I have an iPad 12.9 inch Pro. 5th Generation. Prior to updating to iPad OS 26.0.1, I had three pips at the top of the screen to initiate a 2 or 3 screen split with different Apps. They are no longer visible after the update. Has the split screen option been changed to a different control method.
iPad Pro, iPadOS 26
The three dot button to control multitasking is still present - but is visually now a traffic-light button. 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.
In more detail, iPadOS multitasking has received a significant makeover from that to which you may be accustomed in iPadOS 18.x and earlier - and may take a little time to learn and adjust your workflows. You would be well advised to review the official iPadOS User Guide and the many available online tutorials (such as YouTube) to become better acquainted with the new multitasking interface and associated gestures and controls.
Work with multiple windows at once on iPad - Apple Support
While the previous Slide Over view has been temporarily retired, Split View remains - although it is accessed differently. You can have two or three App windows side-by-side - or a spit the screen into four quadrants.
To access, assuming that the current App window is not maximised; touch-and-hold the traffic-light icon at top-left of the App window to expose the Fill & Arrange options:
The current App window will move aside, allowing you to open another App; the selected view will open the selected Apps in their own windows - which can be resized laterally, as before, by dragging the divider to left or right.
If the App window is already maximised, swipe downwards from the top-edge of the screen to expose the new menu bar - then use the traffic-light icon as described above.
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
The three dot button to control multitasking is still present - but is visually now a traffic-light button. 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.
In more detail, iPadOS multitasking has received a significant makeover from that to which you may be accustomed in iPadOS 18.x and earlier - and may take a little time to learn and adjust your workflows. You would be well advised to review the official iPadOS User Guide and the many available online tutorials (such as YouTube) to become better acquainted with the new multitasking interface and associated gestures and controls.
Work with multiple windows at once on iPad - Apple Support
While the previous Slide Over view has been temporarily retired, Split View remains - although it is accessed differently. You can have two or three App windows side-by-side - or a spit the screen into four quadrants.
To access, assuming that the current App window is not maximised; touch-and-hold the traffic-light icon at top-left of the App window to expose the Fill & Arrange options:
The current App window will move aside, allowing you to open another App; the selected view will open the selected Apps in their own windows - which can be resized laterally, as before, by dragging the divider to left or right.
If the App window is already maximised, swipe downwards from the top-edge of the screen to expose the new menu bar - then use the traffic-light icon as described above.
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
Has the split screen option been changed to a different control method.
Apparently. See if these support articles help:
Open and view multiple windows of a single app on iPad - Apple Support
Multitask on iPad with iPadOS 26 - Apple Support
Thank you for that very comprehensive response,
it is much appreciated. At first glance it seems a little long winded compared to the previous method, but like you say, its a matter of familiarising myself with the new method.
You're very welcome.
With a little practice and familiarity, the new interface is relatively straightforward to master.
Loss of split screen option after updating to iPad OS 26.0.1
