Using apps written for portrait mode only in landscape mode

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Level 1

11 points

Using apps written for portrait mode only in landscape mode

I use an iPad pro and usually only with keyboard dock so landscape mode is all I use typically. A lot of apps are written for portrait mode and the iPad will show the app in portrait mode and it will be displayed sideways when in the keyboard dock.

It would seem a lot better to allow these apps to run in either orientation but just use a smaller amount of the screen when in landscape mode. This would allow the app to be usable in landscape orientation, which would be a reasonable compromise on a large iPad pro screen.

This feature seems like it could be accomplished on the iOS side without app changes. Please let me know if this feature already exists. If it doesn’t, could this be added?

iPad Pro 12.9-inch, 3rd Gen, Wi-Fi

Posted on Aug 15, 2021 3:31 PM

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Answer 1

markwmsn

Level 6

16,715 points

Aug 15, 2021 9:01 PM in response to jolaticus

I understand that Apple has announced that this feature will be coming to iPadOS 15 (due out later this year).

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Answer 2

MichelPM

Level 10

81,535 points

Aug 15, 2021 3:36 PM in response to jolaticus

This is NOT up to Apple, but must be coded by the third party app developer.

Many iPhone ONLY apps have no need for landscape mode.

If your iPad has apps on it that were really meant for iPhone/iPod Touch, then you need to contact the third party app developer/s about changing their code to allow for possible landscape orientation when using such apps on iPads.

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Answer 3

MichelPM

Level 10

81,535 points

Aug 15, 2021 7:06 PM in response to jolaticus

Post feedback to Apple here below.

Tap on link.

https://www.apple.com/feedback/ipad.html

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Answer 4

jolaticus Author

Level 1

11 points

Aug 15, 2021 6:34 PM in response to MichelPM

You MISUNDERSTOOD my proposal - this would NOT need an app developer to make code changes. I'm describing the scenario where an app developer writes an app that only works on portrait mode for whatever reason. They expect the screen to have that ratio of pixels. This is frustrating for an iPad pro user that is generally used in landscape mode. iOS could offer a feature to operate in landscape orientation but emulate portrait mode for the app so that it thinks that it is in portrait mode (e.g. make pixels at the side of the screen inaccessible). This would avoid app developers needing to update their apps to support landscape and portrait mode. It is not a case of NOT needing landscape mode, but rather that it shouldn't be necessary to force customers to to rotate their devices.

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Using apps written for portrait mode only in landscape mode

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