Apple has released the second developer beta of iPadOS 26.1, reintroducing the Slide Over multitasking feature and implementing several user interface refinements.
Two weeks following the initial developer beta, Apple unveiled iOS 26.1 developer beta 2, identified by build number 23B5059e, which is consistent with its iPadOS 26 counterpart.
The original iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates introduced numerous enhancements, such as advanced screening capabilities for the Phone and Messages apps, a dedicated Games application, and the Liquid Glass design language.
Specifically, iPadOS 26 underwent a significant overhaul in multitasking and productivity, introducing a new window system reminiscent of the Mac experience. While Stage Manager and the traditional full-screen app multitasking remained as alternatives, the Slide Over feature was initially removed.
With the release of the second developer beta of iPadOS 26.1, Slide Over has been reinstated, enhancing the multitasking capabilities of the iPad.
Reintroduction of Slide Over
The Slide Over feature has returned and is now compatible with the new windowed multitasking system. Users can access it from the top left corner of an app window.
To activate Slide Over, tap the green icon on an application window. A new button labeled Enter Slide Over will appear, allowing the selected application to transition into a Slide Over window. Unlike previous versions, only one app can be used in a Slide Over window at a time.
User Interface Refinements
In addition to the return of Slide Over, the second developer betas of iPadOS 26.1 and iOS 26.1 introduce several user interface adjustments:
– Settings App: The font size has been slightly increased for improved readability.
– Pane Descriptions: Descriptions within settings panes are now left-aligned, moving away from the previous center alignment.
– Display and Brightness Section: The default iOS 26 wallpaper is now visible within this section.
– