iPadOS 26 Kills Split View?! The Future of iPad Multitasking Just Changed.

iPadOS 26: Apple Rethinks Multitasking, Bids Farewell to Split View and Slide Over

Apple is poised to revolutionize the iPad experience with the upcoming iPadOS 26. A core element of this update is a bold reimagining of multitasking, which, while promising enhanced flexibility, includes the somewhat controversial removal of Split View and Slide Over – stalwarts of iPad functionality for years.

But fear not, iPad enthusiasts! This isn't a reduction in capability; it's a shift to a more powerful and familiar paradigm. iPadOS 26 introduces a fully windowed experience, bringing the iPad closer than ever to the Mac in terms of usability.

Key Highlights of the iPadOS 26 Multitasking Update:

• Freely Resizable App Windows: Say goodbye to fixed layouts! Each app now lives in its own window, allowing you to resize and position them with unprecedented freedom.
• Universal Compatibility: This transformative feature is designed to work across all iPads capable of running iPadOS 26.
• Performance Scalability: While all supported iPads gain windowing, older models will be limited to four concurrent apps, while newer, more powerful iPads can handle significantly more.
• Mac-Like Window Management: Arrange windows as you see fit! Layer them, move them around, and customize your workspace to match your workflow.
• Tiling Options for Familiarity: For those who appreciate the side-by-side experience of Split View, iPadOS 26 offers tiling options to snap two to four apps into a similar configuration.
• Persistent Workspaces: Your meticulously arranged windows are preserved! Whether you shut down your iPad or simply close an app, its position is remembered for a seamless return later.
• Exposé-Style Overview: A simple swipe up reveals all your open app windows in a clear, easily navigable Exposé-style view.
• Mac-Inspired Controls: App windows now feature the familiar Mac "traffic light" controls for resizing and closing, creating a unified user experience.
• Menu Bar Integration: iPad apps will also gain Mac-style menu bars, streamlining access to settings and options.
• Background Tasking Enhancements: Run system-intensive tasks in the background without interrupting your workflow.

The new multitasking system essentially replaces the functionality of Split View and Slide Over with a more sophisticated and adaptable approach. The consensus seems to be that the enhanced capabilities more than compensate for the removal of these older features.

While the departure of Split View and Slide Over might initially raise eyebrows, the introduction of a fully windowed environment signals a significant step forward for iPadOS. By embracing a more flexible and powerful multitasking system, Apple is blurring the lines between tablets and traditional computers, further solidifying the iPad's position as a versatile and productive tool. It's an exciting evolution, and we can't wait to see it in action!

Tags: iPadOS 26, iPad multitasking, Apple iPad, Split View, Slide Over, App windows, iPad update, iPad features, iPad apps, Resize apps, Window Management, iPad Productivity

Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2025/06/10/ipados-26-no-split-view-slide-over/