How would you change iPad multitasking?

iPad mini multitasking
iPad mini multitasking (Image credit: iMore)

The original iPad ran "iPhone OS", which shows how tightly coupled Apple's tablets have been with their phones. A few multitasking navigation gestures aside, it remained that way until iOS 9 introduced several new features specifically for the iPad. That includes slide over and split view apps, and picture-in-picture video. They're a huge step forward, but also a first step. So what would you like to see changed in iOS 10?

  • More efficient app switcher for slide over and secondary (right) apps.
  • More consistent app switcher for split view and primary (left) apps.
  • Ability to quickly swap apps from primary (left) to secondary (right).
  • Drag-and-drop content between primary (left) and secondary (right) apps.
  • 30/70 split view with narrow primary (left) app.
  • 50/50 split view in portrait mode.
  • Horizontal split view for portrait mode.
  • Multiple instances of same app (i.e. two Safari windows) in split view.
  • Picture-in-picture-style remote view for apps.

I've long wanted iPad to benefit from iPadOS the way Watch and TV benefit from watchOS and tvOS. Multi-app multitasking brings that dream closer to reality, at least for apps if not for Home screen.

The challenge is to do it in such a way that it maintains accessibility and approachability for the mainstream. That adds capability without undue complexity. But iOS 10 (iOS X) is less than a year away, so what do you want from multi-app multitasking?

Rene Ritchie
Contributor

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.