Are you tired of constantly toggling between different apps on your iPhone? Well, fret no more! In this article, you will discover the simple yet powerful method of splitting your iPhone screen. Whether you want to chat with a friend while browsing the web or need to reference an email while drafting a document, splitting your screen allows you to multitask with ease. Say goodbye to the hassle of switching back and forth between apps and hello to a more efficient and productive iPhone experience. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your device!
Enable Split View on iPhone
Check for Device Compatibility
Before you dive into using Split View on your iPhone, it’s important to make sure that your device is compatible with this feature. Split View is available on certain iPhone models, including the iPhone 6s and later, as well as the iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later. If you’re unsure about whether your device supports Split View, you can check Apple’s official website or consult your iPhone’s user manual.
Update the iOS
To ensure you have the latest features and improvements, it’s a good idea to update your iPhone’s operating system (iOS) to the latest version available. Split View was introduced in iOS 9, but subsequent updates may have brought enhancements or bug fixes. To update your iOS, go to “Settings”> “General”> “Software Update” and follow the instructions provided. Once your iOS is up to date, you’ll be ready to enable Split View.
Navigate to Settings
To enable Split View on your iPhone, you’ll need to navigate to the Settings app. Locate the Settings icon on your home screen, which looks like a gear, and tap on it to open the app.
Enable Split View
Within the Settings app, scroll down and tap on “Display & Brightness.” Look for the option called “Enable Split View” or a similar term, and toggle the switch to turn it on. Once enabled, Split View will be available for use on your iPhone.
Adjust Split View Settings
After enabling Split View, you can further customize its behavior to suit your preferences. Within the “Display & Brightness” settings, you might find options to change the Split View orientation, enable Picture-in-Picture mode, adjust the width of apps in Split View, change app display priority, or disable Split View altogether. Take some time to explore these settings and adjust them according to your needs.
Using Split View
Open Apps in Split View
Now that you’ve enabled Split View on your iPhone, it’s time to start using it. To open apps in Split View, first, open the app you want to use as your primary app. Next, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the App Switcher. Locate the second app you want to use and swipe it to the right or left side of the screen. The app will snap into place beside your primary app, and you can now interact with both apps simultaneously.
Resize Split View Windows
Each app in Split View has its own window, and you may find that you want to adjust the size of the windows depending on the task at hand. To resize the Split View windows, locate the vertical divider between the two apps. Tap and hold on the divider, then drag it to the desired position. You can make one app larger while making the other app smaller, or you can make both windows the same size. Experiment with different sizes to find the setup that works best for you.
Switch Apps in Split View
If you have more than two apps open in Split View, you might want to switch between them. To do this, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the App Switcher. From there, you can swipe left or right to navigate through your open apps. When you find the app you want to switch to, tap on it to bring it to the forefront.
Swap Apps in Split View
Sometimes you may want to swap the positions of the two apps in Split View. To do this, locate the vertical divider between the two apps and double-tap on it. The two apps will swap places, allowing you to easily switch their positions.
Close Split View
When you’re done using Split View and want to return to using a single app, you can easily close Split View. To do this, locate the vertical divider between the two apps and swipe it all the way to the edge of the screen. The app that was in Split View will now take up the entire screen, and the other app will be closed.
Customize Split View Behavior
Change Split View Orientation
By default, Split View on iPhone is set to a horizontal orientation, with apps positioned side by side. However, if you prefer a vertical orientation, you can change it in the Split View settings. Open the Settings app, go to “Display & Brightness,” and look for the option to change the Split View orientation. Toggle the switch to adjust it to your preference.
Enable Picture-in-Picture
Another handy feature that can be enabled in the Split View settings is Picture-in-Picture (PIP) mode. When enabled, PIP allows you to watch videos or use certain apps while still having access to Split View. For example, you can resize a video to a smaller window and position it on top of your Split View apps. To enable PIP, go to “Display & Brightness” in the Settings app and look for the option to enable Picture-in-Picture.
Adjust App Width in Split View
If you find that one app in Split View is taking up too much space or not enough, you can adjust the app width. To do this, tap and hold the gray bar at the top of the secondary app’s window. Swipe it left or right to resize the app, making it narrower or wider. This allows you to customize the layout of Split View according to your needs.
