While Apple’s much-rumored split-screen multitasking feature didn’t make it into the initial beta of iOS 8, developer Steven Troughton-Smith notes that it’s likely still in the cards in a future update of Apple’s new mobile operating system.
As noted by developer Steven Troughton-Smith, iOS 8’s internal SpringBoard includes code that allows apps to run side-by-side in multiple sizes: 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4. Apps that are running side-by-side are displayed as a single app in the App Switcher.
First rumored back in May, split-screen multitasking would allow two iSO apps to be displayed on screen on an iPad Air, à la Microsoft’s much-ballyhooed multitasking on their Surface tablet. The feature reportedly only works in landscape mode, and may also allow users to share information between the two apps.
When it debuts, the feature likely will be restricted to the iPad Air, due to its larger screen. Support for the iPad mini, iPhone, and (of course), a much-rumored 12.9-inch “iPad Pro,” could come at a later date.