Introduction:
Video Tutorial:
Opening multiple apps on an iPad can greatly enhance productivity and multitasking capabilities. Whether you want to compare information between two apps or work on multiple tasks simultaneously, being able to open two apps side by side is a useful feature. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to open two apps on an iPad and discuss the benefits and limitations of each method.
What’s Needed:
To open two apps on an iPad, you will need an iPad running iOS 11 or later. Additionally, make sure that both apps you want to open are compatible with the split-screen feature. Most popular apps now support this functionality, but some older or less common apps may not.
What Requires Your Focus?
Before diving into the various methods, it is essential to understand the different ways you can interact with two apps on an iPad. There are two primary methods: Split View and Slide Over. Split View allows you to run two apps side by side, while Slide Over lets you temporarily bring in a smaller app on top of the current app. Depending on your workflow and the specific tasks you’re working on, you may prefer one method over the other.
Method 1. Using Split View:
Split View is the most traditional and commonly used method for opening two apps on an iPad. With Split View, you can divide your iPad screen into two equal halves and work with two apps simultaneously. Here’s how to use Split View:
Step 1: Start by opening the first app you want to use in Split View.
Step 2: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the Dock.
Step 3: On the Dock, find the second app you want to open and long-press its icon until it pops out of the Dock.
Step 4: Drag the second app’s icon to the left or right edge of the screen until a translucent column appears.
Step 5: Release your finger, and the second app will open next to the first app, creating a split-screen view.
Pros:
1. Ability to work on two apps simultaneously, increasing productivity.
2. Convenient for comparing information between two apps.
3. Ideal for multitasking and switching between tasks quickly.
Cons:
1. Split View may not be supported by all apps.
2. On smaller iPad models or in landscape mode, the screen space for each app in Split View is limited, which can be challenging for certain tasks.
3. Some apps may not display their content optimally in Split View.
Method 2. Using Slide Over:
Slide Over is a more flexible method that allows you to temporarily bring in a smaller app on top of the current app without splitting the screen. It is particularly useful for quick actions or referring to secondary information while working on the main app. Here’s how to use Slide Over:
Step 1: Open the first app you want to use.
Step 2: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the Dock.
Step 3: On the Dock, find the second app you want to open and long-press its icon until it pops out of the Dock.
Step 4: Drag the second app’s icon to the middle-right or middle-left side of the screen until a narrow panel appears.
Step 5: Release your finger, and the second app will slide over the current app, allowing you to interact with it.
Pros:
1. Quick access to secondary apps without interrupting your workflow in the main app.
2. Seamless multitasking experience with the ability to swipe the secondary app on or off the screen.
3. Ideal for referencing information or performing quick tasks, such as replying to messages.
Cons:
1. Slide Over is limited to a smaller panel, so you won’t have the same screen space as Split View for both apps.
2. Not all apps are compatible with Slide Over.
3. Depending on the app, the content may be displayed differently in Slide Over mode, potentially affecting usability.
Method 3. Using Picture-in-Picture:
While not technically opening two apps side by side, Picture-in-Picture (PiP) is another useful method for multitasking on an iPad. PiP allows you to watch videos or keep a FaceTime call running in a small floating window while using other apps. Here’s how to use Picture-in-Picture:
Step 1: Start watching a video or initiate a FaceTime call.
Step 2: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to return to the Home screen or switch to another app.
Step 3: The video or call will automatically shrink into a small floating window that you can move around the screen.
Step 4: You can resize the PiP window by pinching or expanding it with two fingers.
Pros:
1. Allows you to continue watching videos or participating in video calls while using other apps.
2. The PiP window is resizable and movable, providing flexibility in its positioning on the screen.
3. Enhances multitasking capabilities without interrupting your workflow.
Cons:
1. Picture-in-Picture is limited to video playback or FaceTime calls and may not be applicable for other tasks.
2. Not all apps support Picture-in-Picture.
3. The PiP window can sometimes cover important content or obstruct your view on certain apps.
Method 4. Using Multitasking Gestures:
For those who prefer using gestures rather than the Dock, multitasking gestures provide a quick and efficient way to navigate between apps. Here’s how to use multitasking gestures:
Step 1: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle of the screen to access the App Switcher.
Step 2: Swipe left or right with four or five fingers to switch between open apps.
Note: You must enable multitasking gestures in the iPad settings for this method to work.
Pros:
1. Provides a more fluid and intuitive way of switching between apps.
2. Saves time by eliminating the need to use the Dock or Home button.
3. Works seamlessly in conjunction with other multitasking methods, such as Split View or Slide Over.
Cons:
1. Requires a learning curve to master the multitasking gestures.
2. May not be preferred by users who prefer more traditional navigation methods.
3. Not available on all iPad models or configurations.
Why Can’t I Open Two Apps on iPad?
Q1: Why can’t I use Split View or Slide Over with certain apps?
A: Some apps are not designed to support Split View or Slide Over functionality. Developers have to specifically implement these features in their apps for them to be compatible with multitasking on iPad. If an app doesn’t offer these options, it means that the developer hasn’t added support for it.
Q2: Why is my iPad model not able to use certain multitasking features?
A: Split View, Slide Over, and Picture-in-Picture are dependent on the hardware capabilities of your iPad. Older iPad models may not have the necessary processing power or screen resolution to support these features. Check Apple’s official documentation to see if your specific iPad model supports the desired multitasking features.
Q3: Why do some apps look distorted or not display properly in Split View or Slide Over?
A: App developers need to optimize their apps for split-screen functionality. If an app hasn’t been updated to support multitasking, its interface may be distorted or not properly display elements when using Split View or Slide Over. Contact the app developer for support or consider using alternative apps that have been designed with multitasking in mind.
Implications and Recommendations:
1. Utilize multitasking gestures to enhance your productivity by quickly switching between apps without relying on the Dock.
2. Experiment with different apps to find the ones that fully support Split View, Slide Over, and Picture-in-Picture, ensuring a smooth multitasking experience.
3. Keep track of the latest iOS updates and app updates to take advantage of new multitasking features and optimizations.
5 FAQs about Opening Two Apps on iPad:
Q1: Can I open more than two apps simultaneously on an iPad?
A: No, the current multitasking capabilities of iPad allow you to open and interact with only two apps at a time.
Q2: How can I exit Split View or Slide Over?
A: To exit Split View, swipe the divider towards the edge of the screen until one of the apps closes. To exit Slide Over, swipe the right edge of the app towards the right side of the screen.
Q3: Can I adjust the split-screen ratio in Split View?
A: No, Split View currently provides an equal split-screen ratio and does not offer the ability to adjust the size of each app’s window.
Q4: Can I use Split View or Slide Over with all apps?
A: No, not all apps are compatible with Split View or Slide Over. It depends on whether the app has been optimized for multitasking by the developer.
Q5: Can I use Picture-in-Picture with any video app?
A: Picture-in-Picture is available for certain video apps, such as Safari, FaceTime, or Apple’s native video player. However, not all video apps support this feature.
Final Words:
Opening two apps simultaneously on an iPad can significantly enhance your productivity and multitasking capabilities. Whether you prefer the traditional Split View, the flexibility of Slide Over, the convenience of Picture-in-Picture, or the efficiency of multitasking gestures, understanding the various methods and their benefits can help you optimize your workflow. Experiment with different apps and multitasking techniques to find the setup that works best for your needs. Keep in mind that not all apps fully support multitasking, so be sure to choose apps that are compatible and regularly update them to ensure a seamless experience.