iPadOS 26 Multitasking Update Gets Rid of Split View and Slide Over

[MacRumors]

With iPadOS 26, Apple is introducing major changes to the way that multitasking works, and part of that update will see the removal of Split View and Slide Over, two multitasking interface options that have long existed on the iPad.

iPadOS 26 allows for multiple app windows, each of which can be resized freely on the display. The feature works on all iPad models able to run iPadOS 26, though there are limitations on how many apps can be open at once. On older iPads, for example, you're limited to four apps. Newer iPads can have more open app windows.

You can change the size of iPad app windows, move them on top of each other, and rearrange them as desired, much like on the Mac. There are also tiling options so that you can see two to four apps side-by-side, a feature that's similar to Split View.

Windows retain their positions even when you shut off your iPad or close an app, and you can see all of your open apps with a swipe up gesture that activates an Exposé-style view.

iPad app windows feature the Mac traffic-light controls, and these can be used for resizing and closing apps. iPad apps also have Mac-style menu bars for tweaking settings, and there's a feature for running system-intensive tasks in the background.

The new multitasking feature that replaces Slide Over and Split View is much more robust, so it is unlikely that most iPad users are going to miss these options.

Article Link: iPadOS 26 Multitasking Update Gets Rid of Split View and Slide Over

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

I’m split on this one, but I’ll let it slide.

 

[Residentsteve]

Don’t think I’ve ever used Split View and slid over is useless imo glad they are getting replaced in ios26.

 

[dugbug]

I think things like slide over and their multiple difficult to discover and memorize gestures for all of that ran its course. This new system is so much more practical and discoverable.

I think the only downside is the ipad mini benefited from the slide over given space constraints.

 

[klasma]

I feel that removing Slide Over is a mistake. The new interface doesn’t seem to have a similar equivalent that would cover the same use cases.

 

[fatTribble]

I actually use Split View a lot. I hope that functionality is just as simple to do in 26.

 

[Blackstick]

I've never used either mechanic, and I'm a huge Apple nerd who actually KNEW about them.

Apple has the analytics to prove no normal user was aware of either mode.

No need to reinvent a wheel. People wanted windowing and a macOS experience on iPadOS, and now they'll have it.

 

[jsavvy]

I use Split View all the time. I’m glad for the update because I’m frequently wishing I could look at a 3rd app.

 

[phenste]

easily one of the best updates to iPadOS in a long time, incredibly happy with what I’ve seen so far on multitasking

 

[GMShadow]

I actually use Split View a lot. I hope that functionality is just as simple to do in 26.

It's pretty simple to still accomplish more or less the same thing, yes.


I remember when Slide Over and Split View were introduced. Who else remembers how you had to swipe up and down a list of large app icons for things that supported it? (edit: picture added below)

I don't miss those days at all.

 

[Art Mark]

Let's see how the interface/system reacts with multiple apps open and active...hoping for the best but fear it will be crash prone and slow.

 

[Howard Ellacott]

Split View is hidden under the window menu bar menu, and now works like the Mac Split View, and is less elegant than before. Surprised how much I miss the old version after playing with 26

 

[smulji]

Don’t think I’ve ever used Split View and slid over is useless imo glad they are getting replaced in ios26.

Split View is actually useful when using the iPad as a tablet. Hope Apple reverses courses on this one.

 

[lars666]

Can someone confirm if simultaneous audio streams from different apps are finally a thing?

 

[Artemiz]

What are you talking about? Split View is still there. You just need to flick the window to the left or right and then slide it to adjust the size. It was part of WWDC.

 

[gpat]

Oh God. Good riddance.

 

[thepyrate]

Hmm, I actually use slide over all the time because I mostly use messaging apps while another app is in full screen mode to avoid doing this exact less convenient window hopping on a laptop. I think I’ve only used Split View once or twice ever however.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I hate this change. I really enjoy SlideOver.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Apple has the analytics to prove no normal user was aware of either mode.

They aren't doing any of this based upon analytics -- 😂

 

[Zdigital2015]

I actually use Split View a lot. I hope that functionality is just as simple to do in 26.

With the macOS-style window tiling built in to iPadOS 26, it look like it will be fairly easy to replicate.

 

[tshane]

I actually use Split View a lot. I hope that functionality is just as simple to do in 26.

I am the same way, but I just tried the new iPadOS 26 on my mini (latest model) and, while slightly different, it works just fine. Just a slight adjustment to your workflow. Overall, I think that the updates will make most iPad users happy!

 

[tshane]

Split View is hidden under the window menu bar menu, and now works like the Mac Split View, and is less elegant than before. Surprised how much I miss the old version after playing with 26

It is a small change, but I'm OK with it, personally.

 

[Jay-Jacob]

Noooo really? I use slide over daily. I watch anime from Crunchyroll and I keep track of what I am watching episode numbers in notes. So when watch new episode crunchyroll app I use slide over update episode number I watching and slide away and continue watching.

 

[hoodlum90]

I somehow accidently enable Split view every once in a while. It is such a pain and I will be glad once it is gone. Already looking forward to this update.

 

[theLedger]

The new multi-window approach is more intuitive than split view. I used split view a lot and sometimes it was a bit clunky. This new approach gives users freedom. It was the one feature in the entire keynote that made me go "whoa" because it's a game changer.

A close second was the new CarPlay features. I've been dying for a significant update to CarPlay which was a bit limited in its current iteration.

I'm looking forward to the new Liquid Glass interface and I'm sure between now and the release they will clean up some of the UI clarity issues.

I'm more excited about this release than I have for the past couple of OS updates across my devices.