Slide Over is back! This is how iPadOS 26.1 revolutionizes multitasking

Slide Over is back! This is how iPadOS 26.1 revolutionizes multitasking

On October 6, 2025, Apple took a noticeable step towards the return of a popular feature: the Slide Over feature will be reintroduced with the second beta of iPadOS 26.1. Users had to do without this function in the first version of iPadOS 26, which is now part of the multitasking system again. This decision is obviously met with great interest, as many users sorely missed the function.

To easily activate Slide Over, all you need to do is tap the green icon of an app window, followed by selecting “Invoke Slide Over”. This option not only allows users to use different apps in parallel, but also allows a single application to float above other windows in slide-over mode. A new feature is the ability to adjust the size of the slide-over window, a feature that was not available in the past. However, it is important to note that Slide Over only supports a single app in this version, unlike previous versions that included multiple apps. stadt-bremerhaven.de reports that the slide-over function can be shown and hidden using simple swipe gestures, which further simplifies operation.

The innovations in multitasking

As macrumors.com mentioned, the updated Slide Over feature brings new capabilities coupled with the improved multitasking features of iPadOS 26. Users can have multiple app windows open at the same time and quickly access their favorite app using Slide-Over without disrupting the workflow. This can be easily done by controlling the window size, which increases flexibility.

In iPadOS 26, the previously used features were replaced with a new window multitasking system, but the return of Slide Over seems to have been the right decision. Many users wanted this feature back and the ability to use their screen efficiently is invaluable.

Additional features of iPadOS 26

In addition to the return of the slide-over function, iPadOS 26 offers several interesting innovations. The system supports a variety of up to 12 application windows on more powerful iPads. There are different restrictions for all models. The design and features have also received a significant overhaul. Highlights include improved background task management that enables smooth file transfers, as well as several new applications such as the Preview app for PDFs and even a Journal app for diary notes. geeky-gadgets.com has summarized that iPadOS 26 also introduces new input features, including a pointed cursor and a modern “shake to enlarge” function.

The new adjustments to the iPad are definitely worth a look. For many users, this means an upgrade of their experience with the device. Whether it's getting creative with new apps or improving multitasking functionality, the return of Slide Over shows that Apple is listening to its users' needs and is willing to make changes. They have certainly shown that they have a good hand.