How can I allow Split View on my iPad running iPadOS 26?

Hi there,

Since the update to IOS 26 for iPad, I noticed a couple of things have been removed. Previously, I was able to have two windows side by side while doing tasks. To do this, I would swipe up from the bottom of the screen, so each window is in the display, and then I would hold+tap and drag one on top of another. This feature seems to be gone now.

I am familiar with the option to have an application open, then swipe from the bottom just a little, and select the same application from the dock. But this only opens a new window, not a split view, and not all applications are on the dock. Some I prefer to stay on the desktop.

So I was looking up how to have a split view on IOS 26, and the second step was to select the three dots on the top of the application. Well since the update, those three dots, which I am assuming were originally on the top middle, are now missing. It was there previously though.

It didn’t occur to me, but there might be some bugs that came with the last update on my end. I am also no longer able to play videos in the Files app, unless there is a downloaded application that allows playing videos. Selecting a video in the Files app opens a random application, even if the one does not play videos.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: How to allow split view in IOS 26

iPad Pro, iPadOS 26

Posted on Sep 22, 2025 9:58 AM

Top-ranking reply

LotusPilot

Community+ 2025

Level 10

300,668 points

Posted on Oct 17, 2025 3:43 PM

Sja_321 wrote:

I certainly agree. It is far more complicated now and takes a lot longer to figure out simple things like being able to swipe up to close the apps. I wish the three dots were still at the top. They were straightforward, quick, and easy to use.

The three dot button to control multitasking is still present - but is visually now a traffic-light button. These are illustrated within my earlier reply to this thread; once understood, controlling App windows using the button is straightforward - and using it will become second nature as you become accustomed to this revised control.

The button location has changed. Instead of being top-centre of the App window (a location which frequently conflicted with controls for many third-party Apps - of which regular complaint was seen here), the button is now at top-left of App windows that are not being viewed in full screen mode.

For Apps that are being viewed in full screen mode, a simple downward swipe from the top-edge of the screen reveals the new menu bar - where the button is located at the left.

Remember, for iPadOS 26, you have a configuration choice to use Full Screen Apps only, use Windowed Apps, or Stage Manager mode as you prefer:

Settings > Multitasking & Gestures - select your preferred multitasking mode

Apple invites constructive feedback, comments and feature requests via their product feedback pages. For iPad and iPadOS:

Feedback - iPad - Apple

If you would like to see additional multitasking options or controls in a future version of iPadOS, this would be the most appropriate channel through which to make a request.

Really, so many keystrokes, and figuring out how many fingers to use to do this or that, and exactly where to place them is becoming overly complicated and frustrating.

The iPad User Guide is a rich and frequently overlooked resource that documents the many features and capabilities of iPad. The User Guide can be accessed here:

iPad User Guide - Apple Support

The Tips App, installed by default, provides a brief introduction to new features and capabilities of iPad and iPadOS 26 - and leads you to the User Guide. In case you missed it, here is a link to the Tips App:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/tips/id1069509450

Apple also has a huge YouTube Channel - containing videos and feature guidance:

https://www.youtube.com/user/Apple

[Edited by Moderator]

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21 replies

Jeremy E

Level 1

14 points

Sep 29, 2025 6:01 AM in response to Bleduc1

I used split view alot with folders application. I hope Apple brings it back. It’s more confusing now and lot more steps to do.

onlyeji

Level 1

14 points

Oct 17, 2025 3:39 PM in response to Bleduc1

It no longer allows us to screenshot from the corner option when you’re on a multi-task window. It was really helpful for me as a student, since it was quick and easy. :( I hope this gets fixed.