Apple Announces Multitasking Experiences for iPad with iOS 9 - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Announces Multitasking Experiences for iPad with iOS 9

by

Today at WWDC, Apple confirmed that multitasking would be coming to the iPad with iOS 9. The new feature will allow users to view, and sometimes interact with, two apps simultaneously in multiple ways. First is "Split View," coming to iPad Air 2, which brings the most powerful task managing multitasking experience to the tablet. With it a user can open two apps at the same time, and completely interact with them in the normal way with no limitations.

f1433786689
Conversely, older generation models and iPad mini will have "Slide Over," allowing them to slide in a smaller version of a second app from the side of the screen. Apple gives examples like quickly responding to a tweet or text message while browsing Safari as a prime example. Although, unlike Split View, Slide Over isn't true multitasking as the app relegated to the background can't be interacted with while the second app runs on the side of the screen.

iOS 9 will also bring picture-in-picture to allow users to watch video while browsing around within other apps. By simply pressing the home button when watching a video or even using FaceTime, users can browse their iPad as normal while a smaller boxed video keeps running in the corner of the screen.

Top Rated Comments

EdgardasB Avatar
144 months ago
So desktop class performance iPad air is not capable for multitasking? Where are those fans who shout that 1GB RAM for iOS was enough... ^^
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Iconoclysm Avatar
144 months ago
Why did it take Apple 8 years to do this?
I don't know, could be because iPad didn't exist until just 5 years ago?
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
144 months ago
Yet another reason to be annoyed that Apple has been skimping on the ram in mobile devices for so long.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dampfnudel Avatar
144 months ago
So desktop class performance iPad air is not capable for multitasking? Where are those fans who shout that 1GB RAM for iOS was enough... ^^
Staying quiet most likely.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bpeeps Avatar
144 months ago
Obviously it only supports iPad Air 2 from a RAM perspective, but I still feel pretty shafted owning an Air.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Cloudsurfer Avatar
144 months ago
Why did it take Apple 8 years to do this?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

macOS 27 on MacBook Pro

Apple Says macOS 27 Won't Be Compatible With These Macs

Wednesday June 3, 2026 8:29 am PDT by
During WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that macOS 26 Tahoe would be the final major macOS version for Intel-based Macs. macOS 27 will be compatible with Apple silicon Macs only, meaning that you will need a Mac with an M-series chip or a MacBook Neo with an A18 Pro chip in order to install the software update. Apple will unveil macOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote this Monday, June 8, and the...
MacBook Neo on Yellow Feature

MacBook Neo is So Popular That Apple Reportedly Doubled Production

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:24 am PDT by
On an earnings call in late April, Apple's CEO Tim Cook said that customer response to the MacBook Neo was "off the charts," and the popularity of the laptop has reportedly led the company to significantly boost production. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo this week said he believes that MacBook Neo shipments to Apple were doubled from an initial target of 5 million units to 10...
iphone 18 pro blue%402x

iPhone 18 Pro: Dark Cherry, Light Blue, and Dark Gray Chassis Leaked [Update]

Thursday June 4, 2026 5:18 am PDT by
Update: Since publication, new information has come to light suggesting the images have been AI-manipulated and are not in fact iPhone 18 Pro chassis parts. The original article follows. The color options Apple is reportedly planning for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max have appeared online today in the form of images of chassis parts of unknown authenticity....