How to Split Screen on iPhone: Complete Multitasking Guide for iOS 18 (2025

Understanding iPhone Split Screen and Multitasking Capabilities

The ability to multitask efficiently has become an essential feature for smartphone users, and many iPhone owners wonder whether they can split their screen to run multiple apps simultaneously. While Apple’s iPhone doesn’t offer traditional split-screen functionality like the iPad, there are several powerful multitasking features and workarounds available that enable users to accomplish similar tasks effectively in 2025.

The fundamental limitation stems from Apple’s design philosophy regarding screen size optimization. Unlike iPads, which support full Split View and Stage Manager features, iPhones have traditionally been designed for single-app focus. However, this doesn’t mean multitasking is impossible on your iPhone. Through Picture-in-Picture mode, landscape view capabilities on larger models, and third-party applications, iPhone users can achieve meaningful multitasking experiences that enhance productivity and entertainment.

Understanding these features becomes particularly important as iOS 18 continues to receive updates throughout 2025, bringing enhanced capabilities and refined user experiences. This comprehensive guide explores every method available for splitting your screen or multitasking on iPhone, from built-in iOS features to innovative app-based solutions.

The Truth About iPhone Split Screen: What Apple Offers Natively

Before diving into specific methods, it’s crucial to understand what Apple officially provides for iPhone multitasking. Unlike the iPad’s robust Split View feature that allows two full apps to run side-by-side, the iPhone takes a different approach focused on streamlined user experience rather than complex windowed interfaces.

Picture-in-Picture Mode: iPhone’s Primary Multitasking Feature

Picture-in-Picture, commonly abbreviated as PiP, represents Apple’s primary solution for iPhone multitasking. Introduced with iOS 14 in 2020, this feature allows users to watch videos or maintain FaceTime calls in a small, floating window while using other applications. The PiP window can be moved around the screen, resized through pinch gestures, and even temporarily hidden by swiping it to the edge of your display.

The functionality works seamlessly with numerous applications including Apple TV, Safari, FaceTime, Podcasts, Music, and many third-party video streaming platforms. When enabled, users can continue watching their favorite content while browsing the web, checking emails, sending messages, or using virtually any other application. The video window maintains playback even when minimized, ensuring uninterrupted viewing experiences.

To enable Picture-in-Picture on your iPhone, navigate to Settings, select General, then tap Picture in Picture, and toggle on the option labeled “Start PiP Automatically.” This setting ensures that compatible videos automatically shrink into the floating window when you navigate away from the app. The feature requires iOS 14 or later and works on iPhone models including iPhone XS, XR, and all newer devices.

Landscape Split-Screen on Select iPhone Models

Certain larger iPhone models offer a limited form of split-screen functionality when rotated to landscape orientation. This feature, available on iPhone Plus, Max, and Pro Max models from the iPhone 6 Plus onward, doesn’t split the screen between two different apps but rather divides the display into two panes within compatible applications.

When you rotate these larger iPhones horizontally, supported apps automatically switch to a two-pane interface. The left pane typically displays navigation elements or content lists, while the right pane shows detailed content. This design appears prominently in apps like Settings, Mail, Messages, and Notes, creating an iPad-like experience on the larger iPhone display.

For example, in the Settings app, you’ll see the list of settings categories on the left side while the detailed settings controls appear on the right. In Mail, your inbox list appears on the left while the selected email content displays on the right. This implementation provides efficient navigation without requiring users to constantly move back and forth between different views.

The feature activates automatically when you rotate your device to landscape mode while using compatible applications. Not all apps support this functionality, as developers must specifically implement it in their applications. Additionally, this landscape split-screen should not be confused with true multitasking, as it operates within a single application rather than displaying multiple independent apps simultaneously.

How to Use Picture-in-Picture Mode Effectively on iPhone

Mastering Picture-in-Picture mode transforms how you use your iPhone for entertainment and productivity. This section provides detailed instructions for activating and controlling PiP across various scenarios and applications.

