The iPad has come a long way since its inception, and one of the most significant updates that have revolutionized the way we use our devices is the introduction of multitasking features. With the latest iPad OS, you can now view two tabs simultaneously, making it easier to work, research, or simply browse the internet. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to view two tabs on your iPad, including the Split View and Slide Over features.
Understanding Multitasking on iPad
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of viewing two tabs on your iPad, it’s essential to understand how multitasking works on the device. The iPad has two primary multitasking features: Split View and Slide Over.
Split View
Split View allows you to open two apps side by side, making it easy to reference information or work on two tasks simultaneously. This feature is available on iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, and later models. To use Split View, you need to:
- Open an app
- Swipe in from the right side of the screen to open the Dock
- Tap and hold the second app you want to open
- Drag it to the left or right side of the screen until you see a grey line
- Release the app to open it in Split View mode
Slide Over
Slide Over, on the other hand, allows you to quickly open a second app without leaving the first one. This feature is available on all iPad models running iPad OS. To use Slide Over, you need to:
- Open an app
- Swipe in from the right side of the screen to open the Dock
- Tap the second app you want to open
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the app in Slide Over mode
Viewing Two Tabs in Safari
Now that you understand the basics of multitasking on your iPad, let’s explore how to view two tabs in Safari.
Method 1: Split View
To view two tabs in Safari using Split View, follow these steps:
- Open Safari and navigate to the first website you want to open
- Swipe in from the right side of the screen to open the Dock
- Tap and hold the Safari icon
- Drag it to the left or right side of the screen until you see a grey line
- Release the icon to open Safari in Split View mode
- Tap the “+” icon at the top right corner of the screen to open a new tab
- Navigate to the second website you want to open
You can now view both tabs side by side, making it easy to compare information or work on two tasks simultaneously.
Method 2: Slide Over
To view two tabs in Safari using Slide Over, follow these steps:
- Open Safari and navigate to the first website you want to open
- Swipe in from the right side of the screen to open the Dock
- Tap the Safari icon
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Safari in Slide Over mode
- Tap the “+” icon at the top right corner of the screen to open a new tab
- Navigate to the second website you want to open
You can now view the second tab on top of the first one, making it easy to reference information quickly.
Managing Tabs in Safari
When viewing two tabs in Safari, you can manage them easily by:
- Tapping the “x” icon at the top right corner of the screen to close a tab
- Tapping the “Done” button at the top right corner of the screen to close Slide Over
- Tapping and holding the tab to drag it to the left or right side of the screen to switch between tabs
Viewing Two Tabs in Other Apps
While Safari is the most popular app for browsing the internet, you may want to view two tabs in other apps as well. Fortunately, the process is similar across many apps that support multitasking.
Method 1: Split View
To view two tabs in other apps using Split View, follow these steps:
- Open the app and navigate to the first tab you want to open
- Swipe in from the right side of the screen to open the Dock
- Tap and hold the app icon
- Drag it to the left or right side of the screen until you see a grey line
- Release the icon to open the app in Split View mode
- Tap the “+” icon or the “New Tab” button to open a new tab
- Navigate to the second tab you want to open
Method 2: Slide Over
To view two tabs in other apps using Slide Over, follow these steps:
- Open the app and navigate to the first tab you want to open
- Swipe in from the right side of the screen to open the Dock
- Tap the app icon
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the app in Slide Over mode
- Tap the “+” icon or the “New Tab” button to open a new tab
- Navigate to the second tab you want to open
Supported Apps
While many apps support multitasking, not all apps have been optimized for Split View and Slide Over. Some popular apps that support multitasking include:
- Notes
- Pages
- Numbers
- Keynote
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Tips and Tricks
When viewing two tabs on your iPad, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:
Resize Tabs
You can resize tabs in Split View mode by dragging the grey line in the middle of the screen. This allows you to adjust the size of each tab to your liking.
