Navigating Multiple Apps on iOS Devices: iPads vs iPhones

Many users wonder how to manage multiple apps on different iOS devices. This article explores the capabilities and methods for opening and switching between applications on both iPads and iPhones, highlighting the differences and best practices.

Opening Multiple Apps on an iPad

If you are using an iPad, you have the flexibility to open and switch between multiple apps seamlessly. Here’s how you can achieve this:

Receive a notification from another app, or swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the multitasking switcher. You will see a list of all running apps.

Swipe left or right to navigate between the open apps and use your finger to tap on any app to switch to it.

For a more advanced multi-screen feature, you can use the split screen mode on iPad, which allows you to open two apps side by side:

Open an app in full-screen mode first. To open another app in a different window, head to the dock and hold the app icon. Drag the app you want to open to the right or left edge of the screen to open in split screen mode. To display an app in floating view, drag the app to the center of the screen.

Opening Multiple Apps on an iPhone

On an iPhone, the experience is slightly different. Here’s how you can manage your apps efficiently:

Press the home button to open one app, then press the home button again to launch another app. Double-tap the home button to view the list of running apps and switch between them.

For newer iPhones without a home button, you can explore gesture-based methods to go to the home screen or to view running apps.

Note that you can only operate one app at a time on most iPhones due to the single-screen restriction. However, you can still use the split-screen mode available on iPad, and for Android devices, the “split screen” feature is also available.

Multi-Tasking on iPads vs iPhones

The capabilities for multiple app use are different between iPads and iPhones. Here are some key points:

Two Apps at Once on an iPad

On an iPad, you can open two apps side by side, enhancing your multitasking experience with split screen mode. This mode allows you to see and use two apps simultaneously, increasing productivity and efficiency.

Three Apps in Total on an iPad

While two apps can be used side by side, a third app can be launched in floating mode. This setup is ideal for tasks requiring the use of three related applications without compromising on screen real estate. To achieve this, follow the steps outlined in the split-screen mode section above.

Why Use Multiple Apps Simultaneously?

Managing multiple apps simultaneously on an iOS device might seem unnecessary, but it can be beneficial in certain situations:

Collaboration: If you are working on a project that requires you to reference different applications simultaneously, splitting your screen can improve efficiency.

Reference: Reading documents, checking emails, and accessing tools while working on a document can be easier with split-screen mode.

Learning and Development: Using multiple educational apps or applications for skills training can be more effective when split across the screen.

However, it's important to note that not everyone may find the need to multitask with multiple apps simultaneously. Each user and use case is unique, and the ability to switch between applications swiftly can often be more important than the ability to use multiple apps at once.

Conclusion

Whether you are using an iPad or an iPhone, different methods are available for managing multiple apps. iPads offer a wider range of multitasking capabilities, including split-screen mode and floating views, while iPhones are limited to single-app operation at a time. Understanding these differences can help you make the most of your device according to your specific needs.