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Can You Split Screen on an iPhone?
iPhones do not have a traditional split-screen mode like iPads or Android phones. Apple reserves Split View – the feature that places two apps side by side – for iPad only. However, you can still multitask on your iPhone using Picture-in-Picture, Safari split tabs, and Slide Over alternatives that achieve similar results.
This guide covers every available method to view two things at once on your iPhone. Whether you want two browser tabs visible or a video playing over another app, these workarounds get the job done on any iPhone running iOS 16 or later.
How to Use Split View in Safari on iPhone
Safari on iPhone lets you open two web pages at the same time when you rotate your phone to landscape mode. This works on iPhone models with larger screens (iPhone 6s Plus and newer Plus/Max models).
- Open Safari on your iPhone.
- Open the web page you want on the left side.
- Long-press any link on that page and tap “Open in New Window.”
- Rotate your iPhone to landscape (horizontal) orientation.
- Both pages appear side by side, each taking half the screen.
This method only works in Safari and requires a Plus-size or Max-size iPhone. Standard-size models do not support landscape split view in Safari. You also need to make sure rotation lock is turned off in Control Center.
How to Use Picture-in-Picture on iPhone
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) lets you watch a video in a small floating window while using another app. Apple added this feature in iOS 14, and it works on every iPhone model from iPhone 8 and newer.
- Open a video in Safari, Apple TV, FaceTime, or any app that supports PiP.
- Start playing the video.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or press the Home button on older iPhones) to go to the Home Screen.
- The video shrinks into a floating window in the corner of your screen.
- Open any other app while the video continues playing.
You can drag the PiP window to any corner of the screen. Pinch to resize it larger or smaller. Tap the window to reveal playback controls, or swipe it off-screen to hide it while keeping audio playing. Tap the small arrow tab on the edge to bring it back.
How to Enable Picture-in-Picture
PiP should work automatically on most iPhones. If it does not activate when you leave a video, check your settings.
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap General.
- Tap Picture in Picture.
- Toggle on “Start PiP Automatically.”
Not all apps support PiP. YouTube requires a Premium subscription for PiP on iPhone. Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and most streaming apps support it without restrictions.
How to Use Slide Over as a Split Screen Alternative
Slide Over is an iPad feature, but you can achieve something similar on iPhone using the App Switcher for quick app-switching that feels like multitasking.
- Open your first app and start your task.
- Swipe up from the bottom and pause in the middle of the screen to open the App Switcher.
- Tap your second app to switch to it.
- Swipe up and pause again to return to the first app.
While this is not true split screen, the swipe gesture takes less than a second. Many users find rapid app-switching just as productive as having two apps visible at once.
Third-Party Apps for Split Screen on iPhone
Several apps on the App Store add split-screen browsing to your iPhone. These apps create a divided browser window where you can load two websites at once. Popular options include Split Screen View and Multitasking Split Screen.
Keep in mind that these third-party apps only split web content. They cannot display two native apps side by side because Apple restricts that capability at the operating system level. For browsing two websites simultaneously, though, they work well as a workaround.
How to Split Screen on iPad vs iPhone
iPads have full Split View support built into iPadOS. You can run two apps side by side, resize the divider, and even add a third app with Slide Over. Apple designed this feature specifically for the iPad’s larger display.
| Feature | iPhone | iPad |
|---|---|---|
| Split View (two apps side by side) | Not supported | Fully supported |
| Safari split tabs (landscape) | Plus/Max models only | All models |
| Picture-in-Picture | Supported (iOS 14+) | Supported (iPadOS 14+) |
| Slide Over | Not supported | Fully supported |
| Stage Manager | iPhone 16 Pro only | M1 iPads and newer |
If multitasking is a priority for your daily workflow, an iPad gives you far more flexibility than any iPhone model.
Will Apple add split screen to iPhone?
Apple has not announced split-screen support for standard iPhone models as of iOS 18. The iPhone 16 Pro introduced limited Stage Manager support, which allows resizable app windows when connected to an external display. For on-screen multitasking directly on the iPhone, Picture-in-Picture remains the best available option.
Does split screen work on iPhone SE?
The iPhone SE does not support Safari split tabs because it uses a standard-size display. Picture-in-Picture works on iPhone SE (2nd generation and newer) running iOS 14 or later. Third-party split-browser apps also work on any iPhone SE model.
How do I close split screen in Safari?
Rotate your iPhone back to portrait (vertical) orientation. Safari automatically returns to a single-page view. You can also long-press the tabs icon in Safari and select “Merge All Windows” to combine your split tabs back into one window.
See also: How to Backup iPhone, How to Screenshot on Windows Laptop, How to Screen Record on Chromebook
Sources
Apple Support – Multitask with Picture in Picture on iPhone | Apple Support – Use multitasking on your iPad
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