The most recent iPad software upgrade, iPadOS 26.1, has been launched with a noteworthy boost for productivity: the reinstatement of Slide Over. This capability enables users to keep one application in view above others, thereby enhancing the multitasking experience.
### iPadOS 26’s Revamped Windowing System and the Reintroduction of Slide Over
For the past ten years, the iPad Pro has been a fundamental computing device for numerous users. With the rollout of iPadOS 26, Apple intended to advance productivity by introducing a new window management system. Nevertheless, the first version saw the elimination of Slide Over and Split View, which had been crucial for effective multitasking. While users could recreate some elements of Split View, the lack of Slide Over was particularly prominent.
Slide Over offers users the ability to keep one window on top of other applications, enabling quick access to secondary tasks without overwhelming the primary workspace. This feature was especially beneficial for activities like checking social media or controlling music playback while concentrating on main tasks, such as writing or doing research.
### How to Activate Slide Over in iPadOS 26.1
To activate Slide Over, users can press and hold the green window control button located at the top of the screen and choose ‘Enter Slide Over.’ Although the feature has been restored, it currently only supports a single application at a time, which is a limitation when compared to earlier versions where multiple apps could be layered.
Despite this limitation, many users have discovered Slide Over to be an indispensable tool. For example, keeping Slack as a Slide Over application enables uninterrupted communication while other tasks are being performed. In the past, users needed to resize windows to fit Slack, which frequently resulted in a loss of screen space. With Slide Over, Slack remains readily available without interrupting workflow.
### Conclusion
The reinstatement of Slide Over in iPadOS 26.1 has greatly improved multitasking functions on the iPad Pro. Although there are still opportunities for enhancement, such as allowing multiple apps to be stacked, the feature has simplified task management for users. As iPadOS progresses, there is optimism that Slide Over will receive further improvements to boost productivity. For more comprehensive guidance on using Slide Over, users can consult Apple’s support documentation.
