iPadOS 26.2 Revamps Multitasking with Enhanced Slide Over and Drag-and-Drop Features

Apple has released the third beta of iPadOS 26.2. This update introduces significant improvements to the iPad’s multitasking system. Users now have more intuitive control over app windows.

The changes refine features that were initially altered in earlier versions of iPadOS 26. According to Reuters, these adjustments aim to restore a more familiar and flexible user experience. The update focuses on making complex workflows simpler.

How the New Multitasking System Works

The core change involves the Slide Over feature. It now functions more like it did in iPadOS 18. Users can drag apps directly into different viewing modes.

You can drag an app from the Dock or App Library. Placing it to the side creates a tiled, Split View-like layout. Dragging it further to the edge establishes it as a Slide Over app.

Visual guides appear on screen. These indicators show where the app will be placed. This prevents accidental placements and improves precision.

A key new ability is app replacement. You can drag a new app over an existing one in a tiled view or Slide Over window. The new app then takes its position instantly.

This workflow is a major productivity boost. It allows for quick context switching without rebuilding your entire workspace. The system remains fluid and responsive.

Broader Impact on iPad Productivity

These refinements signal Apple’s continued commitment to the iPad as a professional tool. The company is listening to user feedback on workflow disruptions. The goal is a powerful yet accessible multitasking environment.

For users, this means less friction. Composing emails while referencing a document becomes smoother. Content creation and research tasks are more efficient.

The update solidifies the iPad’s position between a smartphone and a laptop. It offers a unique, touch-first approach to managing multiple apps. This balance is crucial for its future development.

The latest iPadOS 26.2 beta significantly enhances the iPad’s multitasking capabilities. Its refined Slide Over and drag-and-drop functions mark a clear step forward for user productivity. These changes make the iPad an even more powerful and intuitive tool for professional workflows.

Thought you’d like to know

What is Slide Over in iPadOS?

Slide Over lets you temporarily float an app over another. It is useful for quick reference or messaging. You can easily hide and recall the Slide Over window.

How do I activate the new multitasking features?

You must be running the iPadOS 26.2 beta. Then, simply drag an app from the Dock to the screen’s edge. Visual cues will guide you to place it in Split View or Slide Over.

Can I stack multiple apps in Slide Over now?

No, stacking multiple apps in Slide Over is still not supported. However, you can now quickly replace the current Slide Over app with a new one by dragging and dropping.

Where can I drag apps from for multitasking?

Apps can be dragged from the Dock, the App Library, or from Spotlight search results. This provides multiple ways to quickly access and position any app on your iPad.

Why did Apple change multitasking in iPadOS 26.2?

The changes appear to be a direct response to user feedback. The goal was to restore some of the more intuitive behaviors from iPadOS 18 that were lost in earlier versions of iPadOS 26.