How to use Split View on iPadOS

First introduced with the release of iPadOS 11, Split View is one of Apple's latest features designed to boost your productivity.

Making multitasking on iPad easier than ever, as long as your device is running iPadOS 11 or higher, you should be able to activate Split View straight away. Unfortunately, Split View is currently unavailable on iPhone, but there are alternatives - like Picture-in-Picture - available across both iOS and iPadOS.

Let's find out how to activate Split View, and other useful Apple features, below.

What is Split View?

Helping you to get more out of your iPad, Split View essentially splits your display into two separate windows. This feature makes it possible to use different apps simultaneously, side by side. You can even adjust the size of each window with a few taps.

The combinations available with Split View are endless. You can work your way through your emails while watching Netflix, create Notes as your browse the web in Safari or edit photos while scrolling through TikTok.

Before we tell you how to use Split View, you'll need to check a few things first. Your iPad must be running on iPadOS 11, and be one of the following models:

• iPad Pro
• 5th Generation iPad or later
• iPad Air 2 or later
• iPad Mini 4 or later

How to use Split View

It's extremely easy to use Split View. Follow our step-by-step guide, and you'll be ready to go in no time.

1. Adjust your iPad's settings by heading to Settings > General > Multitasking & Dock.
2. Check that Allow Multiple Apps has been turned on. If it hasn't, click on the toggle.
3. From here, you'll also need to activate Picture in Picture and Gestures.
4. Settings all sorted, head back to your Home Screen and open up your first app.
5. Next, swipe up from the bottom of your iPad screen. Your Dock should then appear.
6. Find the second app you'd like to use from your Dock, then tap and hold down on the app icon. Drag the app to the left or right, and Split View will begin.
7. Can't find the app you need? We recommend exiting the first app, then customising your Dock with your most-used apps to make the process easier.
8. To adjust the size of an app on screen, simply move the app divider. Position it in the middle to keep both apps the same size, or move the divider left or right until you're happy with the split.
9. When you're ready to end Split View, drag the app divider left or right across the app you want to end until you reach the end of the screen. It'll automatically close.

What is Picture in Picture?

As we mentioned earlier, Split View is currently only available for iPad users. However, another handy multitasking feature known as Picture in Picture is available on both iPad and iPhone.

Slightly different to Split View, Picture in Picture can only be used when you're using FaceTime or watching a video on a compatible app like Netflix or Apple TV. Your call or video will appear in a smaller pop-up window whenever you exit to complete another task, like answering Facebook messages or responding to emails.

Here's how to activate and use Picture in Picture:

1. Head to Settings > General > Picture in Picture. Double check that 'Start PiP Automatically' is switched on.
2. Once activated, compatible apps should automatically create a PiP window when you exit them.
3. If you'd prefer to activate Picture in Picture manually, just look for the PiP button instead. Tap the button to scale down your current window.
4. From here, you can go ahead and select another app to use from your Home Screen.
5. You can also pinch the window to make it smaller, or drag it to position it in a different corner of your screen.
6. To close the PiP window, just tap the 'X' button.
7. To return to full screen viewing instead, tap the PiP once more.

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