The iPad excels as a single-task, single-window computer. But sometimes you just want two apps next to each other, for whatever reason. This is actually easier than the internet would have you believe. Below is a quick guide to the ways you can do this on iPadOS 26 and later.

Getting Started: go to Settings → Multitasking & Gestures and make sure you have either Windowed Apps or Stage Manager selected. You can’t have more than one app on screen if you’re using Full Screen Apps.

Method 1: Drag and Drop From the Dock

1. Open an app in full screen.
2. Summon the Dock by swiping up from the bottom of the display.
3. Drag an app from the Dock to either side of the screen.

Method 2: Using the iPadOS Window Controls

The iPadOS window controls are the red, yellow, and green buttons in the top left or top center of every app window. They can be used to quickly create a split with two apps.

1. Tap and hold the window controls on the first app. You’ll see a popover that lists your available tiling options.
2. Tap the icon for a left-side split. The app should resize and position itself on the left half of the display.
3. On the next app, tap and hold the window control buttons. Select the icon for a right-side split. The app will resize itself on the other half of the screen.

Method 3: Using the Shortcuts App

The Shortcuts app on iPadOS has built-in support for creating a shortcut that opens two apps side by side automatically.

1. Open the Shortcuts app.
2. Tap the + button to create a new Shortcut. If you’re on iPadOS 27 and using Apple Intelligence, you can just type which two apps you want to open together, and the system will create that Shortcut for you.
3. Search for “Split” in the Actions search field — you should see an Action called “Split View Apps.”
4. Select the apps you want to open on each side of the Split View.
5. Tap the play button to verify the two apps open side by side.

If you want to go a little further, you can add this Shortcut to your Home Screen and launch both apps with a single tap.

1. Tap the disclosure arrow next to the Shortcut name, then tap Rename if you want to give it a more meaningful name.
2. Tap the “Add to Home Screen” option.
3. Choose a background color and icon for your Home Screen icon.
4. Tap Done, and the icon for your Shortcut will be added to your Home Screen.