How do I disable the split-screen update on iPad, I keep losing browser tabs and it's an inconvenience.

Just an update. As of 17.2, I can now turn this off. Well done, Apple, for listening to the people like me that need to be able to use a screen without gestures top *and* bottom. Now as well choosing which gestures we allow, we also get to choose whether we want multi tasking (split) windows… or both if you think you need all these interactions at once.

viva la difference!

I play COD Mobile and mid game I’m split screen and unable to play. It’s a disaster if I’m in a fight or something. I believe the split screen option should be just that… an option and not a mandate. Apple needs to give us back control of our devices and allow us to decide. This is a big deal given the support I give to Apple.

FIX THIS (please)

Unlike iPadOS14 and earlier versions, multi-tasking (including split-screen and slide-over views) cannot now be disabled from settings. Multi-tasking has received a significant overhaul with iPadOS15/16, both simplifying its use and introducing new controls. 

Key to accessing and controlling (or avoiding) multi-tasking is the small “three-dot” button that is found at the top-centre edge of the visible App windows.  Once mastered, iPadOS multitasking is actually very versatile; it can be used when beneficial, or easily avoided when not needed.

Information and guidance for using multi-tasking can be found in this support page:

Use multitasking on your iPad - Apple Support

As for your experiences with Chrome and Edge browsers, being third-party Apps, you need to direct any comments or complaint to the relative App Developers.

For Apple, submission of constructive comments and features requests are invited via Apple’s Products Feedback portal. For iPad and iPadOS:

Feedback - iPad - Apple

green.jim wrote:

I play COD Mobile and mid game I’m split screen and unable to play. It’s a disaster if I’m in a fight or something. I believe the split screen option should be just that… an option and not a mandate. Apple needs to give us back control of our devices and allow us to decide. This is a big deal given the support I give to Apple.

FIX THIS (please)

If your iPad is capable of update to iPadOS 17, it is now possible to disable multitasking from iPad settings:

Settings > Multitasking & Gestures > [Multitasking] - set to OFF

I really dislike a lot of these new features, when accidentally invoked they are extremely annoying, I think all new features should be turned off by default then have a “what’s new” showcase to demonstrate them and give the user the option to activate them or not. I never want to use split screen, the 3 dots at the top are in an annoying place and are too easy to accidentally press when for example wanting to scroll fast to top of screen or swipe away a notification. I wish that more thought would go into making the gestures and features less annoying and more user friendly. Every time there is a new update I dread what stuff is going to be added because most of the time it is yet more gestures and feature creep, always at the expense of user friendliness.