iPadOS 26 Drops Split View & Slide Over Multitasking
▼ Summary
– iPadOS 26 introduces new windowing features, replacing Split View and Slide Over, which are no longer supported.
– Stage Manager remains in iPadOS 26 despite the removal of older multitasking features like Split View and Slide Over.
– Split View allowed side-by-side app arrangements, while Slide Over provided a floating stack of apps, but both are discontinued in iPadOS 26.
– The new windowing system in iPadOS 26 offers different functionality, making it difficult to fully replicate Slide Over’s utility.
– Apple may revise multitasking features before the final iPadOS 26 release, as the current version is still in beta.
The latest iPadOS 26 update brings significant changes to how users multitask on their iPads, streamlining window management while removing two familiar features. Apple has decided to phase out Split View and Slide Over, opting instead for a more refined approach centered around Stage Manager and new windowing capabilities. This shift marks a notable departure from previous versions where multiple multitasking methods coexisted.
Split View allowed users to run two apps simultaneously in either equal or uneven screen divisions, while Slide Over functioned as a floating app stack accessible from the screen’s edge. These features, once staples of iPad productivity, have been discontinued to accommodate iPadOS 26’s redesigned window system. Though some aspects of their functionality can be recreated with the new tools, the experience differs considerably, particularly for Slide Over, which lacks a direct replacement.
Stage Manager remains part of the equation, offering persistent window organization, though its long-term role remains uncertain as Apple continues refining iPad multitasking. Currently available in beta, iPadOS 26 could see further adjustments before its official release later this year. Early adopters testing the software may notice the absence of these legacy features immediately, signaling Apple’s commitment to evolving the iPad’s workflow potential.
The removal of Split View and Slide Over raises questions about how existing iPad power users will adapt. While the new system promises greater flexibility, those accustomed to quick app switching via Slide Over might find the transition challenging. As developers and testers explore the beta, feedback could influence whether Apple reintroduces modified versions of these tools or maintains its current direction.
For those closely following iPadOS developments, this update underscores Apple’s focus on redefining tablet productivity. The company appears confident that its latest window management solution will ultimately deliver a more intuitive experience, even if it means retiring familiar features. As with any major software shift, user reception will determine whether these changes strike the right balance between innovation and functionality.
(Source: 9to5 Mac)
