How to Run Two Apps Side by Side on iPhone

Running two apps side by side on an iPhone lets you view and interact with two apps at once, which is great for following a recipe while video chatting, comparing prices, or taking notes during a call. This guide shows you the built-in Split View and Slide Over features available on supported iPads and iPhones, plus how to use them effectively. No additional apps or purchases are needed.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone or iPad running iOS 15 or later (iPadOS 15 or later for Split View on iPad).
Two apps that support multitasking (most Apple and third-party apps do).
An understanding that Split View is only available on iPad, while iPhone uses Slide Over and App Switcher for a similar effect.

Step-by-Step

Open the first app. Tap its icon on the Home Screen or in the App Library to launch it.
Open the second app from the Dock. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen to reveal the Dock (on iPhone, this works from the Home Screen or within an app).
Drag the second app icon. Touch and hold the second app’s icon in the Dock, then drag it to the left or right edge of the screen. Release your finger when a dark overlay appears.
Choose the multitasking mode. On iPad, you’ll see options: “Slide Over” (a floating window) and “Split View” (side by side). On iPhone, dragging to the edge will create a Slide Over window that floats above the first app.
For Split View on iPad: After dragging, tap the “Split View” button (the two overlapping rectangles) or drag the app to the far left or right until the screen splits. You can adjust the divider by dragging the vertical line between the apps.
For Slide Over on iPhone: Drag the app to the right edge and release. The second app appears in a narrow floating window. You can swipe it away by dragging the handle at the top of the window to the right.
Switch between apps. In Slide Over, swipe left or right on the handle to cycle through the apps you have open in that window. In Split View, tap the top of either app to bring it to the foreground.
Close the multitasking view. To return to a single app, drag the divider all the way to the edge (Split View) or swipe the Slide Over window away (iPhone).

Common Mistakes

Expecting Split View on iPhone: iPhones do not support true side-by-side Split View; they use Slide Over, which is a floating window. This is a common misconception.
Dragging from the wrong place: You must drag from the Dock, not from the Home Screen grid. If you drag from the grid, the app will just open.
Not seeing the Dock: On iPhone, the Dock is only visible on the Home Screen or when you swipe up slightly from the bottom within an app. If you can’t see it, swipe up a bit more.
Forgetting to update iOS: Older iOS versions may not support these gestures properly. Ensure your device is updated.

Tips

Use the App Switcher: After setting up Slide Over, you can swipe up from the bottom and hold to open the App Switcher. Drag a second app onto the first to create a split view (iPad) or slide over (iPhone).
Adjust the split: On iPad, you can drag the divider to make one app take up more space. On iPhone, the Slide Over window can be moved to the left or right edge.
Use keyboard shortcuts: On iPad with a keyboard, press the Globe key + Control + Left/Right Arrow to move between apps.
Check app compatibility: Some apps, like certain games or video players, may not support multitasking. If the app doesn’t appear in the Dock or doesn’t respond to dragging, it may be disabled.

Troubleshooting

Slide Over window disappears: If you accidentally swipe it away, swipe from the right edge of the screen to bring it back (on iPhone) or use the App Switcher.
Can’t drag the app icon: Make sure you’re pressing firmly enough and holding for a moment before dragging. Also, ensure the app is in the Dock; if not, add it by pressing and holding the icon on the Home Screen, then selecting “Add to Dock.”
Apps don’t appear side by side: On iPhone, this is normal—you only get Slide Over. On iPad, try dragging the app to the very edge of the screen (left or right) until the screen splits.
Multitasking not working at all: Go to Settings > Home Screen & Multitasking (iPad) or Settings > General > Multitasking (older iOS) and ensure “Allow Multiple Apps” and “Slide Over” are enabled.
App crashes when in split view: Some apps are not optimized for multitasking. Try closing both apps and reopening them, or use a different app that supports it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run two apps side by side on any iPhone?

No, iPhones do not support true Split View. They only support Slide Over, which is a floating window. iPads support both Split View and Slide Over.

How do I move the Slide Over window on iPhone?

Drag the small handle at the top of the floating window to the left or right edge of the screen. You can also swipe it away by dragging it off the screen.

Can I use two apps at the same time in Slide Over?

Yes, you can interact with the floating app while the first app remains open behind it. However, only one app is fully active at a time; the other is in a paused state.

Why doesn’t the app appear in the Dock?

Not all apps support multitasking. Apple’s own apps and most third-party apps do, but some games or video players may not. Check the app’s documentation or try adding it to the Dock manually.

How do I close the Slide Over window?

Swipe the handle at the top of the window to the right or left off the screen. On iPad, you can also tap the three dots at the top of the window and select “Close.”

Does Split View work on iPhone with iOS 15?

No, Split View is an iPad-only feature. iPhones use Slide Over, which is a different multitasking mode.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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