How to Use Split-Screen and Picture-in-Picture on the Newest iPads

One of the fundamental software enhancements that Apple brought to its mobile platform with the release of iOS 9 this summer is the multitasking capability.

Although it’s currently available only on the most recent iPad models, there’s no doubt that iOS 9’s new multitasking functionality has paved the way to a whole new level of productivity on these devices.

If you’re eager to learn how to use the new Split-Screen and Picture-in-Picture features in iOS 9, continue reading below.

How to turn on and use Split-Screen in iOS 9

Step 1: Once activated by going into Settings > General > Multitasking, and then enabling “Allow multiple Apps,” open an application from the home screen and then swipe left from the right side of the display.

A secondary application will open on the right half of the screen.

Most of the built-in apps on iPad support this feature, as do Microsoft’s Word and Excel. Unfortunately, however, there’s no way to pre-determine which apps do or do not support Apple’s “Split View” functionality, which means that you’ll just have to try them out individually.

Step 2: Swipe down from the topside of the secondary app to select which application opens in this new window. A list of compatible apps should now be revealed; simply select from the list which application you’d like to open.

With both apps now opened on the screen, you can adjust the divider between them to either increase or decrease the respective panel views.

How to enable and use the Picture-in-Picture feature on iPad

The iOS 9 Picture-in-Picture feature allows iPad owners watch videos while working in another app. Apple enhanced the concept a bit more, however, allowing iPad users to even replace a video with a FaceTime video call.

Step 1: When watching a movie, or online video, or when you’re in a video call, simply press the physical home button. The video or FaceTime call will now resize to take up only a portion of the display.

Step 2: You can then proceed to open whichever app you’d like.

Keep in mind, you can then move the video around or re-size it to occupy more or less of the screen area.

Step 3: To reload the video in full-screen mode, simply tap the video and select the “Full Screen” button in the lower right-hand corner.

Note that the Picture-in-Picture feature is currently available on the iPad Air, Air 2, and iPad mini 2 or later. Whereas, “Split View” is currently available on the iPad Air 2, mini 4. Both features will be available on the impending iPad Pro.