According to MacRumors, Apple has reintroduced the Slide Over multitasking feature in iPadOS 26.1, which started rolling out to compatible iPads on Monday. The feature was completely removed in the initial iPadOS 26 release but now works alongside the new window-based multitasking system. Users can activate Slide Over by long-pressing the window resizing icon and selecting “Enter Slide Over” from the menu. However, there’s a significant limitation – iPadOS 26.1 only allows one Slide Over app at a time, unlike previous versions that let users cycle through multiple apps.
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The iPad Multitasking Identity Crisis
Here’s the thing about Apple’s approach to iPad multitasking – it feels like they’re constantly reinventing the wheel. And honestly, it’s getting confusing for users. We went from having a pretty solid Slide Over system that people actually understood to… well, whatever this new iteration is. The fact that they removed it entirely in iPadOS 26 only to bring it back weeks later in 26.1 suggests Apple’s own team might be struggling with the vision.
I think what we’re seeing is Apple’s internal debate about whether the iPad should be more like a computer or more like a tablet. The new window-based system screams “computer,” but then they bring back Slide Over because, let’s face it, people actually use it. But why strip it down to just one app? That feels like a step backward.
Where This Is Probably Heading
Look, Apple doesn’t typically walk back features unless there’s significant user pushback. The quick return of Slide Over tells me people were genuinely upset about losing it. But the single-app limitation? That smells like a compromise. Basically, Apple wants to push everyone toward their new window system while throwing a bone to Slide Over loyalists.
My prediction? We’ll see this single-app limitation stick around for a while, maybe through iPadOS 27. Apple will collect usage data and see if people actually need multiple Slide Over apps when they have full window management. If enough users complain, they might restore the multi-app capability. But honestly? I wouldn’t hold my breath.
The bigger question is whether Apple will ever settle on a consistent multitasking approach for the iPad. We’ve seen so many iterations over the years that it’s hard to keep track. At some point, they need to pick a direction and stick with it. Otherwise, we’re just going to keep having these awkward transition periods where features disappear and reappear with confusing limitations.
