6 Simple Steps to Split Screen on iPhone

Split Screen on iPhone

Split screen is a feature on iPhones that allows you to use two apps at the same time. This can be useful for multitasking, such as watching a video while taking notes, or writing an email while browsing the web. Split screen is only available on iPhones with a screen size of 6.5 inches or larger such as iPhone 13 Pro Max, 12 Pro Max, 11 Pro Max, XS Max, XR, 8 Plus and 7 Plus, and requires iOS 15 or later.

To enable split screen, open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen. Tap the Screen Mirroring button, then select the Split Screen option. You can also enable split screen by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and holding your finger in the middle of the screen until the multitasking menu appears. Then, drag and drop one app icon onto another to create a split-screen view.

Once you have enabled split screen, you can resize the windows by dragging the divider between them. You can also close one of the windows by dragging it to the top of the screen. To exit split screen, tap the Home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

Split Screen on iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide

Activating Split View Mode

Split View mode on iPhone allows you to use two apps simultaneously, side by side. This feature is particularly useful for multitasking, such as comparing notes, following recipes, or keeping a reference document open while working in another app.

To activate Split View mode on your iPhone, follow these detailed steps:

1. Ensure Supported Device and Software:

Split View is only available on iPhone models running iOS 15 or later.
Additionally, Split View is supported on iPad models with A9X chip or later running iPadOS 15 or later.

2. Choose a Compatible App Pair:

Not all apps support Split View. To determine compatibility, open the App Switcher (by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and holding) and check if the desired apps appear side by side in the App Switcher interface.

3. Drag and Drop an App:

From the Home screen, App Library, or App Switcher, select the first app you want to display in Split View.
Hold and drag it to the edge of the screen until a small black bar appears.
Drop the app onto the black bar to place it in the desired split-screen configuration.

4. Select the Second App:

Once the first app is in place, a list of compatible apps will appear on the other side of the screen.
Select the desired second app from the list or use the App Library to choose a different one.

5. Adjust the Split:

The split between the two apps can be adjusted by dragging the black divider bar to the left or right.
You can also tap the "Auto" button to automatically resize the split based on the content of the apps.

6. Exit Split View Mode:

To close Split View mode, simply drag the black divider bar to the edge of the screen until the second app disappears.
Alternatively, you can close one of the apps by swiping up on it from the bottom of the screen.

Enabling Split View for Multiple Apps

Now that you know the limitations, let’s dive into how to enable Split View on your compatible iPhone or iPad.

To enable Split View, follow these steps:

Open the first app you want to use in Split View.
Drag the left or right edge of the app’s window to the center of the screen.
Alternatively, you can swipe up from the bottom of the screen with three fingers to bring up the Dock and then drag an app from the Dock to the left or right side of the screen.
Choose the second app you want to use in Split View from the list of recently used apps or by dragging it from the Dock.

Once you have two apps in Split View, you can adjust the size of each app by dragging the divider line between them. You can also close one of the apps by dragging its window to the top or bottom of the screen.

Supported iOS and iPadOS versions
iOS/iPadOS version	Supported devices
15 and later	iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPad mini (6th generation), iPad (9th generation), iPad Air (4th generation), iPad Air (5th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)
14 and later	iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)

Adjusting the Split Screen Layout

Once you have enabled Split View, you can adjust the layout of the two apps to suit your needs.

First, you can **resize the app windows**. To do this, simply drag the black bar that separates the two apps. You can make one app larger or smaller, depending on how much space you need.

Second, you can **change the orientation of the Split View**. By default, Split View is displayed horizontally, with one app on the left and one app on the right. However, you can change the orientation to vertical, with one app on the top and one app on the bottom.

Customizing the Split Screen Layout

You can also customize the Split Screen layout to better suit your needs.

To do this, open the **Control Center** and tap the **Split View** button. Then, tap the **Customize** button.

The **Customize** menu allows you to:

Change the size of the Split View bar. The Split View bar is the black bar that separates the two apps. You can make the bar larger or smaller, depending on how much space you need.
Change the color of the Split View bar. The Split View bar can be any color you want. You can choose a color that matches your wallpaper or your favorite color.
Add a shortcut to the Split View bar. You can add a shortcut to any app to the Split View bar. This makes it easy to quickly open an app in Split View.

Once you have customized the Split Screen layout, tap the **Done** button.

Option	Description
Split Screen Bar Size	Determines the width of the black bar that separates the two apps in Split Screen mode.
Split Screen Bar Color	Lets you choose a custom color for the Split Screen bar.
Add Shortcut to Split Screen Bar	Allows you to add a shortcut to any app to the Split Screen bar, making it easy to quickly open that app in Split Screen mode.

