How to Split Screen on iPad Pro and iPad for Business & Event Use

If you’ve ever needed to reference a document while replying to an email, manage two dashboards simultaneously, or run a live presentation alongside your notes, the iPad&  iPad Pro’s split-screen feature is exactly what you need. In 2026, Apple’s multitasking capabilities on iPad Pro are more powerful than ever, making it a genuine laptop replacement for professionals and event teams alike.

This guide covers everything you need to know about how to split screen on iPad& iPad Pro: what it is, how to enable it step by step, the three multitasking modes, advanced productivity tips, and how businesses use hired iPad Pros to run high-performance event and office workflows without the capital outlay of buying devices.

Key Takeaways

• iPad Pro supports three multitasking modes: Split View, Slide Over, and Stage Manager.
• Split View can be activated via the three-dot menu, the Dock, or the App Switcher.
• Stage Manager (M1 iPad Pro and later) allows up to 4 resizable app windows and dual-display support.
• Keyboard shortcuts on iPad Pro enable desktop-speed multitasking for power users.
• For events and short-term projects, hiring iPad Pros from Hire Tablets is a cost-effective solution.
• All hire packages include accessories, setup, and dedicated UK IT support.

How to Enable Split View on iPad Pro: Step-by-Step

Split View is the most widely used multitasking mode and the best starting point for business users. Here’s exactly how to activate it:

Method 1: Using the Multitasking Menu (iPadOS 15+)

1. Open the first app you want to use , for example, Mail.
2. Tap the three-dot multitasking button (•••) at the top centre of the screen.
3. Select Split View (the icon showing two rectangles side by side).cta
4. Your current app slides to one side, and the Home Screen appears.
5. Tap the second app you want to open , it fills the other half of the screen.
6. To adjust the split ratio, drag the black divider bar left or right to set 50/50 or 70/30 proportions.

Method 2: Drag and Drop from the Dock

1. Open your first app.
2. Slowly swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen to reveal the Dock without going to the Home Screen.
3. Press and hold the second app icon in the Dock until it lifts.
4. Drag it to the left or right edge of the screen until a dark panel appears.
5. Release , the app opens in Split View alongside your first app.

Method 3: From the App Switcher

1. Press the Home button twice or swipe up and pause (Face ID models) to open App Switcher.
2. Find the app you want to add and long-press its card.
3. Drag it on top of another app card to create a Split View pair.
4. Tap the combined pair to open both apps in Split View.

 

Need iPads Ready to Split-Screen for Your Event?

Hire Tablets delivers fully configured, event-ready iPads across the UK ,pre-loaded with apps and ready to use the moment they arrive at your venue.

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How to Split Screen on iPad (Standard Models)

If you’re using a regular iPad instead of an iPad Pro, the process is nearly identical.

The only difference may be screen size and performance speed, depending on the model.

To split screen on iPad:

• Open the first app
• Tap the three dots
• Select Split View
• Choose the second app
• Adjust the divider

 

As long as your device supports iPadOS multitasking, the feature will function.

How to Exit Split Screen on iPad

To close the split screen:

• Drag the divider all the way left or right
• Or tap the multitasking menu and choose Full Screen

Your iPad will return to single-app mode.

Split View vs Slide Over: Which Is Better for Business?

Split View displays two full apps side by side.

Slide Over shows one app floating above another.

For professional use , especially during conferences, exhibitions, or training sessions, Split View is typically more efficient because both apps remain visible and usable.

 

What is Split Screen on iPad Pro?

Split screen on iPad Pro , officially called Split View , is Apple’s multitasking feature that allows you to run two apps side by side simultaneously on a single screen. Introduced in iPadOS and refined significantly with iPadOS 16 and 17, it lets professionals divide the iPad display between two fully functional apps, each independently scrollable and interactive.

