How to Have Two Apps Open Side by Side on Your iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide

In today's efficient and multitasking-centric world, the ability to have multiple apps open side by side on your iPhone can significantly enhance your productivity and user experience. Whether you're using an iPhone or an iPad, several methods can help you achieve this coveted feature. This guide will help you understand the different ways to utilize side-by-side apps, focusing mainly on the iPhone and iPad platforms.

Split View Feature: Primarily for iPads

The iPhone doesn't support the traditional Split View feature, but iPads do, providing more robust multitasking capabilities. If you have an iPad, you can easily use Split View to have two apps running side by side. Here’s how to do it:

Open the First App: Begin by launching the app you want to use first. Access the Dock: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the Dock. Drag the Second App: Find the second app you want to use and drag it to the left or right edge of the screen. This will split the screen between the two apps.

While Split View is primarily available on iPads, it's worth noting that the iPhone does offer some alternatives that can provide a similar experience.

Alternatives for iPhones

If you're on an iPhone, you can still achieve side-by-side multitasking with the following methods:

App Switcher

Swipe Up from the Bottom: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up the App Switcher. Select an App: Choose the app you want to switch to from the list of open apps.

The App Switcher allows you to easily switch between different apps, making it a handy tool for managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Picture in Picture (PiP)

Start a Video: Open the video app you want to use (e.g., FaceTime, YouTube). Go to the Home Screen: Swipe up to go to the Home screen. Maintain PiP: The video will continue to play in a small window that you can move around the screen.

Picture in Picture is ideal for watching videos while you work on other tasks on your iPhone. It’s not a full split-screen experience, but it offers a unique way to engage with multimedia content without leaving your main app.

Note: If you want a true multitasking experience similar to what iPad provides, consider using an iPad. Its native multitasking features, including Split View, offer more comprehensive support for side-by-side apps.

Exploring Additional Multitasking Options

For those who use a combination of different devices and operating systems, there are a variety of methods available to have multiple apps open side by side:

Split Screen Multitasking

This feature is available on many modern smartphones and tablets. Here's how it typically works on different devices:

Android Devices: Open one app, tap the square or recent apps button, then tap and hold the app you want to use in split-screen mode. Select “Open in split screen” or a similar option. iOS Devices (iPads): Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up the dock, then drag an app from the dock to either side of the screen to enter split-screen mode.

Desktop Computers

Windows or macOS: Simply open multiple windows for different apps and arrange them side by side on your screen. Some systems, like Windows 10, also offer virtual desktops to switch between different sets of apps quickly.

Picture-in-Picture

This mode allows you to have one app running in a small window overlaying another app. It's particularly useful for video playback and can be found in apps like FaceTime and YouTube.

Third-Party Apps

In some cases, third-party apps or tools may be necessary to achieve simultaneous use of multiple apps. Especially when your device’s native functionality doesn’t support it.

Keep in mind: Not all devices or operating systems support these features. Depending on your device and operating system, your options may vary. Always check the official documentation or manufacturer’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.