Switching and Reordering Apps in Split View

Once you have two apps open in Split View, you can easily switch between them by tapping on the app you want to use. The active app will be highlighted with a blue border, and the inactive app will be grayed out. You can also reorder the apps by dragging and dropping them into the desired order. To do this, simply tap and hold on the app you want to move, and then drag it to the new location.

Here are some additional tips for switching and reordering apps in Split View:

You can quickly switch between apps by swiping left or right on the border between the two apps.

You can also close one of the apps in Split View by swiping up on the app’s window.

If you drag an app to the top of the screen, it will close.

If you drag an app to the bottom of the screen, it will be minimized.

You can also use the App Switcher to switch between apps in Split View. To do this, simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen and then tap on the app you want to use.

Action	Gesture
Switch between apps	Tap on the app you want to use
Reorder apps	Drag and drop the apps into the desired order
Close an app	Swipe up on the app’s window
Minimize an app	Drag the app to the bottom of the screen

Closing Apps in Split Screen Mode

Once you’ve finished using an app in Split Screen Mode, you can close it by performing the following steps:

Select the app you want to close. Tap the app’s icon in the Split Screen Mode menu bar located at the top of the screen.
Drag the app down. Use your finger to drag the app’s window down to the bottom of the screen.
Release your finger. The app will close and disappear from the Split Screen Mode menu bar.

Alternatively, you can also close an app in Split Screen Mode using the following steps:

Select the app you want to close. Tap the app’s icon in the Split Screen Mode menu bar located at the top of the screen.
Swipe up. Swipe up on the app’s window to close it.
Release your finger. The app will close and disappear from the Split Screen Mode menu bar.

To quickly close both apps in Split Screen Mode at once, follow these steps:

Tap the Home button. This will minimize both apps and return you to the Home screen.
Swipe up on the Split Screen Mode menu bar. This will close both apps at once.

Troubleshooting Split Screen Issues

Drag and Drop Not Working

If you’re having trouble dragging and dropping apps to split the screen, try the following:

Make sure both apps are open and running in the background.
Try dragging the app from the dock rather than the app switcher.
Ensure that you’re dragging the app to the top or bottom edge of the screen, where the split-screen divider will appear.

Apps Not Appearing in the Dock

If certain apps are not appearing in the dock, it could be due to various reasons:

App Restrictions: Some apps may have restrictions that prevent them from being used in split-screen mode.
Compatibility Issues: Older or outdated apps may not be compatible with split-screen functionality.
Settings: Check the settings of the app to see if there are any options that disable split-screen mode.

Split-Screen Divider Stuck or Missing

If the split-screen divider is stuck or missing, perform the following steps:

Try restarting your iPhone.
If that doesn’t work, try resetting all settings by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
If the problem persists, there may be a software issue that requires an update or a visit to an Apple Store.

Other Issues

If you encounter any other issues with split-screen mode, try the following:

Update your iPhone: Ensure you have the latest iOS version installed.
Check for app updates: Update any apps that you’re facing issues with.
Contact Apple Support: If the above steps don’t resolve your problem, reach out to Apple Support for assistance.

Accessibility Features for Split Screen

iPhone’s split screen feature, officially known as “Multitasking,” allows users to view and use two apps simultaneously. To activate split screen, simply drag one app from the bottom of the screen to the middle. The first app will then occupy the top half of the screen, while the second app will appear in the bottom half.

For users with accessibility needs, Apple offers a number of features that can enhance the split screen experience:

AssistiveTouch: This feature allows users to access a customizable menu of commands and controls, including the ability to split the screen. To enable AssistiveTouch, go to Settings > Accessibility > AssistiveTouch and toggle the switch to “On.”
VoiceOver: This screen reader can provide audio descriptions of the screen, including the names of the apps in split screen. To enable VoiceOver, go to Settings>Accessibility>VoiceOver and toggle the switch to “On.”
Zoom: This feature allows users to magnify the screen, making it easier to see the content in split screen. To enable Zoom, go to Settings > Accessibility > Zoom and toggle the switch to “On.”
Larger Text: This feature increases the font size of the text in split screen, making it easier to read. To enable Larger Text, go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and adjust the slider to the desired font size.
Bold Text: This feature makes the text in split screen bolder, making it easier to read. To enable Bold Text, go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and toggle the switch to “On.”
Reduced Motion: This feature reduces the amount of motion in split screen, which can help to reduce eye strain and motion sickness. To enable Reduced Motion, go to Settings > Accessibility > Motion and toggle the switch to “On.”

Customize Multitasking Settings

In addition to the accessibility features that can enhance the split screen experience, users can also customize the multitasking settings to suit their preferences. These settings can be found in Settings > Home Screen & Dock > Multitasking.