Change App Display Priority
By default, the primary app in Split View takes up the majority of the screen, while the secondary app appears in a narrower window. However, you can change the display priority of the apps if you prefer the secondary app to take up more space. Simply tap and hold the gray bar at the top of the secondary app’s window, then drag it to the left or right edge of the screen to expand it.
Disable Split View
If you find that Split View isn’t serving your needs or you simply want to turn it off temporarily, you have the option to disable it. Open the Settings app, go to “Display & Brightness,” and toggle off the Split View switch. This will disable Split View on your iPhone, and you can always re-enable it in the future if desired.
Optimizing Split View Experience
Use App Exposé
App Exposé is a useful feature that allows you to see all your open windows for a specific app in Split View. To access App Exposé, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up the App Switcher. Find the app you’re interested in, then tap and hold on its card. A menu will appear, showing all the open windows for that app in Split View. From there, you can easily switch between different windows or close specific windows as needed.
Multitask with Slide Over
Slide Over is a multitasking feature that works in conjunction with Split View. It allows you to quickly access a secondary app without exiting your current app. To use Slide Over, swipe in from the right edge of the screen to reveal a column of apps. Tap on the app you want to use, and it will overlay on top of your primary app. You can then interact with the secondary app while still having your primary app visible in the background.
Use Split View with Safari
Split View works seamlessly with certain apps, and Safari is one of them. To use Split View with Safari, open Safari as your primary app in Split View. Next, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the App Switcher and select another app to open alongside Safari. This allows you to browse the web while simultaneously using another app, such as taking notes or composing an email.
Take Advantage of Drag and Drop
Split View enhances productivity by allowing you to easily drag and drop content between apps. For example, you can drag a photo from the Photos app into an email draft in the Mail app. To do this, open the first app and activate Split View. Then, open the second app by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and positioning it beside the first app. From there, you can simply tap and hold on content in one app, then drag it over to the other app.
Utilize Split View with Notes
Notes is a versatile app that can be particularly helpful in Split View. You can use it to jot down ideas, create to-do lists, or take notes while referencing other apps. Open Notes as your primary app in Split View and select another app to open alongside it. This way, you can keep your notes visible while working in another app, making it easy to stay organized and focused.
Split View Troubleshooting
Ensure App Compatibility
While Split View works with many apps, there may be some that are not compatible. If you encounter issues with certain apps in Split View, it’s possible that the app does not support this feature. Check the app’s documentation or contact the app developer to confirm whether Split View is supported. In such cases, you may need to find alternative apps or workflows to accomplish your multitasking needs.
Restart and Update Apps
If you experience any glitches or unexpected behavior while using Split View, it’s a good idea to restart the affected apps. Close the app by double-clicking the Home button (or swiping up from the bottom on iPhone X or later) to access the App Switcher. Find the app’s card and swipe it up or off the screen to close it. Then, relaunch the app to see if the issue is resolved. Additionally, make sure that you have the latest version of the app installed by checking for updates in the App Store.
Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes a simple restart of your iPhone can help resolve any issues related to Split View. To restart your device, press and hold the power button until the “slide to power off” option appears. Slide the power button to the right to turn off your iPhone. Once it is completely turned off, press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears. Your iPhone will then restart, and you can check if Split View is working properly.
Reset All Settings
If none of the previous troubleshooting steps have resolved the issues with Split View, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This will not erase any of your data, but it will reset all settings to their default values. To reset all settings, go to “Settings”> “General”> “Reset”> “Reset All Settings.” Keep in mind that this action will remove any personalized settings and preferences, so you may need to set them up again after the reset.
Contact Apple Support for Assistance
If you’re still experiencing problems with Split View after trying the previous troubleshooting steps, it may be time to seek help from Apple’s support team. They can provide more specialized guidance and assistance in troubleshooting the issue with your iPhone. Whether you contact them by phone, email, or through their website, the Apple support team is dedicated to helping you get the most out of your device.
Split View Alternatives
Using App Switcher
If Split View doesn’t meet your multitasking needs, an alternative method is to use the App Switcher. To access the App Switcher, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause for a moment. This will bring up a card-based interface that displays all your recently used apps. From there, you can swipe left or right to navigate through the apps, then tap on the app you want to switch to. While it doesn’t provide the side-by-side functionality of Split View, the App Switcher still allows for efficient multitasking.