Activating Picture-in-Picture in Supported Apps

The process for enabling Picture-in-Picture varies slightly depending on whether you’re using an iPhone with Face ID or one with a Home button. For iPhones with Face ID, including iPhone X and newer models, start playing a video in full screen within a compatible app. When ready to multitask, swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen to return to your Home Screen or switch to another app. The video automatically shrinks into a small floating window.

For older iPhone models with a Home button, such as the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) or iPhone 8, the process is equally straightforward. Begin playing your video in full screen, then press the Home button to exit the app. The video transitions into the Picture-in-Picture window, allowing you to access other applications while maintaining video playback.

Some applications provide a dedicated PiP button within their video player interface. This button, typically represented by a rectangle with an arrow or a small screen icon, appears in the video controls overlay. Tapping this button manually activates Picture-in-Picture mode without requiring you to navigate away from the app first.

Controlling and Customizing the PiP Window

Once activated, the Picture-in-Picture window offers several control options that enhance usability. To move the window, simply tap and drag it to any corner of your screen. The window automatically snaps to the nearest corner when released, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct important content in your currently active app.

Resizing the PiP window requires a pinch gesture. Place two fingers on the floating window and spread them apart to enlarge the video or pinch them together to reduce its size. This flexibility allows you to balance visibility with screen real estate based on your current task. Larger windows provide better viewing experiences but occupy more space, while smaller windows maximize available area for your primary app.

The PiP window also supports temporary hiding without stopping playback. Swipe the window to the left or right edge of your screen, and it slides off-screen, leaving only a small tab visible. The audio continues playing, allowing you to listen while working in other apps. Tap the tab to bring the window back into view whenever needed.

To close the Picture-in-Picture window completely, tap it to reveal the playback controls, then tap the X button. Alternatively, tap the expand button to return to full-screen viewing within the original app. These intuitive controls make PiP a powerful tool for multitasking without complex setup procedures.

Third-Party Apps for iPhone Split Screen Functionality

While iOS doesn’t provide native split-screen capabilities between different apps, several third-party applications from the App Store offer innovative solutions for viewing multiple web pages or content sources simultaneously. These apps typically create browser-based split-screen environments that enable parallel viewing experiences.

Split Screen – Dual Window App

The Split Screen – Dual Window app represents one of the most popular options for iPhone users seeking split-screen functionality. This application creates two independent browser windows that display simultaneously on your screen, allowing you to browse different websites or content sources without switching between tabs or apps.

The app functions as a specialized web browser rather than splitting your entire iPhone interface. Both windows operate independently, supporting separate scrolling, navigation, and interaction. You can browse social media in one window while watching videos in the other, check email while reading news articles, or compare information across multiple websites simultaneously.

Key features include bookmark management for quick access to favorite sites, browsing history tracking, landscape mode support for wider viewing, and adjustable window sizes to prioritize one side over the other. The free version includes advertisements, while a paid version removes ads and unlocks additional features. Users should note that since this operates as a web browser, you’ll need to access web versions of services rather than using their dedicated apps.

Additional Split Screen Browser Options

Beyond the primary Split Screen app, several alternatives provide similar functionality with varying features and interfaces. Browser apps like Dual Browser and Split Web Browser offer comparable dual-window experiences optimized for different use cases and user preferences.

These applications share common features including simultaneous browsing across two windows, independent scrolling capabilities, bookmark synchronization, and support for both portrait and landscape orientations. Some apps provide enhanced privacy features, while others focus on seamless social media integration or video playback optimization.

When selecting a split-screen browser app, consider factors such as user interface design, advertisement frequency in free versions, subscription costs for premium features, and compatibility with your frequently visited websites. Reading recent user reviews helps identify which apps receive consistent updates and developer support, ensuring compatibility with the latest iOS versions.

Important considerations include data privacy practices, as these apps handle your browsing activity. Review each app’s privacy policy before installation, and be cautious about entering sensitive information like passwords or financial details into third-party browsers that may not implement the same security standards as Safari or other established browsers.

