The iPad has various multitasking options to help you work more efficiently and get the most out of your tablet. Here we’ll break down the key ways to multitask on your iPad.
These options aren’t available on every iPad, both current and older. However, they are offered in their entirety on newer ones like the iPad Pro (2024) and iPad Air (2024), two of the best tablets on the market.
There are five multitasking tools: Split View, Slide Over, Stage Manager, Picture in Picture, and App Switcher.
We'll note below which iPads work with which type of multitasking tool.
How to use Split View on iPad
Split View is a feature on the iPad that is perhaps most associated with multitasking. It works on all iPad models and allows you to divide your tablet screen into two sections. This enables you to view and interact with two apps at the same time.
To confirm the Split View option, go into the Settings app on your iPad, then choose Multitasking & gestures, then select Split View & Slide Over.
Step 1: To activate, open an app, then reveal the Dock.
Step 2: Next, choose an app icon from the Dock and move to either the left or right edge of the screen.
Step 3: From there, adjust the divider between the apps to resize them to your liking.
Step 4: The replace an app, choose a new app from the Dock and move it over the app you want to replace.
How to use Slide Over
With Slide Over, a floating app window sits on the top of your main app. It’s a great solution when completing quick tasks such as checking your messages or calendar entries.
Step 1: To get started, open an app, and then choose an app icon from the Dock and drop it in the middle of the screen.
Step 2: From there you can move left or right at the bottom of the Slide Over window to switch between recent apps.
Step 3: At any time, you can move to Split View by choosing the top of the Slide Over window to the left or right edge to move it into Split View.
How to use Stage Manager
Stage Manager is a more advanced multitasking tool on iPad. It makes it possible to work with overlapping windows of different sizes.
To use Stage Manager, you must have an iPad Pro (12.9-inch/13-inch third generation or later), 11-inch iPad Pro, iPad Air (fifth generation and later), or iPad (tenth generation. It doesn’t work on any iPad mini model.
Step 1: To activate, you must first go into Settings > Multitasking & gestures and choose Stage Manager.
Step 2: With Stage Manager activated you can resize and overlap windows, minimize them to the left side, or group apps together for specific workflows.
How to use Picture in Picture
With Picture in Picture, you can watch a video or continue a FaceTime call in small, moveable windows while using other apps.
To use Picture in Picture, you need to be watching a video or on a FaceTime call. From there, go to the bottom of the screen, then return to the Home Screen or switch to another app.
How to use App Switcher
With App Switcher, you can quickly switch between recently used apps.
Step 1: Start by grabbing the bottom of the screen and moving upward, then hold until the App Switcher appears.
Step 2: To close apps, move upward on an app preview to close it.
