How to Split Screen on iPad in iPadOS 26: Use Two Apps Side by Side
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To split screen on an iPad running iPadOS 26, go to Settings > Multitasking & Gestures and select Windowed Apps. Open your first app, then drag a second app from the Dock, App Library, or Spotlight to the left or right edge. Drag the divider between them to resize the two apps.
This is the current iPadOS 26 method. Older tutorials that use the previous Split View interface may not match the controls now on screen because iPadOS 26 uses Apple's newer windowing system.
How to Split Screen on iPad in iPadOS 26
- Open Settings.
- Tap Multitasking & Gestures.
- Select Windowed Apps.
- Open the first app.
- Find the second app in the Dock, App Library, or Spotlight.
- Touch and hold its icon and drag it to the left or right edge.
- Release it when the apps arrange side by side.
- Drag the bar between them to change their sizes.
Apple documents this workflow in its current iPadOS 26 multitasking guide.
What Changed From Split View in iPadOS 26?
iPadOS 26 moves multitasking toward resizable app windows. Instead of treating split screen as a separate workspace, you can resize, move, minimize, maximize, and arrange app windows. Two apps can still occupy the screen side by side, which provides the result most people mean by “split screen.”
| Task | iPadOS 26 method |
|---|---|
| Enable multitasking | Settings > Multitasking & Gestures > Windowed Apps |
| Put two apps side by side | Drag the second app to the left or right edge |
| Resize the pair | Drag the divider between them |
| Move a window | Drag its top edge |
| Resize a window | Drag a corner or lower-right resize handle |
| Return to full screen | Use the window controls and full-screen/zoom control |
Apple's iPad User Guide for multiple windows explains the window model in more detail.
Put Two Already-Open Windows Side by Side
If both windows are already open, quickly swipe one toward the left or right side, then swipe the other toward the opposite side. You can also touch and hold the window controls at the top of an app and choose an available arrangement. If the controls are hidden in full screen, swipe down from the top to reveal the menu bar.
Resize Apps in Split Screen
Drag the bar between two side-by-side apps. Move it left to give the right app more room, or right to give the left app more room. For freeform windows, drag a corner or the lower-right resize handle. Drag the top edge to reposition a window.
Can You Open Two Windows From the Same App?
Yes, when the app supports multiple windows. Apple identifies Safari and Notes as examples. Touch and hold the app icon, then tap New Window. You can resize and position those windows like other app windows.
How to Use Slide Over in iPadOS 26
Slide Over requires iPadOS 26.2 or later. Open an app, touch and hold its window controls, then choose Enter Slide Over. The Slide Over window stays above other windows and can be moved off the edge and brought back when needed.
Why Split Screen Is Not Working
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| Dragging an app does not create a side-by-side layout | Confirm Settings > Multitasking & Gestures > Windowed Apps is selected. |
| You cannot find the old Split View button | Use the iPadOS 26 windowing workflow instead of an older tutorial. |
| Window controls are hidden | Swipe down from the top of a full-screen app. |
| Slide Over is unavailable | Confirm the iPad is on iPadOS 26.2 or later. |
If the interface is behaving unexpectedly, compare your setup with our iPadOS 26 vs. iPadOS 18.5 guide before considering more disruptive recovery steps.
Useful Multitasking Workflows
Safari + Notes: Keep research visible while writing notes. For more iPadOS windowing and productivity options, see our iPadOS 26 tips and tricks guide.
Files + Mail: Keep a folder visible while composing an email so filenames and documents stay in view.
Safari + a productivity app: Keep reference material beside a document, spreadsheet, or task manager. If you use an iPad Air M3, see our iPad Air M3 tips and tricks for additional productivity settings.
How to Switch Between Open iPad Windows
Swipe up from the bottom, pause around the center, then lift your finger and tap the window you want. With a compatible external keyboard, Apple also supports an Exposé key or holding the Globe key and pressing Up Arrow, depending on the keyboard.
If you use your iPad for file-heavy work, our guide to finding downloads on iPhone or iPad explains where Safari and app downloads are stored and how to manage them.
FAQ
Does iPadOS 26 still have split screen?
Yes in practical terms: you can place two app windows side by side. iPadOS 26 uses Windowed Apps rather than the older Split View workflow.
Where is the split-screen setting on iPadOS 26?
Go to Settings > Multitasking & Gestures > Windowed Apps, then drag a second app to the left or right edge.
How do I get rid of split screen on iPad?
Use the window controls to make the app you want full screen, or close or minimize the other window.
Can I use Safari and Notes side by side?
Yes. Open one, then drag the other from the Dock, App Library, or Spotlight to either edge. Both apps also support multiple windows.
Why don't I see Slide Over on iPadOS 26?
The current Slide Over window feature requires iPadOS 26.2 or later.
Can I resize iPad app windows freely?
With Windowed Apps enabled, resize a window by dragging a corner or its lower-right handle, and move it by dragging the top edge.
Bottom Line
On iPadOS 26, enable Settings > Multitasking & Gestures > Windowed Apps, open the first app, and drag the second app to either side of the display. If an older Split View tutorial no longer matches your iPad, use the iPadOS 26 window controls instead.
Technical references: Apple Support: Multitask on iPad with iPadOS 26 and Apple iPad User Guide: Work with multiple windows.