen iPads, it’ll be so simple to swap accounts.

 

[iMat77]

'bout time

Sure hope they will allow such a feature. But not in the clumsy way proposed. It will be interesting to see Apple's take on such a feature. I hope it's easy and intuitive.

Having multiple screens at the same time would increase my usage of the iPad a LOT and probably also allow me to avoid taking my Mac around most of the time. Now. While Apple's at it.

Give me iCloud with Aperture on the iPad.


I only hope that my iPad with 64bit processor won't be left out from that feature because Apple decides to use it as a selling point for pushing an upgrade cycle. Please allow the iPad Air to have such a feature...

 

[iMerik]

And hopefully multi user accounts.

This is sorely needed at my house. Too many apps to log in and out of along with different iCloud accounts with Safari syncing, etc., so we end up not fully customizing and using it for any of us. I know I should just spend tons more money for more iPads, but I'd rather not.

 

[RoccoFan]

I'm looking forward to more Desktop-esque features on the iPad, otherwise it's just going to sit in my desk drawer doing nothing.

There are plenty of desktop type apps available for the iPad, but the point is that it's not a desktop. If you take the time to explore, you'll find that there are a million productive/business like things to do with the device. If you can't find ways to be productive with the iPad, the fault lies with you.

 

[JoEw]

they'd never pull a samsung

Multi window tasking goes back way further than Samsung. The first windows tablets in the 2000's before the iPad had multitasking.

 

[Sound214]

that aint happening since most of iDevices are for personal use.

I agree. If it's one thing that's not gonna help iPad sales, it's support for multiple accounts.

 

[solamar]

Why?

Besides.. it seems like the 'blogs' are suddenly reporting Apple is doing everything we could possibly want.. yes.. dream it.. now it's a reality..

For some reason, I'm gonna have to say.. ahh. no.. not happening..

Besides.. multi-user accounts seem more practical ...

I still call BS on the Beats rumor..

Only real info came from a video, that doesn't mention Apple at all.. it's just ASSUMED.. it MUST be Apple.. hahaha.. wow.. Blogs are just makin this stuff up now.. Reporting any 'anonymous' tips they get..

 

[njsapple2012]

I didn't know Apple was going to start copying Samsung Tablets...

Sure, Samsung got there first, but hopefully if Apple do implement it it'll be more intuitive.

I tried it out on a Samsung Pro 12.1 in my local Asda Walmart last night and it was nowhere near as fluid as it should have been.

I'm not hating on Samsung as each manufacturer has it's strengths and weaknesses I hasten to add!

 

[JoEw]

It only allows you to split screen with those 4 apps showing at the top? I don't see where you can split screen with any app on the iPad.

"Previous concept for split-screen multitasking (not based on specific rumors)"

 

[borneo76]

will do it right

 

[lincolntran]

I didn't know Apple was going to start copying Samsung Tablets...

More than one app on a screen is nothing new. Windows, OS X, Linux, etc. have been doing that since forever. Windows implemented it first on their surface, then samsung, and now Apple. It's the timing of the implementation. No one is copying anyone in this case. :roll eyes:

Now, the way it'll be implemented will be interesting. As an Apple fan, I believe they'll do it better than anyone else out there right now.

 

[rmatthewware]

And hopefully multi user accounts.

Hahahaha!

Oh wait, you're serious.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

 

[Rogifan]

Yea. Don't think we would have seem this with Steve & Scott. Thank you Tim, Craig and Jony. Now make sure the next iPad has 2GB ram.

 

[the8thark]

I wonder if this will be iPad Air and newer or if earlier iPads like 4th gen can do it too.

 

[gibbz]

This would be a welcomed addition.

I did have to chuckle at the headline versus opening line:
"iOS likely ..." vs. "Apple may ..."

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

I see that as a nightmare for developers, and a headache for users. Having played with Samsung's implementation on their GT Pro, it is a truly dreadful experience. Apart from the fact hardly any apps support it, the apps that do just don't make the experience better.

It's quite simple: have one app running at a time and do it really, really well - over having two side by side and do a poor job of both.

Microsoft did it well with their Snap function, and I think it's mandatory(?) - I could see something similar working on the iPad, but definitely not a 50/50 split, and for the love of God, FORGET the draggable split.

 

[attila]

My Galaxy S5 has that feature. I've never used it. I played with it once and then disabled it.

Actually, the S3 did it as well, by faking it by showing a freeze screen on the half of the display you weren't using. I'm sure the S5 does the same

 

[slashlos]

Newton style inter-app messaging?

Something long missing but from long (?) ago on the Newton MessagePad.

 

[rmatthewware]

I'm looking forward to more Desktop-esque features on the iPad, otherwise it's just going to sit in my desk drawer doing nothing.

Tablets and desktops have different purposes. It sounds like what you want is a laptop.

 

[Reason077]

It really does. I think we will see this when iPads get touch Id, then the user account is locked to the fingerprint allowing for seamless access.

I sure hope so. It's not something that's important on an iPhone, which for most people is a truly personal device.

But iPads, at least in my house, tend to sit around on coffee tables or the kitchen and be shared.

 

[jrswizzle]

So long as support is adopted across more than just the core apps, sure why not?

Never really saw the need or draw in Samsung tablets and Windows tablets being able to do this. Hell, I hate doing it on a desktop.

Give me more RAM, a better battery and the OS X like fullscreen swiping between running apps and I'd take that over this "multitasking".

But hey, I've been wanting some iPad specific features for a little while (over and above what iPad optimized apps provide). Looking forward to WWDC.

 

[longofest]

It was a long wait, but worth it.

more like just a long wait. We'll see how much it was worth it.