In 2026, iPadOS multitasking offers three core modes:

• Split View: Two apps share the screen equally (50/50) or in a 70/30 ratio.
• Slide Over: A floating app panel overlays your main app , easy to swipe away and recall.
• Stage Manager: Available on M-chip iPad Pro models , a full desktop-style window management system with resizable, overlapping windows.

 

Quick Compatibility Note

Split View and Slide Over work on all iPad Pro models running iPadOS 13 or later. Stage Manager requires an iPad Pro with M1 chip or newer (2021 onwards). All current iPad Pro hire models from Hire Tablets are Stage Manager compatible.

 

How to Use Slide Over on iPad Pro

Slide Over is ideal when you need a quick-access floating app without committing to a full split. Think of it as a temporary sidebar , perfect for checking messages, referencing a calculator, or monitoring a live feed while your main app stays full-screen.

Enabling Slide Over

1. Open your main app.
2. Tap the three-dot multitasking button (•••) at the top.
3. Select Slide Over (the icon showing a small rectangle over a larger one).
4. The Home Screen appears , tap the app you want to use in Slide Over.
5. The selected app appears as a floating panel on the right side of your screen.

Once Slide Over is active:

• Swipe right off the screen: Hides the Slide Over panel temporarily.
• Swipe left from the right edge: Bring the panel back.
• Drag the top bar: Reposition the panel anywhere on the screen.
• Swipe up on the panel: Dismiss and return to full-screen mode.

 

Stage Manager: The Power User’s Multitasking Mode

Stage Manager is the most advanced multitasking feature available on M-chip iPad Pros and represents a true desktop-class experience. It allows you to work with up to four apps simultaneously in resizable, overlapping windows , much like a Mac.

How to Enable Stage Manager

1. Open Control Centre (swipe down from the top-right corner).
2. Tap the Stage Manager icon (looks like a rectangle with smaller rectangles to the left).
3. The Stage Manager activates immediately. Your current app becomes the main window.
4. Recently used apps appear as a column of thumbnails on the left side.
5. Tap any thumbnail to bring that app into focus, or drag it into your current workspace.

Working with Multiple Windows in Stage Manager

• Resize windows: Drag any window corner to resize it freely.
• Create app groups: Drag app thumbnails into your main workspace , up to 4 apps at once.
• External display support: Connect an iPad Pro to a 4K monitor and use Stage Manager across both screens for a true dual-display setup.
• Drag and drop between windows: Move text, files, and images between open apps with a simple drag.

Business Use Case , Live Event Command Centre

At trade shows and conferences, our clients use Stage Manager on hired iPad Pros to run event management software, live chat, and presentation slides simultaneously , all from a single device. Contact the ITRental services company in UK to configure this setup for your next event.

Still Deciding Between Hiring and Buying iPads?

For events, short-term projects, and seasonal business needs, hiring almost always wins on cost, flexibility, and convenience. Our dedicated guide breaks it all down with real UK business examples.

Read the full guide:  iPad Rental vs Buying , Which Is Better for Your Event?  →

 

Best Split Screen App Combinations for Business & Events

The real power of iPad Pro multitasking emerges when you pair the right apps together. Here are the most productive combinations for business and event professionals:

For Event Management

• Eventbrite + Slack: Monitor registrations in real time while coordinating with your team.
• Pages + Safari: Draft on-the-fly content while referencing your brief or brand guidelines.
• Keynote + Notes: Present slides while keeping your speaker notes visible and editable.

For Corporate Office Use

• Microsoft Outlook + Teams: Manage email and meetings from a single split-screen view.
• Excel + Numbers: Cross-reference spreadsheets without switching tabs.
• Salesforce + Mail: Update CRM records while responding to client emails simultaneously.

For Field & On-Site Teams

• Google Maps + Notes: Navigate while logging site observations in real time.
• Camera + Files: Capture photos and immediately file them into the correct project folder.
• Safari + PDF Expert: Reference technical documents while browsing product specs or compliance guidance.

