Video Showing How Apple's Unfinished Split Screen iPad Multitasking Works - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Video Showing How Apple's Unfinished Split Screen iPad Multitasking Works

A new video from developer Steven Troughton-Smith has emerged on YouTube, showing off the activation of hidden code for split screen multitasking in the iOS 8 beta. The feature is shown off in the iOS simulator on Mac, hence the mouse cursor, awkward two-finger gestures and its rough overall look.


The feature was first rumored in March for introduction in iOS 8, but was pulled because it was not ready in time for WWDC. However, it was discovered just a couple of days ago that iOS 8's internal SpringBoard includes code that allows apps to run side-by-side.

In the video, the three sizes are shown (1/3, 1/2 and 3/4) when using two fingers to scroll to the side. However, it's not evident how to open a second app next to the already opened app, likely because the feature is still being developed.

Split-screen multitasking may initially be limited to the iPad Air, with support for smaller devices, like the iPad Mini and rumored 5.5-inch iPhone 6, at a later date. The feature could also make it to Apple's rumored 12.9-inch "iPad Pro" that may or may not be in development.

Popular Stories

Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium

New Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 Features Revealed

Sunday August 30, 2026 7:54 am PDT by
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today further outlined what to expect from the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 set to be unveiled on September 9. While it was initially rumored that Touch ID may be coming to the Apple Watch this year, Gurman reiterated that he does not expect the Series 12 or Ultra 4 to have any major design changes compared to the current Series 11 and Ultra 3 models. ...
Mac mini vs Studio Feature Sans Text 1

Apple Caught Off Guard by AI Demand for Mac Mini and Mac Studio

Sunday August 30, 2026 8:52 am PDT by
Apple's unusually timed announcement of new Mac mini and Mac Studio models this week was driven by unexpectedly strong enterprise appetite for AI hardware, according to The Information. Apple normally releases new Mac models in the autumn, closer to October or November, making this week's announcement unusually early, falling just before the anticipated arrival of new iPhone models. The...
Apple Event Logo

Apple Unveiled Four New Products This Week

Wednesday August 26, 2026 5:54 pm PDT by
Apple on Tuesday unveiled a new Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro chip options, a new Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chip options, a new version of the Polishing Cloth with a lower price, and updated Magic Keyboards for Macs. To learn more about these products, read our coverage below: Apple Announces New Mac Mini With M6 and M5 Pro Chips and More Apple Unveils New Mac Studio With M5 Max...

Top Rated Comments

arn Avatar
160 months ago
Shouldn't the headline read "Video Showing How Apple's Split Screen iPad Multitasking Might Work"?

This is apples code, so it's how it works right now (internally at least)

arn
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
160 months ago
take that Microsoft

Uhh... they had the whole "multiple apps" on one screen before Apple, so I don't understand what you're getting at.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
160 months ago
Why do we even need that?
What's all this multitasking craze?
If there's one thing that iPad does well is to let you focus and enjoy what you're doing, without any clutter around and behind it.
That's the beauty of it.
Why on earth would you want to create a stressful experience on a device meant to be enjoyed?
It's really sad.

What's really sad is your selfishness. Look outside... worlds not revolving around you.

Crazy monotasking fanatics!
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
160 months ago
Clearly, MS and Google caught wind that Apple was working on this and rushed to get their multi-tasking features out the door first. :p
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
160 months ago
Why do we even need that?
What's all this multitasking craze?
If there's one thing that iPad does well is to let you focus and enjoy what you're doing, without any clutter around and behind it.
That's the beauty of it.
Why on earth would you want to create a stressful experience on a device meant to be enjoyed?
It's really sad.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HiRez Avatar
160 months ago
Shouldn't the headline read "Video Showing How Apple's Split Screen iPad Multitasking Might Work"?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)