Slide Over multitasking returns in iPadOS 26.1 beta 2

Apple has quietly brought Slide Over multitasking back to the iPad with the release of iPadOS 26.1 beta 2. After being dropped in iPadOS 26 in favor of Apple’s new windowing system, this handy multitasking tool is finally making a comeback with a few modern tweaks.

Slide Over multitasking now works with window resizing

In the latest beta, Apple has added a new “Enter Slide Over” option when you click the green window control icon on supported apps. Tapping this button resizes the app into a floating, resizable window, just like the classic Slide Over multitasking we saw in earlier versions of iPadOS.

This lets you keep one app front and center in Slide Over, while interacting with others in the background without hiding the overlay.

Slide Over multitasking pairs with iPadOS 26’s new windowing system

The biggest change in iPadOS 26 was its robust window management system, which aimed to bring Mac-style multitasking to the iPad. While Split View made the transition well, Slide Over was left behind until now.

In beta 2, Apple has found a way to blend the old and new. You can now:

• Enter Slide Over via the window controls
• Resize the Slide Over window manually
• Swipe it offscreen and pull it back in
• Use it alongside full-screen or tiled apps

This update improves workflow flexibility, especially for users who like quick access to messaging, notes, or calendar apps.

There’s still a catch with the new Slide Over

Although it’s great to see Slide Over multitasking return, there’s one major limitation. For now, beta 2 only supports a single Slide Over app at a time. That means no stacked app carousel like we had in iPadOS 18.

Previously, users could switch between multiple Slide Over apps with just a swipe. Hopefully, Apple brings that feature back in later betas or by the final release.

Slide Over multitasking still feels essential

Many iPad power users found the loss of Slide Over multitasking a step backward. While the new windowing system works well for larger workflows, Slide Over offered a lighter, faster way to interact with secondary apps.

Bringing it back now with resize support and better layering proves Apple is still listening to the multitasking crowd.

iPadOS 26.1 might fix what 26 took away

Beta builds are always a work in progress, but this early return of Slide Over multitasking is a good sign. Apple’s slowly blending modern flexibility with old-school usability, and the iPad feels better for it.