Alternative Multitasking Methods for iPhone Users

Beyond Picture-in-Picture and split-screen apps, iOS offers additional multitasking features that enhance productivity and workflow efficiency. Understanding these capabilities helps you maximize your iPhone’s potential without requiring specialized applications or complex setups.

Fast App Switching and the App Switcher

iOS includes a powerful app switching feature that allows rapid navigation between recently used applications. On iPhones with Face ID, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle to reveal the App Switcher. On iPhones with a Home button, double-click the Home button to access the same interface.

The App Switcher displays all your currently running apps as cards arranged horizontally. Swipe left or right to browse through them, then tap any app card to switch directly to it. This method proves faster than returning to the Home Screen and launching apps individually, particularly when working with multiple applications simultaneously.

For even quicker switching between your two most recently used apps, swipe left or right along the bottom edge of the screen on Face ID iPhones. This gesture instantly toggles between your current app and the one you used immediately before it, creating a rapid back-and-forth workflow ideal for tasks like copying information between applications.

Using Shortcuts and Widgets for Enhanced Productivity

The Shortcuts app provides powerful automation capabilities that streamline repetitive multitasking workflows. You can create custom shortcuts that perform multiple actions with a single tap, such as opening specific apps, sending messages, or retrieving information from various sources simultaneously.

Widgets complement these shortcuts by displaying dynamic information directly on your Home Screen or Today View without requiring you to open apps. Combining widgets with efficient app switching creates a pseudo-multitasking environment where you access multiple information streams quickly without traditional split-screen functionality.

YouTube Picture-in-Picture: Special Considerations

YouTube presents unique challenges for iPhone users seeking Picture-in-Picture functionality due to platform-specific restrictions. Understanding these limitations and available workarounds ensures optimal YouTube viewing experiences while multitasking.

YouTube Premium and PiP Functionality

For YouTube users outside the United States, accessing Picture-in-Picture functionality requires a YouTube Premium subscription. This paid service unlocks PiP mode within the official YouTube app, allowing videos to continue playing in a floating window while you use other applications or browse your Home Screen.

YouTube Premium subscribers can enable PiP by opening the YouTube app settings, navigating to General settings, and toggling on the Picture-in-Picture option. Once enabled, simply start playing a video, then swipe up to exit the app or navigate home. The video automatically transitions into PiP mode, maintaining playback while you access other apps.

United States users receive free access to YouTube Picture-in-Picture without requiring a Premium subscription, though certain content types like music videos may remain restricted. This regional difference reflects varying content licensing agreements and platform policies across different markets.

Safari Workaround for YouTube PiP

iPhone users without YouTube Premium can access Picture-in-Picture functionality through a simple Safari browser workaround. Open Safari and navigate to the YouTube website rather than using the YouTube app. Locate your desired video and begin playback in the browser.

Tap the full-screen button to expand the video, then tap the Picture-in-Picture icon that appears in the video controls overlay. On some iOS versions, you may need to tap the PiP button twice. The video transitions into a floating window that persists while you use other apps or browse additional Safari tabs.

This method works consistently across iOS 14 and newer versions, providing free PiP access for YouTube content without subscription requirements. However, you sacrifice some conveniences of the YouTube app, such as easy access to your subscriptions, personalized recommendations, and seamless account integration.

iOS 18 and Future Multitasking Developments

As we progress through 2025, iOS 18 continues receiving updates that refine existing multitasking features and introduce new capabilities. Understanding Apple’s direction helps users anticipate future enhancements and optimize current workflow strategies.

Current iOS 18 Multitasking Features

iOS 18, released in September 2024, brought significant updates to iPhone functionality, though core multitasking approaches remained largely consistent with previous versions. The update enhanced Picture-in-Picture reliability, improved app switching performance, and introduced new Control Center customization options that facilitate faster access to frequently used features.

Apple Intelligence features, available on iPhone 15 Pro models and the entire iPhone 16 lineup, introduced context-aware capabilities that enhance multitasking workflows. These AI-powered features help users navigate between apps more efficiently by predicting needs and suggesting relevant actions based on current activities and usage patterns.

