The iPhone, with its evolving iOS updates, continues to introduce new features that improve multitasking and productivity. Multi-window support, commonly referred to as Split View or Picture-in-Picture (PiP), allows users to run two or more apps simultaneously, enhancing efficiency for tasks that require using multiple apps at once. While multi-window functionality is more extensive on iPads, certain apps on iPhones have embraced this feature to enhance their usability. In this article, we’ll explore the best apps that support multi-window features on iPhone and how they can help you get more done.
1. Safari
Safari, Apple’s native web browser, is one of the best apps for taking advantage of multi-window support on the iPhone. As of iOS 15, Safari allows users to open multiple windows or tabs, making it easier to browse the web more efficiently. This feature is particularly useful when you’re doing research or need to compare information from different websites without constantly switching between tabs.
Safari’s multi-window support allows you to:
- View multiple tabs simultaneously: Whether you’re reading news, working on a project, or comparing products, Safari makes it easy to have multiple sites open at once.
- Open multiple instances of Safari: You can have different windows showing various websites, each operating independently of the other, allowing for a true multitasking experience.
- Use Picture-in-Picture mode for videos: You can minimize a video from a website to continue watching it in a smaller window while browsing or working in another app.
How to Use Multi-Window in Safari:
- Open Safari and navigate to a webpage.
- Press and hold a link, then select “Open in New Window” to create a separate window.
- You can switch between windows using the tab switcher, making multitasking fluid and fast.
Safari’s multi-window support is ideal for students, professionals, or anyone who frequently uses the web for multitasking, as it allows seamless switching between windows without closing out any tasks.
2. YouTube
The YouTube app for iPhone offers a Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, a form of multi-window support that allows you to watch videos in a small, floating window while using other apps on your phone. This feature is especially useful when you want to continue watching a video while replying to messages, checking emails, or browsing social media. The PiP feature is available for both YouTube Premium users and, more recently, for non-premium users in certain regions.
YouTube’s multi-window feature is designed to:
- Keep your video playing in a mini window: Once you activate PiP mode, your video will shrink to a corner of your screen, allowing you to interact with other apps while still watching the video.
- Adjust the size and position: You can drag the mini video window around the screen and even resize it to suit your needs.
- Pause, play, or close the video without leaving your task: PiP mode gives you control over video playback without interrupting your workflow.
How to Use Picture-in-Picture Mode in YouTube:
- Start playing a video on YouTube.
- Swipe up from the bottom of your screen or press the Home button, and the video will automatically shrink into PiP mode.
- Continue using other apps while the video plays in the mini window.
Whether you’re catching up on tutorials, watching a live stream, or just enjoying entertainment content, YouTube’s multi-window support makes it easy to stay engaged without interrupting your other tasks.
3. Files
Apple’s Files app also supports multi-window functionality, making it easier for users to manage documents, organize files, and transfer content between apps. The Files app is particularly useful for professionals and students who need to work with multiple documents or reference different files during a task. The multi-window support in Files helps streamline these tasks by allowing users to have multiple instances of the app open, each displaying different folders or documents.
Here’s how Files leverages multi-window support:
- Open multiple files side by side: You can compare two documents or work on different files at the same time without constantly switching between screens.
- Drag and drop between windows: The Files app supports drag-and-drop functionality, allowing you to easily transfer files, images, or text between two open instances of the app.
- Simultaneously browse different folders: Multi-window support makes it easy to navigate different file locations, making organizing and managing your data more efficient.
How to Use Multi-Window Support in Files:
- Open the Files app and choose a folder or document to view.
- Open a second instance by pressing and holding on a file, then selecting “Open in New Window.”
- You can now drag files between windows or view different parts of your file system simultaneously.
This feature is especially useful for professionals dealing with multiple documents, spreadsheets, or project files, as it saves time and enhances workflow.
4. Google Drive
Google Drive is another app that offers multi-window support on the iPhone. Similar to the Files app, Google Drive allows users to open multiple instances to work with different files at the same time. This is particularly beneficial for those who rely on cloud storage for document management, as it lets you compare, edit, and organize files with ease.
Google Drive’s multi-window functionality helps users:
- Manage multiple documents: Open different files simultaneously, making it easier to reference or edit documents without switching back and forth.
- Transfer files between windows: Like Files, Google Drive also supports drag-and-drop functionality, allowing for quick movement of documents between different Drive folders.
- Boost productivity: Whether you’re managing business documents, collaborating with others, or organizing personal files, multi-window support lets you handle tasks more efficiently.
How to Use Multi-Window Support in Google Drive:
- Open Google Drive and navigate to the file or folder you want to access.
- Press and hold a file, then choose “Open in New Window” to create a second instance of the app.
- You can now easily move between windows, organize files, or compare documents.
Conclusion
Multi-window support on the iPhone, though more limited than on iPads, can greatly enhance productivity by allowing users to work across multiple apps simultaneously. Whether you’re using Safari for research, YouTube for entertainment, Files for document management, or Google Drive for cloud storage, these apps offer the flexibility and efficiency needed for multitasking. By leveraging the multi-window capabilities of these apps, you can streamline your workflow and accomplish more in less time.