Accessing Control Center
Control Center is a convenient feature that provides quick access to essential settings and functions on your iPhone. To access Control Center, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen (on iPhone X or later) or swipe up from the bottom of the screen (on earlier iPhone models). From Control Center, you can perform actions such as adjusting the brightness, controlling media playback, or toggling on or off specific settings. While Control Center doesn’t offer the same multitasking capabilities as Split View, it can be a useful tool for quickly managing certain tasks.
Using Slide Over
Slide Over, mentioned earlier in the optimizing Split View section, can also be used independently as an alternative multitasking method. Instead of opening two apps in Split View, you can open a secondary app in Slide Over by swiping in from the right edge of the screen. This allows you to have a smaller window overlaying the primary app without the need for a side-by-side setup. Slide Over is particularly useful for accessing quick information or performing brief tasks without fully switching between apps.
Manage Your Split View Workflow
Determine Optimal App Pairings
To make the most of Split View, it’s important to determine the apps that complement each other well. Consider the tasks you frequently perform and the apps you use for these tasks. Experiment with different app pairings to find combinations that enhance your workflow and allow you to seamlessly transition between activities. For example, pairing a web browser with a note-taking app can help streamline research or studying.
Utilize Split View for Productivity
One of the key advantages of Split View is increased productivity. By having multiple apps open and visible at the same time, you can easily reference information, copy and paste content, or compare data without constantly switching between apps. Take advantage of this feature to streamline your workflow and accomplish tasks more efficiently.
Customize Split View App Layouts
Split View offers flexibility in arranging your apps on the screen. Experiment with different layouts to find the one that works best for you. For example, you can have two apps positioned side by side, with one taking up more space than the other. Alternatively, you can have one app in Split View and another app opened in Slide Over for quick access. Find the layout that suits your needs and preferences, and don’t be afraid to change it based on the task at hand.
Organize Split View Workspaces
As you work with Split View, you may find it helpful to organize different workspaces based on specific tasks or projects. For example, you can have one workspace dedicated to work-related apps and another for personal apps. This helps keep your apps and windows organized, making it easier to switch between different contexts and maintain focus.
Save Split View Combinations
If you frequently use the same app pairings in Split View, you can save them as favorites for quick access. To save a Split View combination, open the apps you want to use and arrange them accordingly. Then, press and hold the app switcher button (the thin vertical line located at the bottom of the screen) until a menu appears. Select “Save to Favorites” or a similar option to save the app pairing. In the future, you can quickly access this combination by tapping on the app switcher button and selecting the favorite.
Boosting Productivity with Split View
Take Advantage of Drag and Drop
As mentioned earlier, Split View allows for easy drag and drop between apps. This feature can significantly enhance your productivity, especially when working with content-rich tasks. For example, you can drag and drop images, text, or files between apps to quickly create documents, compile research, or share information. Take full advantage of this functionality to streamline your workflow and reduce the time spent switching between apps.
Use Handoff Between Devices
If you have multiple Apple devices, such as an iPhone, iPad, and Mac, you can take advantage of the Handoff feature to continue tasks seamlessly across different devices. With Handoff, you can start a task on one device and then pick up where you left off on another device, including when using Split View on your iPhone. For example, you can draft an email on your iPhone in Split View, then switch to your iPad or Mac to continue editing the same email without missing a beat.
Leverage Markup and Quick Actions
Split View is a great way to leverage the Markup feature on your iPhone. Markup allows you to annotate images, PDFs, and screenshots, making it an invaluable tool for collaboration, feedback, and document editing. When using Split View, you can have the image or document open in one app while using another app to access Markup tools. This allows you to easily mark up and annotate your content without the need to switch between apps or interrupt your workflow. Additionally, take advantage of Quick Actions available from certain apps in Split View to perform specific tasks efficiently.
Utilize App Extensions
Many apps offer extensions that provide additional functionality and integration with other apps. When using Split View, explore the app extensions available for your favorite apps to enhance your multitasking experience. For example, you might find extensions that allow you to quickly share content between apps, access relevant information, or perform specific actions without leaving Split View. Utilizing app extensions can help streamline your workflow and save valuable time.