The redesigned Control Center in iOS 18 allows users to create multiple pages of controls with resizable buttons and third-party integrations. This customization enables quick access to essential functions without leaving your current app, reducing the need for constant app switching when adjusting settings or triggering actions.

Looking Ahead to iOS 26 and Beyond

Apple continues developing multitasking capabilities for future iOS versions, with iOS 26 expected to launch in September 2025. While official details remain limited, reports suggest improvements to multitasking interfaces, enhanced Apple Intelligence integration, and context-aware notifications that better manage multiple concurrent tasks.

Industry speculation points toward potential foldable iPhone models that could introduce true split-screen multitasking similar to iPad capabilities. Patents filed by Apple demonstrate interest in foldable technology with adaptive interfaces that display multiple apps simultaneously across flexible displays. However, no official announcements confirm foldable iPhone releases in the immediate future.

The evolution toward more sophisticated multitasking aligns with broader industry trends as smartphones increasingly replace traditional computers for productivity tasks. Apple’s measured approach ensures any new multitasking features integrate seamlessly with existing iOS design principles while maintaining the intuitive user experience that defines iPhone interactions.

Pro Tips for Maximizing iPhone Multitasking Efficiency

Optimizing your multitasking workflow requires understanding both obvious features and hidden capabilities that enhance productivity. These professional tips help you extract maximum value from your iPhone’s multitasking tools.

Customize Your Control Center for Quick Access: Add frequently used controls to your Control Center for instant access without leaving apps. Include screen recording, timers, calculators, and voice memos to handle common tasks without switching apps. Access Control Center customization through Settings, then Control Center, and add or remove controls based on your workflow needs.

Use AssistiveTouch for Faster Navigation: Enable AssistiveTouch in Settings under Accessibility to create a customizable on-screen button that performs multiple functions with simple taps. Configure custom gestures and shortcuts that trigger app switches, launch specific applications, or activate system features instantly from any screen.

Master Keyboard Shortcuts with External Keyboards: When using an external keyboard with your iPhone, leverage system-wide shortcuts like Command-Tab to switch between apps quickly, Command-H to return home, and Command-Space to trigger Spotlight search. These shortcuts dramatically accelerate multitasking workflows for users who frequently type on their iPhones.

Organize Apps with Strategic Home Screen Layouts: Position frequently paired apps near each other on your Home Screen to minimize navigation time when switching. Create app folders that group related applications, making it faster to locate and launch apps when juggling multiple tasks simultaneously.

Leverage Siri for Hands-Free Multitasking: Use Siri voice commands to launch apps, send messages, set reminders, or retrieve information without manually switching between applications. Voice control proves particularly valuable when your hands are occupied or when you need to maintain focus on your current task while accessing information from another source.

Enable Reachability for One-Handed Operation: On larger iPhone models, enable Reachability in Settings under Accessibility to bring the top portion of your screen within thumb reach. This feature facilitates easier multitasking on Plus, Max, and Pro Max models by making all interface elements accessible without hand repositioning.

Use Focus Modes to Minimize Distractions: Configure Focus modes in Settings to filter notifications based on your current activity. Creating custom Focus modes for work, entertainment, or specific tasks ensures you receive only relevant notifications when multitasking, preventing constant interruptions that disrupt workflow efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can iPhone really split screen like iPad?

No, iPhones do not support true split-screen multitasking where two completely separate apps run side-by-side simultaneously like on iPad. However, iPhones offer Picture-in-Picture mode for videos and FaceTime calls, landscape split-view within certain apps on larger models, and third-party browser apps that create split-screen web browsing experiences. These alternatives provide multitasking functionality tailored to iPhone’s smaller display size.

Which iPhone models support landscape split-screen mode?

Landscape split-screen mode is available on iPhone Plus models (6 Plus, 7 Plus, 8 Plus), iPhone Max models (XS Max, 11 Pro Max, 12 Pro Max, 13 Pro Max, 14 Pro Max, 15 Pro Max, 16 Pro Max), and similar large-screen variants. This feature works only within compatible apps when the device is rotated to horizontal orientation, displaying navigation on one side and content on the other.

