iOS 11 Multitasking in iPad: The iOS 11 announcement at the June WWDC event and the subsequent beta rollouts have been something of a celebration among Apple users. But while most years an iOS update means big things for iPhone owners and not much for the iPad users, this year brings in a mammoth change. The iPad is one of the most functional devices to have come from Apple, thanks to its laptop-like interface and easier portability. And now thanks to the latest iOS 11, multitasking on iPad has received a massive boost.
Our guide to iOS 11 Multitasking on iPad will help readers make full use of the tablet’s multitasking abilities on the new platform, which may be broadened even further with the full release of iOS 11. So read on for a full breakdown of the features.
What is Multitasking in iOS 11 on iPad?
The term “Multitasking” does not refer to a single feature, but it comprises of a number of new features that have been brought into the iOS 11-enabled iPad taken together to remarkably improve performance and functionality. Several of these new features, like the Drag and Drop, are making their way into the iPad only recently, while they have been around for a while on other Apple devices. Some others, like the Dock, have received tremendous upgrades. Taking all these features together, the iPad user can now do things that they never thought were possible, including taking multitasking to a whole new level.
This is what Apple has to say about the new Multitasking in iOS 11 for iPad: “iOS 11 makes it easier and more intuitive than ever to multitask. You can open a second app directly from the Dock and both apps remain active in Slide Over as well as Split View. You can drag the second app in Slide Over to the left. And you can get back to your favorite App Spaces in the redesigned App Switcher.” There are several ways that you can make use of to access multitasking to the fullest in iOS 11. To get an idea, go through the detailed tutorial below.
Turn on Multitasking Gestures in iOS 11 on iPad
To begin with, you have to ensure that you have the multitasking gestures turned on in your iOS 11-enabled iPad. For this, follow the instructions below.
- Step 1: On your iPad, go to Settings, and tap on General.
- Step 2: Enter Multitasking, and then enable Gestures.
Now you will be able to perform multiple functions like Pinch to get to the home screen, Swipe Up to the App Switcher, and Swipe to the sides to travel between apps- all with the help of four or five fingers.
Drag and Drop for Multitasking in iOS 11 on iPad
The Drag and Drop feature is one of the best features to have graced the iPad with iOS 11, and it lets you move around all kinds of files, such as images, documents, and apps with utmost freedom on the large screen of the device.
Dragging and dropping is super easy in the iPad now, for you can use multi-touch to select an item and use another finger to draw up the app where you wish to drop it. You can even select multiple files to perform drag and drop on the iPad by selecting one item first, and then by selecting multiple files using a secondary finger to move them around. Finally, go to the app that you want to drop them in, and hover to complete the task.
Using Split View in iOS 11 on iPad
With the new iOS 11, the Split View feature that earlier let you view two apps simultaneously, gets a lot more versatile.
Enable Split View: To aid multitasking in iOS 11 on iPad, you will first need to set up Split View. For doing this, you need to open any app, and then simply draw up the revamped Dock by swiping up at the bottom of the screen. Now hold and drag the app that you want in addition up to either side of the screen. In this way, you can swap apps in Split View on iPad in iOS 11.
Slide Over App Functions: The interactive Slide Over panel that will appear can be moved to any side to ensure that you do not have to keep opening or quitting it. The Slide Over app can also be brought into Split View by dragging on the top handle of the app. To remove the Slide over app, all you need to do is Swipe Right over it.
Access App Switcher in iOS 11 on iPad
Access App Switcher in iOS 11
To enhance your multitasking experience, Apple has made the App Switcher more intuitive and convenient. To access App Switcher for multitasking in iOS 11 on iPad, you can do any of the three options listed below.
- Double press on the home button
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen
- Use a four-finger gesture in an upward motion
To Force Stop an app from the App Switcher, you can tap and hold an app that you wish to quit. This will lead you into the Edit mode, from where you can easily quit the app by tapping on the “X” icon on top.
Turn off Multitasking Gestures in iOS 11 on iPad
If you wish to turn off the multitasking gestures in iOS 11 on iPad, follow the steps below.
- Step 1: Go to the Settings menu, tap on General.
- Step 2: Enter Multitasking, where you will be able to see several options, including Gestures. If you no longer wish to use it, simply disable it by switching off the button next to it.
Take a look at this link to know more about these features.
Wrap Up
As one can see, Apple has really ramped up the multitasking features in the iPad in the current software update. While iPad users have complained about the lack of significant upgrades in the tablet, the new iOS 11 lets them do many things at the same time without having to constantly enable or quit several apps. If you wish to try out multitasking in iOS 11 on iPad before anyone else, be sure to download the iOS 11 beta. And if you discover some neat features yourself, do share them with us in the comments below.