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How to Use Multi-Tasking on iPhone
Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
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The iPhone is a powerful device that offers many features designed to make life simpler and more efficient. One of the key features available on the iPhone is multi-tasking. This capability allows users to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, easily switching between applications without losing progress or functionality. Multi-tasking significantly enhances productivity and the user experience, providing an environment in which users can seamlessly interact with multiple apps. This guide will take an in-depth look at how to use multi-tasking on the iPhone, providing a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities and functionalities.
Understanding multi-tasking
Multitasking means the ability to run more than one app at the same time. On iPhone, this feature provides greater efficiency when navigating and using different apps. Whether it's listening to music while checking email, browsing the web while chatting with friends, or watching a video while preparing a document, multitasking allows you to manage multiple tasks without interruption.
Enabling multi-tasking features
On most iPhones, multi-tasking is a feature that you don't need to enable; it's integrated into the operating system. However, understanding how to access these features is important to getting the most out of them. Multi-tasking capabilities vary slightly depending on the model of iPhone you have and the version of iOS installed. Below are ways to access and use multi-tasking.
Using the App Switcher
The App Switcher is a primary tool for managing multitasking on iPhone. It allows users to quickly switch between open applications and close applications that are no longer in use. To access the App Switcher, follow these steps:
- If you have an iPhone with a Home button, double-click on it to launch the App Switcher.
- If you have an iPhone without a Home button (such as the iPhone X and later models), swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle to access the App Switcher.
Once in the app switcher, you can swipe left or right to browse open apps. Tap any app to switch to it. To close an app, swipe it up off the screen. This is useful for freeing up system resources and managing your device's performance.
Slide Over and Split View
On some iPhone models, particularly those running the latest versions of iOS, you can use Slide Over and Split View modes for advanced multi-tasking:
Slide over
Slide Over lets you open a second app in a small floating window that you can move to the side of the screen:
- Open the first app you want to use.
- Swipe up from the bottom to access the Dock.
- Drag another app from the dock onto the screen, and it will appear in a floating window.
Split View (available on select iPhone models)
Split View enables you to run two apps side by side, so you can interact with both at once:
- Open the first app you want to use.
- Access the Dock by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.
- Drag another app from the Dock and place it on the left or right edge of the screen.
Split View lets you resize apps by dragging the dividing line to make one app larger than the other when needed.
Picture in Picture (PIP)
Picture in Picture is another convenient multi-tasking feature on the iPhone that lets you watch videos or make FaceTime calls in a small window while using other apps. To use Picture in Picture:
- Start playing a video or start a FaceTime call in a supported app.
- Press the Home button, or if your iPhone doesn't have a Home button, swipe up from the bottom. The video will shrink to a smaller window.
- Drag the PiP window to any corner of the screen and resize it by pinching to zoom if necessary.
Other multi-tasking mechanisms
Background app refresh
Background App Refresh is a functionality that enables apps to update their content in the background, even when you're using other apps or not using your phone at all. To manage Background App Refresh:
- Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
- You can choose to turn it off or limit it to only working when connected to Wi-Fi.
Siri suggestions
Siri Suggestions adds another layer of functionality by suggesting apps and actions based on your usage patterns. For example, it might suggest calling a frequently contacted person or opening an app you use at a certain time every day.
Tips for effective multi-tasking
- Limit background activity: Keep track of which apps are allowed to refresh in the background to conserve battery life and maintain performance.
- Use the Dock wisely: Put your most-used apps in the Dock for quick access when setting up Slide Over or Split View.
- Task prioritization: Consider which tasks really require your attention at once to avoid multitasking and reduce cognitive overload.
Conclusion
Multi-tasking on iPhone is a powerful feature that boosts productivity and allows seamless interaction between applications. It offers a variety of tools, from App Switcher and Slide Over to Picture in Picture, giving users a variety of ways to maximize their device's capabilities. With the tips and methods outlined in this guide, you should be well-equipped to take full advantage of these features and improve your multitasking skills on iPhone. In a world where multiple tasks often need to be done at once, having these tools at your fingertips can make a significant difference in efficiency and ease of use.
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