Apple has officially reintroduced the Slide Over multitasking feature in iPadOS 26.1 Beta 2, answering widespread user demand and marking a notable course correction in its tablet interface strategy. This beta release, now available to developers, comes just months after the controversial removal of Slide Over and Split View when iPadOS 26 launched with a radically new windowing system, which many users found efficient but incomplete for multitasking workflows.
Slide Over Returns: What Changed
The reinstated Slide Over works alongside iPadOS 26’s new windowing architecture, providing instant access to a floating app atop the main workspace, perfect for quick interactions without rearranging windows or disturbing ongoing tasks.
To activate Slide Over, users can tap the window resize controls (the green “traffic light” button at the top-left of any app window), where a new ‘Enter Slide Over’ option appears. This resizes the selected app into Slide Over mode, retaining the background app’s visibility.
Unlike previous versions, the Slide Over panel can now be resized for better usability, giving users greater control over their workflow and screen space. However, the current limitation is that only one Slide Over app can be active at a time – unlike iPadOS 18 and earlier, which allowed a stack of Slide Over apps for swift switching between them. Apple has not confirmed if multi-app support will return, but this restriction is highlighted consistently in all reports on the beta.
Why Did Apple Bring Slide Over Back?
The rapid reversal follows vigorous feedback from developers, creative professionals, and everyday users who felt the absence of Slide Over hampered their productivity and workflow flexibility. With iPadOS 26, Apple bet big on a desktop-like window manager, but soon realized the importance of preserving familiar interaction patterns – showing a new responsiveness to user demand. Many believe this update signals a more user-centric approach, promising smoother transitions and more balanced innovation that builds on legacy features rather than outright replacement.
Additional iPadOS 26.1 Beta 2 Features
While Slide Over returns as the headline change, Beta 2 incorporates further refinements:
- Safari download UI now appears centrally for better accessibility.
- Expanded language support for Apple Intelligence, plus AirPods Live Translation in five new languages.
- Visual tweaks and bug fixes to smooth out remaining interface inconsistencies from the initial v26.0 rollout.
- Improved battery management, targeting reduced drain following user complaints.
