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How to Master Multitasking: Splitting Your Screen on an iPhone (and Why You Can’t!)

The short answer is: you can’t truly split the screen on an iPhone like you can on an iPad or Android device. While the iPhone doesn’t offer a native split-screen mode to run two apps side-by-side in the same way, it provides alternative multitasking features that allow you to interact with multiple apps simultaneously. These include Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and the App Switcher, offering efficient ways to manage and navigate between your open applications.

Let’s dive into what you can do, and then explore why Apple made this design choice.

Understanding iPhone Multitasking Capabilities

The key is understanding the limitations and strengths of iPhone multitasking. While side-by-side app functionality is missing, Apple has optimized for a different user experience.

Picture-in-Picture (PiP)

This feature allows you to watch videos or engage in FaceTime calls in a small, resizable window that floats on top of other apps.

How it works: Start playing a video in an app like YouTube (with YouTube Premium in some regions, or specific content without Premium in the US). Exit the app, and the video will automatically shrink into a floating window.
Controlling the PiP Window: You can drag the PiP window around your screen, resize it by pinching, and even temporarily hide it off the edge of the screen while the audio continues to play.
Availability: PiP is available on iPhones running iOS 14 and later.

The App Switcher

This provides a quick and easy way to switch between recently used apps.

Accessing the App Switcher: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold (on iPhones with Face ID) or double-press the Home button (on iPhones with a Home button).
Navigating the App Switcher: Swipe left or right to browse through your recently opened apps. Tap on an app to bring it to the forefront.
Closing Apps: In the App Switcher, swipe up on an app’s preview to close it.

Why No True Split Screen?

The most common reasoning points to screen size. The iPhone’s smaller display, compared to the iPad, might make a true split-screen experience feel cramped and less usable. Apple has historically prioritized a streamlined and focused user experience, and they may believe that split-screen on an iPhone would compromise that.

However, the question remains whether larger iPhone “Max” models could benefit from true split-screen multitasking.

Mastering iPhone Multitasking: Tips and Tricks

While you can’t split the screen, here are some tips to maximize your multitasking efficiency:

Quick App Switching: Practice the swipe-up gesture to quickly switch between apps. This becomes second nature with time.
Using Widgets: Add widgets to your Home Screen or Today View for quick access to information from your favorite apps without fully opening them.
Siri Shortcuts: Create Siri Shortcuts to automate common tasks involving multiple apps.
Focus Modes: Leverage Focus Modes to minimize distractions and concentrate on specific tasks, even when switching between apps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify the specifics of multitasking on the iPhone:

Can I use two apps side-by-side on my iPhone? No, not in the same way you can on an iPad or Android device with true split-screen functionality. The iPhone doesn’t have a native feature for running two apps simultaneously in a split-screen view.
Does Picture-in-Picture (PiP) work with all video apps? Not all apps support PiP. Its availability depends on whether the app developer has implemented the feature. YouTube, for instance, requires a YouTube Premium subscription in many regions for PiP functionality (except in the US where certain content is available without Premium).
How do I enable Picture-in-Picture on my iPhone? Generally, PiP is enabled by default. You can check and adjust the setting in Settings > General > Picture in Picture. Ensure “Start PiP Automatically” is toggled on.
What iPhones support Picture-in-Picture? iPhones running iOS 14 and later support Picture-in-Picture.
How do I close an app on my iPhone? Access the App Switcher (swipe up from the bottom and hold, or double-press the Home button) and then swipe up on the app’s preview to close it.
Does closing apps save battery life? The impact on battery life is debatable. iOS manages app suspension efficiently, so closing apps aggressively isn’t always necessary. In fact, reopening a fully closed app can sometimes consume more battery than resuming a suspended one.
How do I switch between apps quickly on my iPhone? Use the App Switcher (swipe up from the bottom and hold, or double-press the Home button) or swipe left or right on the bottom edge of the screen to quickly switch between recently used apps.
Can I resize the Picture-in-Picture window? Yes, you can pinch to zoom on the PiP window to resize it.
Can I hide the Picture-in-Picture window temporarily? Yes, you can drag the PiP window to the side of the screen to temporarily hide it while the audio continues to play. Drag it back onto the screen to resume viewing.
Are there any third-party apps that enable split-screen on iPhone? While some apps might claim to offer split-screen-like functionality, they often involve workarounds or are limited in their capabilities. There are no officially sanctioned third-party apps that replicate the true split-screen experience of an iPad or Android device. Be cautious of apps making such claims, as they may compromise your privacy or security.
Will Apple ever introduce true split-screen on iPhones? It’s impossible to say for sure. Apple’s product strategy is often unpredictable. However, as iPhones continue to increase in screen size, the possibility of split-screen functionality in the future cannot be ruled out.
How do I use the App Switcher on an iPhone with a Home button? Double-press the Home button to access the App Switcher.
How do I use the App Switcher on an iPhone without a Home button (Face ID)? Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold briefly to access the App Switcher.
What are Focus Modes and how do they help with multitasking? Focus Modes (available in iOS 15 and later) allow you to filter notifications and customize your Home Screen to minimize distractions. This can help you stay focused on the task at hand, even when switching between apps. Configure Focus Modes in Settings > Focus.
Where can I learn more about effective learning using technologies? You can explore more about innovative approaches to education and the use of technology in learning at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org is an excellent resource.

Conclusion: Embrace the iPhone Way

While the iPhone lacks true split-screen, its Picture-in-Picture and App Switcher features provide effective alternatives for multitasking. Understanding and mastering these tools will allow you to navigate your apps efficiently and stay productive on your iPhone. Perhaps future iterations of the iPhone will incorporate split-screen functionality, but for now, embrace the unique multitasking approach that Apple offers.

How do you split the screen on an iPhone?