I’m trying to use the split screen feature on my iPad but can’t figure it out. I don’t see the option in the menu or any guides helping me. Could anyone explain step-by-step how to do this? Is it device-specific? Any help is appreciated.
Ah, the elusive split-screen feature on the iPad! It’s not as intuitive as you’d hope, but don’t worry, you’ve got this. Here’s a step-by-step for ya:
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Check if Split Screen is supported: Not all iPads are created equal – if you have an older model (like pre-iPad Pro or pre-5th Gen Air), you might just be outta luck. Also, make sure the app you’re trying to use actually supports split-screen (yes, some apps are weirdly opposed to multitasking).
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Find your first app: Open whatever app you want to use on one half of the screen. Let’s say it’s Safari because you’re about to Google why this feature is low-key hard to find.
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Open the Dock: Swipe up gently from the bottom of the screen to reveal the Dock. If you end up in the Home Screen, congrats, you swiped too hard.
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Drag & Drop your second app: Find another app in your Dock (or add one to it if it’s not there). Long-press the app icon and drag it to the right or left edge of the screen. Release when it looks like it’s hovering there, and voilà – split screen engaged.
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Adjust the divider: Drag the little bar in the middle to adjust how much space each app gets because, let’s face it, not all apps are equally important in your life.
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Full-screen escape: If you want to stop splitting (because maybe multitasking isn’t for you today), just drag the divider all the way to one side.
TL;DR: Open an app, swipe up for the Dock, drag a second app to the side, adjust until optimized.
And yeah, Apple could’ve made this WAY more obvious. Guess they like to keep us humble.
Alright, so splitting screen on an iPad, huh? Apple really went out of their way to hide this feature, like it’s some sort of treasure hunt. While @hoshikuzu gave a solid overview, I’ll throw in a few nuances because things aren’t always as straightforward as dragging apps around.
Firstly, the Dock trick only works if the app you want is actually in the Dock. If it’s NOT, you’re stuck either opening your app first to get it into “recent apps” or manually adding it to the Dock—a process that feels like Apple wants us to do homework before multitasking. Kind of obnoxious, honestly.
Now, here’s where I slightly diverge. The gesture finesse they mentioned about swiping up is so hit or miss. Swipe too far? Back to Home. Too light? Nothing happens. If Apple thinks this is intuitive, they really overestimate our thumb control. So be patient with the swipe—it’s about finding that Goldilocks level of pressure.
But, what they didn’t emphasize enough: not every app can multitask. It’s ridiculously frustrating. Like, you’d think all the big apps are compatible, right? Nope. Apps like Instagram or some niche ones simply don’t play nice. Before pulling your hair out trying to split-screen them, Google if they even support the feature. Honestly, Apple should just put a little label on non-supported apps saying, “No multitasking for you. Deal with it.”
And oh, if the whole dragging doesn’t work immediately? Double-check your iPad settings. Head into Settings > Home Screen & Multitasking > Multitasking and make sure the feature’s toggled ON. Yes, they buried this option too because why would anyone regularly need multitasking options, right? Centralizing the settings would’ve been too simple.
One last tip: If you’re trying to pair Split View with Slide Over, prepare for chaos, especially if you’re new to these gestures. Juggling multiple apps can make you feel like you’re practicing some ninja flicks on your iPad.
Apple’s UX team could honestly use a reality check. Why not a simple “split screen” button in the Control Center? But no, they’re like, ‘Let’s keep mystery alive.’ Anyway, stick with it—it takes practice (or frustration) to nail.
Alright, let’s break down this whole “split screen” debate with, maybe, a more realistic angle. Both @vrijheidsvogel and @hoshikuzu touched some key points—props to the drag-and-drop Dock talk—but here’s where I think Apple’s split-screen implementation needs more decoding.
Why is this unnecessarily complex? First off, relying so heavily on gestures like swiping for the Dock is finicky at best. What if you’re holding the iPad in portrait orientation? Spoiler: the Dock doesn’t instinctively pop open the same way, and dragging apps becomes this awkward shuffle. Honestly, Apple could just slap a “Split Screen” toggle in the Control Center, but nah, must preserve the mystique.
Okay, here’s a trick that doesn’t involve fights with the Dock. If dragging apps feels more like a session of iPad yoga, you can use Spotlight Search instead. Swipe down on the Home Screen, type the app’s name, and long-press to select Open in Slide Over or Open in Split View. Not widely known, but hey, no Dock struggle.
Jumping to settings is worth it. As @vrijheidsvogel hinted, the settings menu under Multitasking is home to all sorts of buried treasure. Personally, I recommend enabling Gestures + Split View + Slide Over for the full multitasking experience, but only if you’ve mastered those swipes and pinches (otherwise, it feels like martial arts training).
Here’s the part we avoid sugarcoating: CONS. Like they mentioned, app compatibility is outrageously inconsistent. Instagram? Nope. Some banking apps? Guess again. Also, you’re looking at reduced screen real estate, which isn’t ideal if you’re rocking an older iPad or just aren’t used to tiny split sections. Plus, moving the divider can glitch sometimes, especially with memory-intensive apps. Why does Safari occasionally freeze when paired with Procreate? Anyone else?
PROS. For supported apps like Notes, Safari, or Files, the system works seamlessly once you’ve set it up. It’s great for multitaskers who like researching while jotting down ideas or dragging files between apps. And, let’s be honest, when it works, it feels futuristic. Just… patience is key with this.
Ultimately, @hoshikuzu nailed the essence of dragging to split, and @vrijheidsvogel set the right mood for frustration-reflection therapy. Combine those with my hot take on Spotlight search and settings prep, and you’re golden. Let’s hope someday Apple realizes we’re not all Olympic-level gesture athletes out here.