Does Picture-in-Picture work with all video apps?

Picture-in-Picture works with many video apps but not all. Compatible apps include Apple TV, Safari, FaceTime, Podcasts, Music, Prime Video, Disney Plus, ESPN, HBO Max, Hulu, and many others. Netflix support varies by region and subscription type. YouTube requires a Premium subscription outside the United States or using Safari as a workaround. App developers must specifically implement PiP support in their applications.

How do I enable Picture-in-Picture if it’s not working?

First verify that PiP is enabled in Settings under General, then Picture in Picture, with “Start PiP Automatically” toggled on. Ensure your iPhone runs iOS 14 or later by checking Settings, General, Software Update. Confirm the specific app supports PiP by checking its individual settings. Try restarting your iPhone if PiP still fails to activate. Some apps require you to tap a dedicated PiP button in the video player rather than automatically activating when you exit the app.

Are third-party split-screen apps safe to use?

Most reputable split-screen apps from the official App Store undergo Apple’s review process and are generally safe. However, exercise caution when entering sensitive information like passwords or financial details into third-party browsers. Review each app’s privacy policy, check user ratings and reviews, and prefer apps from established developers with regular updates. Stick to well-known apps with substantial download numbers and recent positive reviews to minimize security risks.

Will future iPhones get full split-screen functionality?

Apple has not officially announced plans to bring full split-screen multitasking to iPhones. However, industry speculation suggests potential foldable iPhone models could introduce this capability with larger, flexible displays. Patent filings indicate Apple’s interest in foldable technology with adaptive interfaces supporting multiple simultaneous apps. Current standard iPhones will likely maintain their existing multitasking approaches optimized for single-app focus with supplementary features like Picture-in-Picture.

Can I use split-screen while on a phone call?

Yes, you can multitask during phone calls on iPhone. Regular phone calls allow full access to all apps and features while the call continues in the background. FaceTime video calls support Picture-in-Picture mode, enabling you to maintain visual contact in a floating window while using other applications. This proves particularly useful for taking notes during calls, looking up information, or checking emails without interrupting your conversation.

Does using Picture-in-Picture drain battery faster?

Picture-in-Picture does consume additional battery compared to pausing video, as it maintains continuous video decoding and display updates. However, the impact remains relatively modest because the smaller window requires fewer resources than full-screen playback. Battery drain increases primarily when streaming video over cellular networks rather than Wi-Fi. Reducing PiP window size slightly decreases resource usage. Overall battery impact depends more on network conditions and video quality than the PiP feature itself.

Conclusion

While iPhone doesn’t provide traditional split-screen functionality between separate applications like iPad, iOS offers robust multitasking solutions tailored to the smartphone form factor. Picture-in-Picture mode delivers seamless video viewing and FaceTime capabilities while using other apps, landscape split-view on larger models enhances in-app navigation, and third-party browsers enable dual-window web browsing experiences.

Understanding these features transforms how you use your iPhone for both productivity and entertainment. Fast app switching, customized Control Center layouts, strategic Home Screen organization, and intelligent use of Siri voice commands complement these multitasking tools to create efficient workflows that rival traditional split-screen implementations.

As iOS continues evolving with regular updates throughout 2025 and beyond, Apple refines existing multitasking capabilities while exploring new approaches that balance functionality with user experience. Whether you’re watching tutorials while following instructions, maintaining video calls during document editing, or browsing multiple websites simultaneously, current iPhone multitasking features provide practical solutions for diverse use cases.

By mastering Picture-in-Picture controls, exploring quality third-party split-screen apps, and implementing the pro tips outlined in this guide, you’ll maximize your iPhone’s multitasking potential. While full split-screen between independent apps remains unavailable on standard iPhones, the combination of native iOS features and innovative third-party solutions delivers effective multitasking experiences that enhance daily smartphone usage.