Master Keyboard Shortcuts
For those who prefer a keyboard-centric workflow, mastering keyboard shortcuts can significantly boost productivity in Split View. Many apps have specific keyboard shortcuts that allow you to perform actions without the need to use touch gestures or navigate through menus. Take the time to learn the keyboard shortcuts for your favorite apps and practice using them while in Split View. This will enable you to perform tasks more efficiently and seamlessly switch between apps with minimal interruption.
Explore Additional Split View Features
Work with Multiple Instances of the Same App
While Split View typically involves using two different apps side by side, it’s possible to have multiple instances of the same app in Split View. This can be useful when you need to reference or compare different documents, data sets, or browser tabs within the same app. Simply open the app in Split View as usual, then open another instance of the same app by swiping up from the bottom and choosing the app again. This allows you to have two or more separate windows of the same app in Split View, each displaying different content.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts in Split View
In addition to app-specific keyboard shortcuts, iOS also has system-wide keyboard shortcuts that work in Split View. These shortcuts allow you to perform actions such as navigating between apps, switching focus between windows, or controlling the Split View interface. For example, you can use the Command + Tab shortcut to switch between open apps, or the Control + Option + Arrow key shortcuts to move between Split View windows. Familiarize yourself with these keyboard shortcuts to further enhance your Split View experience.
Customize Split View Display
If you have specific preferences for how Split View looks and behaves, you can further customize its display. Within the Split View settings, you might find options to adjust transparency, change color schemes, or enable additional visual effects. Take the time to explore these customization options and find the visual configuration that is most pleasing to you.
Utilize Split View in Landscape Mode
Split View is not limited to the portrait orientation on iPhone. If you prefer working in landscape mode, Split View is fully functional and adaptable to this orientation as well. Simply rotate your iPhone to landscape mode, and Split View will adjust accordingly. This can be particularly beneficial when working on tasks that require a wider screen space, such as editing documents or viewing spreadsheets.
Discover App-Specific Split View Functions
While the core functionality of Split View remains consistent across apps, individual apps may offer additional features or functions specific to Split View. For example, a writing app might provide a Split View-specific word count or formatting toolbar. When using Split View, explore the menus, options, and gestures within each app to uncover any hidden or specialized Split View functions that can enhance your multitasking experience.
Split View for Multitasking
Benefits of Using Split View
Using Split View on your iPhone offers numerous benefits for multitasking. It allows you to have two or more apps active and visible at the same time, eliminating the need to constantly switch between apps or lose your place in tasks. Split View promotes efficiency, saves time, and enhances your ability to multitask effectively.
Efficiently Manage Multiple Tasks
With Split View, you can efficiently manage multiple tasks without feeling overwhelmed or disoriented. By dividing your screen into distinct sections for different apps, you can stay focused on each task individually while still having context from the other apps readily available. This makes it easier to organize and prioritize your work, increasing productivity and reducing the likelihood of overlooking important details.
Enhance Workflow with Split View
Using Split View can greatly enhance your workflow by improving accessibility to information and reducing the number of steps required to accomplish tasks. For example, you can reference a web page while composing an email, copy and paste content between apps, or take notes while watching a video tutorial. These seamless interactions between multiple apps in Split View streamline your workflow and facilitate a more integrated and efficient work environment.
Mastering Split View Techniques
As you become more familiar with Split View and practice using its features and functionalities, you’ll ultimately master its techniques. You’ll develop a sense of which app pairings work best for your tasks, how to efficiently resize and manage windows, and how to navigate between apps seamlessly. Becoming proficient in Split View techniques empowers you to leverage the full potential of your iPhone and maximize your productivity.
Experiment and Find Your Ideal Split View Setup
Split View offers a versatile and customizable experience that can be tailored to your specific preferences and tasks. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different setups, layouts, and combinations of apps to find the Split View setup that works best for you. Everyone’s workflow and multitasking needs are unique, so embrace the flexibility of Split View and adapt it to enhance your productivity and workflow according to your own style and preferences.
In conclusion, Split View on the iPhone opens up a world of possibilities for multitasking and productivity. By enabling Split View, adjusting its settings, and mastering the various techniques, you can efficiently manage multiple tasks, seamlessly switch between apps, and optimize your workflow. Whether you’re a student, professional, or everyday iPhone user, Split View empowers you to work smarter, not harder, and make the most of your iPhone’s capabilities. So go ahead, dive into Split View, and discover how it can revolutionize your multitasking experience.
