I absolutely loathe this feature. It’s shocking design and I’m sick of multiple screens accidentally opening. I can’t work out how to turn it off completely. Anyone know how to do it?
Thanks
iPad Air (4th generation)
Thanks but it’s pretty rubbish. They need to allow users to be able to outright disable the feature altogether. Having to “work around” a specific ‘feature’ is just bad UI/UX design.
Thanks but it’s pretty rubbish. They need to allow users to be able to outright disable the feature altogether. Having to “work around” a specific ‘feature’ is just bad UI/UX design.
Unlike iPadOS14 and earlier versions, multi-tasking cannot now be disabled from settings. Multi-tasking has received a significant overhaul, both simplifying its use and introducing new controls.
Key to accessing and controlling (or avoiding) multi-tasking is the small “three-dot” button that is found at the top-centre edge of the visible App windows.
A common source of accidental triggering of multitasking views is encountered when using Safari…
When using Safari, this multitasking button is very close to the URL/Address bar; combined with a likely “conditioned habit” of tapping the centre of the Safari Address Bar, this is a common trigger of unexpected split or slide-over windows.
Be aware that text shown in the URL/Address field is centre-justified; you can tap anywhere in this field to edit the website address. If you follow the usual usage pattern, you likely have a “conditioned habit” of tapping the centre of the field. Instead of tapping the centre of the URL/Address bar, try to consciously tap either side of centre; in so doing, you can completely avoid accidental activation of the “three dot” multitasking button.
Over a short period of time, you will subconsciously develop a new conditioned habit when using Safari - and will hopefully avoid the common cause of accidental triggering of multitasking views.
More information about using multi-tasking can be found in this support page:
Use multitasking on your iPad - Apple Support
The iPad User Guide is also a rich source of information about using iPad and its many features. The Guide is available both online using a web browser (such as Safari), or as an Apple Books download:
iPad User Guide - Apple Support
https://books.apple.com/book/id1567104892
Multitasking is a core element of iPadOS - this being a functional capability that is both distinct and separate from iOS for iPhone. Multitasking features - and associated screen views - cannot be disabled in iPadOS 15/16.
It was not my intention to describe a workaround per-se, but have attempted to identify and describe a common area of issues - and a method by which those that encounter the problem can easily avoid the the situation that causes difficulty.
Being aware of the “trigger” that might not be immediately obvious is, for many, the key to both understanding the problem and avoid its occurrence.
Notwithstanding the aforementioned, Apple invite submission of constructive comments and feature requests via its Product Feedback portal. If you would like to see change or additional configuration options, this would be the most effective channel though which to express you views to Apple:
How do I turn off iPad split screen?
