Are you tired of constantly switching between apps on your iPhone? Do you wish you could have multiple apps open at the same time, just like on your computer? Well, you’re in luck! With the latest iOS updates, Apple has introduced a feature called “Floating Window” or “Slide Over” that allows you to have multiple apps open simultaneously. In this article, we’ll show you how to enable floating window on your iPhone and take your multitasking game to the next level.
What is Floating Window on iPhone?
Before we dive into the steps to enable floating window, let’s first understand what it is. Floating Window, also known as Slide Over, is a feature that allows you to open a second app in a smaller window on top of another app. This window can be moved around, resized, and even closed, giving you more flexibility and control over your multitasking experience.
Benefits of Using Floating Window on iPhone
So, why would you want to use floating window on your iPhone? Here are a few benefits:
- Multitasking made easy: With floating window, you can have multiple apps open at the same time, making it easier to multitask and get things done.
- Increased productivity: By having multiple apps open simultaneously, you can quickly switch between them and get more work done in less time.
- Improved organization: Floating window allows you to keep related apps together, making it easier to organize your workflow and stay focused.
How to Enable Floating Window on iPhone
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of using floating window, let’s move on to the steps to enable it on your iPhone.
Step 1: Check Your iPhone’s Compatibility
Before you can enable floating window, you need to make sure your iPhone is compatible with this feature. Floating window is available on iPhone models that support iOS 11 or later, including:
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
Step 2: Enable Multitasking on Your iPhone
To enable floating window, you need to first enable multitasking on your iPhone. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap on Home Screen & Dock.
- Toggle the switch next to Allow Multiple Apps to the right.
Step 3: Open an App and Enable Floating Window
Now that you’ve enabled multitasking, you can open an app and enable floating window. Here’s how:
- Open an app on your iPhone, such as Safari or Mail.
- Swipe left from the right edge of the screen to open the Dock.
- Tap and hold on an app icon in the Dock, then drag it to the right edge of the screen.
- Release the app icon, and it will open in a floating window on top of the first app.
Customizing Your Floating Window Experience
Once you’ve enabled floating window, you can customize your experience by resizing the window, moving it around, and even closing it. Here’s how:
- Resizing the window: To resize the floating window, tap and hold on the top of the window, then drag it up or down to resize it.
- Moving the window: To move the floating window, tap and hold on the top of the window, then drag it to the left or right to move it.
- Closing the window: To close the floating window, tap and hold on the top of the window, then tap on the Close button.
Tips and Tricks for Using Floating Window on iPhone
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of floating window on your iPhone:
- Use floating window with apps that support it: Not all apps support floating window, so make sure to check if an app supports it before trying to use it.
- Use floating window to quickly switch between apps: Floating window makes it easy to quickly switch between apps, so use it to your advantage.
- Use floating window to keep related apps together: Floating window allows you to keep related apps together, making it easier to organize your workflow and stay focused.
Common Issues with Floating Window on iPhone
While floating window is a powerful feature, it’s not without its issues. Here are a few common issues you may encounter:
- Apps not supporting floating window: As mentioned earlier, not all apps support floating window, so you may encounter issues with certain apps.
- Floating window not working: If you’re having trouble getting floating window to work, try restarting your iPhone or checking if the app supports it.
Conclusion
Floating window is a powerful feature that can take your multitasking game to the next level. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enable floating window on your iPhone and start enjoying the benefits of multitasking. Remember to customize your experience by resizing the window, moving it around, and even closing it. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro at using floating window in no time!
What is a floating window on an iPhone?
A floating window on an iPhone is a feature that allows you to open multiple apps at the same time, with one app displayed in a smaller window that floats on top of another app. This feature is also known as “picture-in-picture” mode or “split-screen” mode. It enables you to multitask more efficiently, as you can use two apps simultaneously without having to switch between them.
To use a floating window on your iPhone, you need to have a compatible device running on iOS 9 or later. You also need to make sure that the apps you want to use in split-screen mode are compatible with this feature. Some apps may not support split-screen mode, so you may need to check the app’s settings or documentation to see if it is supported.
How do I enable floating window on my iPhone?
To enable floating window on your iPhone, you need to go to the Settings app and select “General.” From there, tap on “Multitasking” and make sure that the “Allow Multiple Apps” option is turned on. You can also enable “Picture in Picture” from this menu. Once you have enabled multitasking, you can open two apps at the same time by swiping left or right from the home screen.
To open an app in a floating window, you need to swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold your finger on the app icon until it starts to jiggle. Then, tap on the “X” icon in the top-right corner of the app window to close it, and swipe left or right to open another app. The first app will be displayed in a smaller window that floats on top of the second app.
Which iPhone models support floating window?
The floating window feature is supported on iPhone models that run on iOS 9 or later. This includes the iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. If you have an older iPhone model, you may not be able to use the floating window feature.
It’s worth noting that even if your iPhone model supports floating window, not all apps may be compatible with this feature. Some apps may not be optimized for split-screen mode, so you may need to check the app’s settings or documentation to see if it is supported.
How do I resize a floating window on my iPhone?
To resize a floating window on your iPhone, you need to tap and hold on the window until it starts to jiggle. Then, use your finger to drag the window to the desired size. You can also use the “handles” on the window to resize it. The handles are the small dots on the top and bottom of the window that you can use to drag the window up or down.
To move a floating window, you can tap and hold on the window until it starts to jiggle, and then use your finger to drag it to the desired location. You can move the window to any part of the screen, and it will stay on top of the other app.
Can I use multiple floating windows at the same time?
Unfortunately, you can only use one floating window at a time on your iPhone. This means that you can only have one app displayed in a smaller window that floats on top of another app. However, you can switch between multiple apps quickly by swiping left or right from the home screen.
If you need to use multiple apps at the same time, you may want to consider using the “Slide Over” feature, which allows you to open a second app in a smaller window that slides over the first app. To use Slide Over, you need to swipe left from the right edge of the screen to open the second app.
How do I close a floating window on my iPhone?
To close a floating window on your iPhone, you need to tap on the “X” icon in the top-right corner of the window. This will close the window and return you to the full-screen view of the other app. You can also close a floating window by swiping it off the screen.
Alternatively, you can close a floating window by going to the home screen and swiping up on the app icon to close it. This will close the app and remove it from the multitasking menu.
Is the floating window feature available on all iPhone apps?
No, the floating window feature is not available on all iPhone apps. Some apps may not be optimized for split-screen mode, so you may not be able to use them in a floating window. Additionally, some apps may not support picture-in-picture mode, which is required for floating windows.
If you want to use an app in a floating window, you should check the app’s settings or documentation to see if it is supported. You can also try opening the app in split-screen mode to see if it works. If the app is not compatible, you may need to use a different app or find a workaround.