Apple Unveils iPadOS 26.1: A Welcome Return of Slide Over
About six weeks after the debut of iPadOS 26, Apple has rolled out its first significant update for the tablet operating system—iPadOS 26.1. This new version reintroduces a popular multitasking feature that many users missed.
On Monday, Apple made iPadOS 26.1 available to all compatible iPads, bringing with it several exciting enhancements.
New Features and Enhancements
This update introduces various features designed to improve user experiance. One notable addition is the ability to control external USB microphones through local capture settings. Additionally, there’s a fresh tinted appearance that enhances app backgrounds and lock screen notifications by increasing their opacity.
The highlight of this update is undoubtedly the return of the Slide Over feature. This function works alongside a revamped windowed multitasking system, making it easier for users to access their favorite applications without needing to switch between screens constantly.
The Importance of Slide Over's Return
The removal of Slide Over in iPadOS 26 sparked considerable feedback from users who found it useful for multitasking. In response to this demand, Apple has reinstated it in version 26.1 with some improvements.
Slide Over allows you to open an app in a smaller vertical window that hovers over yoru main application or Home Screen, providing speedy access without disrupting your workflow. You can easily swipe this window in or out from either side of your display.
This latest iteration enables resizing the Slide Over window and using it alongside othre apps within the new multitasking framework. To activate this feature, simply tap on the green icon located in an app’s controls and select “Enter Slide Over.” However, unlike its predecessor—which allowed multiple apps stacked together—the current version supports only one app at a time within Slide Over mode.
Why Users Should Embrace These Changes
the return of Slide Over significantly enhances productivity by allowing you to pull details from another application while continuing your work seamlessly in another one. For those who prefer keyboard shortcuts, invoking the Slide Over app can be done quickly using Globe key + .
A Suite of Additional Features
This update also brings several other enhancements worth noting: an Apple music MiniPlayer gesture lets you swipe between tracks effortlessly; AutoMix support is now available over AirPlay; there's an option for toggling Lock Screen swipe-to-open camera functionality; and FaceTime audio quality has been improved even under low-bandwidth conditions—all these features are also being introduced on iPhones running iOS 26.1.
A New App Experience with Vision Pro
An exciting addition is the launch of the Apple Vision pro app on iPads which allows users to explore new content and spatial experiences while quickly accessing device information—an intriguing development for those interested in augmented reality experiences!
Enhanced Safety Features for Young Users
Moreover, Dialog Safety measures have been implemented along with web content filters aimed at limiting access to adult websites by default for child accounts aged between 13-17 years old within iPadOS 26.1—a thoughtful step towards ensuring safer online interactions for younger audiences.
Your Guide To Updating Your device
If you're eager to experience these updates firsthand on your device, simply navigate through Settings > General > Software Update where you'll find options available for download and installation!
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