Switch Between Tabs
You can switch between tabs by tapping the tab you want to view. If you’re in Slide Over mode, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to switch between tabs.
Close Tabs
You can close tabs by tapping the “x” icon at the top right corner of the screen. If you’re in Slide Over mode, swipe down from the top of the screen to close the tab.
Conclusion
Viewing two tabs on your iPad is easier than ever, thanks to the multitasking features introduced in iPad OS. By using Split View and Slide Over, you can work more efficiently, research information quickly, and browse the internet with ease. Remember to manage your tabs effectively, resize them as needed, and switch between them seamlessly. With practice, you’ll be a pro at multitasking on your iPad in no time!
What devices support split-screen mode on iPads?
Split-screen mode is available on iPad Pro, iPad Air 2 or later, iPad (5th generation) or later, and iPad mini 4 or later. This feature is not available on earlier iPad models. Make sure you have a compatible device to use split-screen mode.
Additionally, split-screen mode is available on iOS 11 or later, so ensure your iPad is running the latest operating system to take advantage of this feature. This feature is especially useful for multitasking and increasing productivity on your iPad.
How do I activate split-screen mode on my iPad?
To activate split-screen mode on your iPad, open an app, then tap the gray horizontal bar at the top of the screen. This will open the Dock, where you can select a second app to open alongside the first one. You can also swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Dock. Alternatively, you can drag an app from the Dock to the left or right edge of the screen to open it in split-screen mode.
Split-screen mode allows you to use two apps simultaneously, making it easy to reference information, compare documents, or chat with friends while browsing the web. You can adjust the size of each window by dragging the gray vertical bar in the middle of the screen.
Can I customize the split-screen layout on my iPad?
Yes, you can customize the split-screen layout on your iPad by adjusting the size of each window. To do this, drag the gray vertical bar in the middle of the screen to the left or right. You can make one window larger or smaller than the other, depending on your needs. This allows you to prioritize one app over the other or give each app equal screen space.
Additionally, you can switch the positions of the two windows by tapping and holding the gray vertical bar, then dragging it to the opposite side of the screen. This can be useful if you want to quickly swap the positions of the two apps you’re using.
How do I close a split-screen window on my iPad?
To close a split-screen window on your iPad, tap the gray horizontal bar at the top of the screen, then swipe down on the app you want to close. This will remove the app from split-screen mode, and you’ll be left with a single app on the screen. Alternatively, you can tap and hold the app, then tap the “X” icon that appears in the top-right corner to close the app.
If you want to close both apps in split-screen mode, simply tap the home button to return to the Home screen. This will close both apps, and you can reopen them individually if needed.
Can I use multiple instances of the same app in split-screen mode?
No, you cannot use multiple instances of the same app in split-screen mode on your iPad. Each app can only be opened once in split-screen mode, and you cannot open multiple instances of the same app alongside each other. However, you can open multiple apps from the same developer, such as Safari and Notes, in split-screen mode.
This limitation helps to prevent confusion and ensures that you can focus on two different tasks or apps simultaneously.
Are all apps compatible with split-screen mode on iPads?
Not all apps are compatible with split-screen mode on iPads. While many popular apps support split-screen mode, some may not be optimized for this feature. If an app is not compatible, it will not appear in the Dock, or it will not open in split-screen mode even if you try to drag it to the edge of the screen.
If an app is not compatible with split-screen mode, you can still use it in single-app mode or report the issue to the developer for future updates.
Can I use split-screen mode with the iPad’s multitasking gestures?
Yes, you can use split-screen mode with the iPad’s multitasking gestures. In addition to using the Dock to open apps in split-screen mode, you can also use multitasking gestures to quickly switch between apps or close them. For example, you can swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the App Switcher, where you can select an app to open in split-screen mode.
You can also use the swipe-and-hold gesture to quickly switch between apps or close them. Just swipe left or right on the home bar to switch between open apps, or swipe up and hold to close an app. These gestures can help you navigate and manage your apps more efficiently in split-screen mode.