Apple has reintroduced the Slide Over multitasking feature with the release of iPadOS 26.1 beta 2, giving users a familiar and flexible way to manage apps on the iPad.
Slide Over was previously removed in iPadOS 26 when Apple introduced a new windowed multitasking system. While the new setup allows users to open and resize multiple app windows, many missed the simplicity and quick access that Slide Over offered.
Now, with iPadOS 26.1 beta 2, Apple has brought the feature back, and made it compatible with the new multitasking environment.
To use Slide Over, tap the green icon at the top of an app window to open the window options, then choose “Enter Slide Over.” The app will appear as a floating window over your other open apps, allowing you to quickly access it without switching screens.
You can swipe to hide or reveal the Slide Over app, and even resize the window — a new addition in iPadOS 26.1 that makes multitasking more flexible than before.
Currently, Slide Over supports one app at a time, so it’s not as advanced as the version found in earlier iPadOS releases. Still, its return is a welcome change for users who preferred having a simple overlay for quick app switching and multitasking.
iPadOS 26.1 beta 2 is available now for registered developers, with a public beta likely to follow soon.
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