Apple’s windowed multitasking feature is called Windowed Apps. It works on iPad (8th generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), and iPad mini (5th generation and later), including newer named models such as iPad (A16), iPad mini (A17 Pro), and M2- and M3-powered iPad Air models. Check your iPad’s exact generation or chip, then look for Settings > Multitasking & Gestures > Windowed Apps. Apple’s compatibility and setup instructions have the current list.
Which iPad generations support Windowed Apps?
Apple’s list covers these iPad families and starting generations:
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| iPad family | Supported models |
|---|---|
| iPad | 8th generation and later, including iPad (A16) |
| iPad Pro 11-inch | 1st generation and later, including M4 models |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch | 3rd generation and later |
| iPad Air | 3rd generation and later, including 11-inch and 13-inch M2 and M3 models |
| iPad mini | 5th generation and later, including iPad mini (A17 Pro) |
The list is based on Apple’s current Windowed Apps compatibility guidance; Apple’s page should be checked for any changes. Apple Support: Turn Windowed Apps on or off on your iPad.
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Windowed Apps lets you keep multiple apps open, move and resize their windows, arrange them side by side, and open multiple windows in some apps. Apple documents Slide Over in iPadOS 26.2 or later; availability of that specific multitasking view therefore depends on the installed iPadOS version. Apple’s iPadOS 26 multitasking guide explains the window controls and workflows.
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- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
How to check and turn on Windowed Apps
- Find your iPad’s exact model and generation in its device information or in Settings.
- Install the latest iPadOS version available for that iPad.
- Open Settings > Multitasking & Gestures, then select Windowed Apps.
- You can also use the Control Center control Apple documents to switch between Windowed Apps and Stage Manager.
If the Windowed Apps option is missing, verify the model generation and that the iPad is running the latest iPadOS available to it. Apple’s setup page provides the current setting path. Apple Support: Windowed Apps settings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Windowed Apps the same as Stage Manager?
No. Windowed Apps and Stage Manager are separate choices. Windowed Apps compatibility does not automatically mean an iPad supports Stage Manager on an external display. If external-display multitasking is what you need, check the separate model guidance for Stage Manager before relying on that capability. Apple Support: Turn Stage Manager on or off on your iPad.
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- Smart Connector. 3.5 mm headphone jack. Stereo speakers. On/Off - Sleep/Wake. Home/Touch ID sensor. Dual microphones. Volume up/down. Nano-SIM tray (cellular models). Lightning connector
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- Touch ID fingerprint sensor,
- 8MP back camera, 1. 2MP FaceTime HD front camera.
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Rank #3
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
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