iPadOS 26.1 brings back the beloved multitasking feature to Apple tablets

5 hours agoLast Updated: November 4, 2025

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iPadOS 26.1 brings back the beloved multitasking feature to Apple tablets

By | Published: 2025-11-04 10:58:36 | Source: Digital Trends

What happened? ̆Nearly six weeks after launching iPadOS 26 (alongside iOS 26), Apple has released the first major update to its tablet operating system — iPadOS 26.1 — and it brings back the beloved multitasking feature.

Monday Apple Rolled iPadOS 26.1 for all eligible iPad users.
The update includes a number of new features, such as control of external USB microphones via local capture and a new color theme that increases the opacity of app backgrounds and lock screen notifications.
The most noteworthy addition is the Slide Over feature. Combined with the new multitasking system, it allows users to access their favorite applications more easily – without having to switch screens.

Why is this important? With iPadOS 26, Apple has removed the Slide Over feature in favor of its new window-based multitasking system. However, due to popular demand, the company has brought it back in iPadOS 26.1, with some notable changes.

Slide Over allows users to open an app in a smaller vertical window that floats above the main app or home screen. It can be quickly swiped in or out from the side of the screen.
In iPadOS 26.1, you can now resize and use the Slide Over window in conjunction with the new multitasking system. To activate it, click the green icon in the controls in the application window and select Enter Slide Over.
While the original version allowed multiple apps to be stacked in a Slide Over, the new version currently only supports one app in a Slide Over window at a time.

Why should I care? Slide Over makes it easy to access information from another app while continuing your work in the current app. You can also use the Globe key + keyboard shortcut to quickly call up the Slide Over app.

Moreover, users also get an Apple Music MiniPlayer swipe gesture to jump to the next or previous track, AutoMix support via AirPlay, a setting to turn screen lock on/off to open the camera, and improved FaceTime audio quality in low-bandwidth conditions. All of these features are also rolling out to iPhones running iOS 26.1.
The Apple Vision Pro app is now available on iPad, allowing users to discover new content and spatial experiences and quickly access information about the device.
Last but not least, Web Content Filters and Communication Security to limit adult websites are enabled by default for children’s accounts (ages 13-17) in iPadOS 26.1.
To download the update, go to Settings > General > Software Update, check for available updates, then install the latest update.

(Tags for translation)Phones

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