According to MacRumors, Apple has quietly restored the popular Slide Over multitasking feature in iPadOS 26.1, which started rolling out to compatible iPads on Monday. The feature was completely removed in the initial iPadOS 26 release, leaving many power users frustrated. Now users can long-press the window resizing icon and select “Enter Slide Over” to access floating apps again. But there’s a significant catch – you’re limited to just one Slide Over app at a time instead of the previous ability to cycle through multiple apps.
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Apple’s Multitasking Strategy
Here’s the thing about Apple’s approach to iPad multitasking – they’re constantly trying to simplify what’s become an increasingly complex system. Remember when we had Slide Over, Split View, and all those gestures? Basically, Apple wants the iPad to feel more like a computer without actually becoming a Mac. So they introduced this new window-based system in iPadOS 26, but apparently the backlash over removing Slide Over was strong enough that they had to backtrack.
I think this reveals something interesting about Apple’s product positioning. They’re trying to appeal to both casual users who want simplicity and power users who demand advanced features. But can you really serve both masters effectively? The current compromise – bringing back Slide Over but limiting it to one app – feels like they’re trying to please everyone while making nobody completely happy. It’s classic Apple: gradual evolution rather than revolutionary change.
What This Means for Apple’s Business
Now let’s talk about the business angle. Apple’s iPad revenue has been relatively flat recently, and they need to convince people that iPads are legitimate computer replacements. Multitasking features are crucial for that pitch. When they removed Slide Over entirely, they probably heard from enterprise users and creative professionals who rely on that quick app switching workflow.
And here’s the reality: Apple makes most of its money from hardware sales, not software. So if confusing multitasking changes make people hesitate before upgrading to new iPad models, that’s a real problem. Bringing back Slide Over, even in limited form, helps maintain the perception that iPads are getting more capable with each update. It’s about protecting that premium pricing and upgrade cycle.
Ultimately, this quick reversal shows that even Apple can misjudge what features users actually value. They’re clearly listening to feedback, but the question remains: are these incremental multitasking changes enough to drive the iPad business forward? Or do they need to be more ambitious about making the iPad a true laptop alternative?