Setting	Description
Allow Multiple Apps	Enables or disables the ability to use multiple apps at the same time.
Picture-in-Picture	Allows users to watch videos in a floating window while using other apps.
Gesture Controls	Controls the method for entering and exiting split screen.

Tips for Effective Split Screen Usage

To enhance your split screen experience, consider these tips:

1. Choose Compatible Apps

Ensure the apps you wish to use support split screen mode.

2. Use Proper Screen Orientation

Most apps function better in portrait mode for split screen.

3. Adjust App Sizes

Use the handle between apps to resize them as needed.

4. Use Drag and Drop

Drag content between apps for easy data transfer.

5. Explore Split Screen Gestures

Swipe from the center to switch apps and access the Dock.

6. Use Picture-in-Picture

Continue watching videos or using FaceTime while multitasking with other apps.

7. Disable Split Screen

Drag the handle all the way to the edge of the screen to close split screen.

8. Additional Tips:

Use a Screen Recorder: Capture split screen activities for documentation or sharing.

Use External Displays: Connect your iPhone to a larger display for a more immersive split screen experience.

Utilize Assistive Touch: Access split screen mode quickly by customizing Assistive Touch gestures.

Limitations and Considerations of Split Screen

While split screen offers a convenient way to multitask on your iPhone, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind:

Device and iOS Compatibility

Split screen is only available on iPhone models running iOS 15 or later.

Not All Apps Support Split Screen

Split screen is not compatible with all apps. Some apps may not have the necessary features or may not be optimized for split view.

Limited App Combinations

Split screen only allows you to use two apps simultaneously, and not all app combinations are supported. Some apps may not work correctly when used in split view.

Reduced Screen Space

Split screen divides the screen into two halves, reducing the amount of available screen space for each app.

Attention Management

Multitasking in split view can be cognitively demanding. It requires you to constantly switch focus between two different apps and tasks.

Energy Consumption

Running two apps simultaneously can consume more battery life than using just one app at a time.

Potential for Bugs and Glitches

Split screen is a relatively new feature on iOS, and it may experience occasional bugs or glitches.

Overlapping Content

If the content in one app overlaps with the content in the other app, it can interfere with your workflow.

Inability to Save Split View Arrangements

Once you close the split view, you cannot save the current arrangement of apps. You will need to manually recreate the split view every time you want to use it.

Future Enhancements and Expectations

Enhancements for Split-Screen Multitasking

Improved App Compatibility: Expand the range of apps that support split-screen functionality to provide users with greater flexibility when using multiple apps simultaneously.
Flexible Screen Layouts: Introduce customizable screen layouts that allow users to adjust the size and position of each app on the screen, optim

Anticipated Features

Advanced Multitasking Gestures: Integrate intuitive gestures for seamlessly switching between split-screen views and managing the app layouts.
Drag-and-Drop Functionality: Enable users to drag and drop content between apps in split-screen mode, enhancing collaboration and efficiency.
App Switcher Integration: Provide a dedicated app switcher designed specifically for split-screen multitasking, making it easier to find and launch multiple apps simultaneously.
External Display Support: Extend split-screen capabilities to external displays, allowing users to connect their iPhone to a larger screen and work with multiple apps on a wider canvas.
Keyboard and Mouse Support: Enable the use of external keyboards and mice with split-screen functionality, providing an ergonomic and efficient way to type and navigate apps.
Integration with iPadOS: Explore the possibility of synchronizing split-screen sessions between iPhone and iPad, allowing users to seamlessly continue their work across multiple devices.
Third-Party App Development: Encourage third-party app developers to optimize their apps for split-screen multitasking, providing more diverse and customized multitasking experiences.
Adaptive Screen Adjustment: Implement an adaptive screen adjustment feature that automatically adjusts the split-screen layout based on the device’s orientation and available screen space.
Home Screen Widgets Integration: Integrate split-screen multitasking support into home screen widgets to provide quick access to multiple apps and tasks from the home screen.
Advanced Performance Optimization: Continuously enhance performance optimizations to ensure a smooth and lag-free split-screen multitasking experience on iPhone, regardless of the number of apps being used simultaneously.

How to Do Split Screen on iPhone

With the introduction of iOS 15, Apple brought the long-awaited Split Screen feature to the iPhone. This feature allows you to use two apps side by side on your iPhone’s screen, making it easier to multitask. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do split screen on iPhone:

1. Open the first app that you want to use in Split Screen.

2. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Dock.

3. Drag and drop the second app that you want to use in Split Screen onto the first app.

4. The two apps will now be displayed side by side in Split Screen.

5. You can adjust the size of each app by dragging the vertical line in the middle of the screen.