Apple Working on Split-Screen Multitasking for iOS 9, iPad Pros with Multi-User Login

We have been hearing rumors that split-screen multitasking is coming to iOS since last year and have even seen some uncovered code showing the iPad running split-screen; however, it has yet to arrive. 9to5mac now claims that the feature could be revealed at WWDC in June and launch with iOS 9.



Apple was originally planning to include split-screen multitasking for the iPad on iOS 8, but the feature was not ready for WWDC. Instead, Apple made tentative plans to include the feature in iOS 8.1, but also had to push those plans back to devote resources to the Apple Watch.


Sources now say that Apple plans to show off the side-by-side feature for iOS 9 using currently available iPad models. The latest plans suggest that the split-screen mode will support 1/2, 1/3, and 2/3 views depending on the apps. When split, the screen can either display two different apps side-by-side, or multiple views of the same app. This would enable iPad users to see two separate Safari tabs, or compare a pair of Pages documents at the same time.

Sources warn that the feature still could be pulled before next month's WWDC conference as more polish would be needed until it hits the first iOS 9 beta.

Apple has other plans for the future of the iPad as well. Sources say Apple is developing a larger, 12-inch 'iPad Pro,' and the split screen multitasking feature was actually developed for the larger iPad. Apple is currently testing internally codenamed "J98" and "J99" iPad Pros, which are simply larger versions of the WiFi-only and Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad Air 2. Currently there is no launch date for the new iPad, as Apple is still working on the software and hardware. The company hopes to eventually tweak the OS that runs on the iPad Pro to leverage the larger screen size.

Apple is considering redesigning core apps and features, including Siri and Notification Center, to be better presented on the larger display. This new iPad is also rumored to have additional keyboard and USB support, and basic manufacturing schematics for the device leaked late last year.


Finally the last feature Apple has planned is support for multiple users and logins. This has been a much-requested feature and if it were to drop, users can easily share an iPad but have access to their own apps, documents, and media. Apple had hoped to release this feature with iOS 9, but it has been pushed back from its WWDC reveal and likely will not be ready to ship with iOS 9. It could be released as a .1 or .2 update later this year alongside the iPad Pro, whenever that is released.

iOS 9 reportedly has a major focus on stability and performance, but will bring enhancements to the Maps application, a new font, and other features.

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