iPadOS 26.1: Slide Over returns

Apple has reintroduced the Slide Over multitasking feature in iPadOS 26.1 (beta). The panel — removed in iPadOS 26 as Apple moved iPad toward a more desktop-like window system — is back following user feedback.

What’s changed

• Slide Over is available again in iPadOS 26.1 (beta).
• Unlike older iPadOS releases, the current implementation appears limited to a single Slide Over app at a time.
• Slide Over integrates with the new windowing model, letting users show apps in a floating panel and hide them with gestures.

Why this matters

Many users missed Slide Over after iPadOS 26 removed it. Restoring the feature shows Apple is responding to user feedback and balancing the new windowing approach with familiar multitasking tools.

Sources & further reading

• 9to5Mac: iPadOS 26.1 beta restores Slide Over
• MacRumors: Slide Over returns in iPadOS 26.1 beta
• Engadget: Apple is bringing back Slide Over in iPadOS 26.1
• Apple Support: iPad multitasking

Have you already tried the beta? Tell us how Slide Over fits into your workflow in the comments.