One of the features that I am really enjoying on my new iPad Pro and where it scores over the macOS is the multitasking feature, which was introduced in iOS 11.
If you’re new to the iPad Pro, then you should learn features like how to switch between apps, and how to use features like Slide Over, and Split View, especially now that it does not have the Home button.
How to Use Multitasking Features on the iPad Pro (2018)
How to Access the Dock on the iPad Pro (2018)
The journey to the multitasking system starts with a simple swipe up from the bottom of the screen. Now, when you’re in an app, swiping up from the bottom edge will bring up the Dock.
The Dock can hold up to 15 apps. So add your frequently used apps to the Dock.
Tap on any app from the Dock to quickly switch to it. No need to go all way back to the Home screen or the App Switcher. The Dock is also displays the last 3 recently used apps, which makes it easier to switch to them.
How to Use the App Switcher on iPad Pro (2018)
There are three ways to engage the App Switcher:
- Click twice on the Home button.
- Swipe up on the screen using four fingers.
- Swipe up using one finger, all the way from the bottom of the screen to the middle of the screen. This will first bring up the Dock and then the App Switcher.
The App Switcher shows the Dock and the most recently used apps running in the back in a grid of 6 along with their previews. You’ll also see Split View app pairs here.
How to Force Close or Kill an app on iPad Pro (2018)
To quit, force close or kill an app on iPad Pro (2018), follow these steps:
Step 1: Access the App Switcher as mentioned above.
Step 2: To quit an app, swipe up on the app preview.
How to Use Multiple Apps at Once Using Floating Slide Over on iPad Pro (2018)
Let’s get multitasking. The new Slide Over window shows up in a floating view, on top of the app you’re already using.
Step 1: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
Step 2: Tap and hold on an app icon and drag it to the middle of the screen and release your finger.
Step 3: The app that support Slide Over feature will now show up in a narrow floating window. Tap on the handle at the top and move it to the left edge to dock it there.
Step 4: To get rid of the app, grab the handle and flick it off the screen from the right edge (it won’t work for the left edge of the screen).
Step 5: To bring in the Slide Over app back, swipe in from the right edge of the screen.
How to Use Multiple Apps at Once using Split View on iPad Pro (2018)
Step 1: After opening an app, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up the Dock.
Step 2: Tap and hold on an app icon and swipe all the way to the left or right edge of the screen. The edge of the screen will turn into a black border.
Step 3: Release your finger to drop the app to the side.
You’re now running two apps side by side.
How to Change Split View App Layout
Once you’re running two apps side by side, you can change the size of each app and switch their placement as well.
Step 1: The two apps are separated by a black line. In the middle, you’ll find a gray handle. Tap on it and swipe left or right to change the size of the apps. You can have the two apps split 50% or you can go 70-30 as well (on both the left or right side).
Step 2: You’ll see that the app that’s on the right has a handle at the top. Swipe to the left on that region and you’ll instantly invert the left/right placement of the two apps.
Pro Tip: Start Pairing Apps in Split View
iOS remembers your Split View app pairs. And you can have multiple pairs like this. So you can pair off apps you usually use together. Like Mail and Messages, Slack and Twitter, Notes and Safari and so on.
You’ll be able to switch between these pairs from App Switcher. And when you launch an app, it will directly open with the paired app. So next time you open Safari, it will launch with the Notes app right next to it.
How to Get Out of The Split View on iPad Pro (2018)
If you want to stop using Split View for an app, all you need to do is grab the handle in the middle and swipe all the way to the left or right to get rid of the other app.
Do you have the new iPad Pros? Let us know what you think about the multitasking features.
