How to Split Screen on iPad with iOS 26

You can run two or more apps at the same time on your iPad if it uses iPadOS 26 or later. Apple changed how multitasking works in this version. The older dedicated Split View and Slide Over features were replaced with a new window system, similar to a desktop. You still get split screen. The process just changed.

In iPadOS 26.2 and higher, Apple restored many classic split-screen actions. You can drag apps from the dock into side by side view. You also use window controls or gestures to place apps where you want them.

This guide shows all the ways you can split your screen, arranged step by step. It includes the new window mode, classic split view, and how to resize and control multiple windows. Update your iPad before trying these steps.

Enable Multitasking Features

Before you can split your screen, you must turn on the right mode in Settings.

Turn On Windowed Apps Mode

This setting unlocks split screen and window control.

1. Open Settings on your iPad.
2. Tap Multitasking & Gestures.
   
3. Select Windowed Apps.

• You may also see Stage Manager and Full Screen Apps here.
• Make sure you choose Windowed Apps to use split screen.

Method 1: Drag From the Dock

This is the easiest way to get a split screen in iPadOS 26.2 and later.

Steps to Split Screen Using the Dock

1. Open the first app you want to use.
2. Swipe up from the bottom to show the Dock.
3. Tap and hold the second app icon in the Dock.
4. Drag it toward the left or right side of the screen.
5. Drop it when you see an outline indicating split view placement.
6. Both apps now share the screen.

• Move the divider between them to resize.

Method 2: Use Window Controls

In iPadOS 26, you work with floating windows. The controls look like traffic lights with red, yellow, and green buttons on the top left of a window. You can use them to tile apps into split view.

Steps With Window Controls

1. Open the app you want to place.
2. Grab the window top by pressing on the top area and pull slightly to make it a floating window.
3. Press and hold the green button in the top left.
4. A menu appears with window options.
5. Choose the icon that shows the screen divided left or right.
6. The window snaps into that split position.

• Repeat with the second app to fill the other half.

Method 3: Use Swipe Gestures

You can also use touch gestures to place apps if you prefer not to drag from the dock or use window controls.

Swipe Gesture Steps

1. Open one app full screen.
2. Pull up the Dock.
3. Press and hold the second app’s icon.
4. Swipe it toward an open edge.
5. If it hugs the edge, it goes into split view.
6. You may need to drag it back and forth until you see the split view outline.
7. Release it to complete.

Resize and Adjust Windows

After your apps are side by side, you control their size.

Steps to Resize

1. Look for the divider bar between the two apps.
2. Tap and hold that bar.
3. Slide it left or right to change how much space each app takes.

• You can give more room to one app while shrinking the other.

Work With Slide Over and Extra Windows

iPadOS 26 supports multiple floating windows beyond the main split view.

Steps to Use Extra Apps

• Pull a third app from the Dock onto the screen.
• If you drop it near the edge, it may enter Slide Over.
• You can move or hide that floating window.
• Tap and hold its top to drag it over the split view apps.

Tips

• Always use the latest iPadOS 26.2 or newer for best tools and gestures.
• Some apps still open only full screen. Not all support split screen.
• Larger iPad screens work best for split view.
• You can add a Multitasking shortcut in Control Center to toggle split view on and off.

FAQs

Do all iPads support split screen in iPadOS 26?
Your iPad must be compatible with iPadOS 26 or later and updated to iPadOS 26.2 for the best split screen experience.

Can you use more than two apps at once?
Yes. iPadOS 26 lets you open more than two windows. You place two side by side and float others using Slide Over.

How do you close split screen?
Drag the divider fully to one side to return to full screen mode. You can also close a window using the window controls.

Why isn’t split screen working?
Check that Multitasking & Gestures is set to Windowed Apps. Make sure you have the latest update installed.

Summary

1. Turn on Windowed Apps in Settings.
2. Drag an app from the Dock toward a screen edge to place it.
3. Use window controls to tile apps into split view.
4. Slide and resize the split view bars for layout.
5. Bring in extra apps as floating windows if needed.

Conclusion

Split screen on your iPad with iPadOS 26 no longer uses the old fixed layout. You work with floating windows and tile them as you want. iPadOS 26.2 and later restored familiar split view gestures and drag and drop actions. Once you know where the controls and gestures are, you can open apps side by side, resize them, and work more efficiently than before.