Use Split View in Safari on iPad - iOS 10 Guide

Safari's Split View Feature on iPad

Introduced in iOS 10, Safari’s Split View enables users to browse with two Safari windows displayed concurrently on their iPad. This functionality shares similarities with the Split View introduced in iOS 9, but is specifically tailored for use within the Safari application.

Important Considerations

It’s important to note that this feature is exclusively available on iPad devices; it will not function on iPhones. Furthermore, Split View in Safari operates solely in landscape orientation.

Related: How to Use Multiple Apps at Once on an iPad

Key Differences from iOS 9 Split View

A primary distinction between the Split View of iOS 9 and Safari’s implementation in iOS 10 lies in window resizing. Unlike the adjustable window sizes in the earlier version, Safari’s Split View presents each window occupying precisely half of the screen, with no option for modification.

Despite this limitation, Safari’s Split View remains a valuable tool. The following sections detail how to activate and utilize this feature.

Activating Split View in Safari

There are two distinct methods for initiating Split View within Safari. The first involves a long press on a hyperlink on a webpage, followed by selecting “Open in Split View” from the contextual menu that appears.

Alternatively, if multiple tabs are already open, you can activate Split View by dragging a tab to the right edge of the screen until it detaches from the main window. Releasing your finger then completes the process.

Functionality Within Split View

Upon activation, two independent Safari windows are displayed, each featuring its own address bar, tab management interface, and toolbar – positioned at the bottom of the screen.

These windows function as separate entities, yet remain integrated within the single Safari application. For instance, the tabs button on each window’s toolbar allows for individual tab management.

Related: How to Close All Tabs at Once in Safari in iOS 10

Tab Management Options

The tab view interface is accessible within each Safari window. From here, users can add new tabs using the plus icon, switch to private browsing mode, close individual tabs, or clear all tabs simultaneously.

Opening Links Between Windows

While in Split View mode, links from one Safari window can be opened directly in the other. Simply tap and hold on the desired link, then select “Open on Other Side” from the presented menu.

In the example provided, a link selected in the left window opens as a new tab within the right window.

Moving Tabs Between Windows

Tabs can be transferred between the two Safari windows by dragging them from one window to the other. Importantly, the browsing history associated with each tab is preserved during this process, allowing for seamless navigation using the forward and back buttons.

Compatibility of Tab Transfer

It’s crucial to understand that tab transfer is only possible between windows sharing the same browsing mode. You can only move tabs between two private windows or two regular windows. Attempting to drag a tab between a private and a regular window will be unsuccessful.

However, the “Open on Other Side” option remains functional, allowing you to open a link from one window into the other, adopting the receiving window’s browsing mode.

Returning to Single Window Mode

To revert to a single Safari window from Split View, you can either drag all tabs from one window into the other, which automatically consolidates them.

Alternatively, a quicker method involves tapping and holding on the tabs button in either window and selecting “Merge All Tabs” from the resulting menu.

This action merges all tabs into a single window, and the toolbar returns to its standard position at the top of the screen.

Persistence of Split View State

When navigating back to the Home screen or force-closing Safari, the application will retain your Split View configuration. Upon reopening, Safari will automatically resume in Split View, with all previously open tabs restored in their respective browsing modes (private or regular).