Quick Productivity Stat

Business users who regularly use iPad Pro split-screen report handling up to 40% more tasks per session compared to single-app use. For event teams, this translates directly to faster response times and fewer errors on the day.

 

iPad Pro Split Screen Keyboard Shortcuts (2026)

If you use an Apple Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard Folio with your iPad Pro, these shortcuts unlock the full multitasking experience at desktop speed:

• Globe + ←/→: Move the current app to the left or right side of Split View.
• Globe + F: Enter or exit Stage Manager.
• Globe + ↑: Open App Switcher.
• Globe + H: Return to the Home Screen.
• Cmd + Tab: Switch between the last used apps (works within Split View).
• Globe + A: Open the App Library.

Accessories That Make It Better

A keyboard transforms the iPad Pro into a full workstation. Hire Tablets offers iPad accessories, including Magic Keyboards, Smart Keyboard Folios, Apple Pencils, and stands as part of complete hire packages.

 

Split Screen Not Working? Common Fixes

Split View Option Missing or Greyed Out

• Some apps don’t support Split View , this is usually an app limitation, not an iPad issue.
• Check Settings → Home Screen & Multitasking → Allow Multiple Apps is toggled on.
• Update iPadOS , older OS versions have multitasking bugs that were patched in later releases.

Stage Manager Won’t Enable

• Stage Manager requires iPad Pro M1 or later. Check your model in Settings → General → About.
• Ensure iPadOS 16 or later is installed , Stage Manager is not available on earlier versions.

Apps Keep Closing in Split View

• Low RAM can force apps to refresh. Close unused background apps via App Switcher.
• Restart the iPad , a fresh start clears memory-related multitasking issues.

Can’t Find the Three-Dot Multitasking Button

• This button only appears in apps that support multitasking. If it’s missing, the app doesn’t support Split View. Try the drag-from-Dock method instead.

 

How Businesses & Event Teams Use iPad Pro Split Screen

For professionals who need real-time multitasking at scale , whether at a trade show, training session, product launch, or conference , iPad Pro split-screen capability is one of the most valuable tools available. Here’s how UK organisations are putting it to work:

Event Registration & Check-In

Teams use Split View to run check-in software alongside a guest CRM, instantly matching arrivals against registration lists while capturing notes , all on a single device. Pair this with professional IT rental for networking infrastructure, and you have a complete event tech solution.

Sales Demonstrations

Sales teams use Stage Manager to present product demos while accessing pricing sheets and live inventory simultaneously. No switching, no delays , just seamless, professional client interactions.

Training & Workshops

Trainers split the screen between a presentation and interactive exercises, or between a video demonstration and a reference document, keeping attendees engaged without constantly switching views.

Field Operations & Site Management

Field teams use iPad Pro split-screen to log findings and reference schematics in real time , increasing accuracy and reducing the need to carry paper documentation to site.

Why Hire Rather Than Buy?  For project-based or event use, hiring iPads eliminates capital expenditure and logistical overhead. Visit Why Hire Tablets? for the full business case.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all iPad Pro models use split screen?

Yes. All iPad Pro models running iPadOS 13 or later support Split View and Slide Over. Stage Manager requires an M1 chip or newer.

How many apps can I have open at once on the iPad Pro?

In Split View, two apps share the screen. With Slide Over added, you can have three active simultaneously. Stage Manager allows up to four apps in resizable windows on-screen at once.

Why can’t I use Split View with certain apps?

Not all apps support Split View , this is a developer setting. Most productivity, communication, and business apps do. Apple’s own apps (Mail, Safari, Notes, Calendar) all fully support it.

Does split-screen drain the battery faster?

Running two demanding apps simultaneously does use slightly more battery. For event use, we recommend keeping iPads plugged into charging stations , available as part of our hire accessory packages.

Can I hire iPad Pros that are ready to use split screen out of the box?

Yes. All iPad Pro models from Hire Tablets are fully updated, configured, and ready to use multitasking features the moment they arrive. Contact us to discuss your requirements.