iPadOS Revolutionized: Windowed Apps Arrive, Redefining Multitasking
October 8, 2025 – In a move that dramatically alters the iPad experience, Apple has officially rolled out Windowed Apps functionality with the latest iPadOS update. This isn’t just a tweak; it’s a fundamental shift, bringing true, desktop-style multitasking to the tablet. For years, iPad users have craved the ability to work with multiple apps side-by-side, and now, it’s finally here. This is a breaking news development that will immediately impact productivity and workflow for millions.
Unlocking the Power of Multiple Windows
The new feature allows users to open apps in resizable windows, move them around the screen, and even work with multiple windows of the same app – a game-changer for tasks like comparing documents or researching online. To get started, ensure your iPad is running the newest version of iPadOS. The setup is straightforward: navigate to Settings > Multitasking & Gestures > Windowed Apps and enable the feature.
How to Master Windowed Apps on Your iPad
Here’s a quick guide to getting up and running:
- Opening Apps: Simply tap an app icon from your Home Screen, Dock, or App Library.
- Multiple Windows (Safari, Notes, etc.): Touch and hold the app icon, then select “New Window.”
- Switching Apps: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen, pause, and lift your finger to access the app switcher. For external keyboard users, the Exposed key or Globe + Up Arrow can be used.
- Resizing Windows: Drag any corner or the handle in the lower right corner of the window.
- Moving Windows: Drag the top edge of the window to reposition it.
- Window Controls: Access controls by touching the top of the window (swipe down if hidden). Close, minimize, zoom, and rearrange windows using the available buttons.
- Side-by-Side Apps: Drag an app window to the right or left side of the screen, then drag another app to the opposite side. Adjust the size by dragging the center bar.
- Menu Bar Access: Swipe down from the top center of the screen or move your pointer to the top to reveal the app’s menu bar.
A History of iPad Multitasking: From Split View to Windowed Apps
The arrival of Windowed Apps marks the culmination of years of evolution in iPad multitasking. Initially, iPadOS introduced Split View and Slide Over, offering limited side-by-side functionality. Stage Manager, introduced in later versions, attempted a more desktop-like experience but faced criticism for its complexity and limitations. Windowed Apps addresses these concerns, providing a more intuitive and flexible system. This evolution highlights Apple’s commitment to bridging the gap between the iPad’s portability and the power of a traditional computer. Understanding this history is crucial for appreciating the significance of this SEO-friendly update.
Beyond the Basics: Maximizing Your iPad Workflow
This isn’t just about opening more apps at once. Windowed Apps unlock new levels of productivity. Imagine editing a document in Pages while simultaneously referencing research in Safari, all within the same view. Or, perhaps you’re a creative professional who can now comfortably manage multiple layers in Procreate alongside reference images. The possibilities are vast. Furthermore, the ability to resize and reposition windows allows for a truly personalized workspace, tailored to your specific needs. This feature is a boon for Google News readers who demand efficiency and flexibility.
The future of iPadOS multitasking looks bright. We can anticipate further refinements to Windowed Apps, potentially including more advanced window management features, improved external display support, and deeper integration with Apple’s ecosystem. This update isn’t just a feature release; it’s a statement about Apple’s vision for the iPad as a powerful and versatile computing device.
With Windowed Apps, the iPad is no longer just a tablet; it’s a truly adaptable tool for work, creativity, and everything in between. Stay tuned to archyde.com for more in-depth guides, tips, and analysis on maximizing your iPad experience.
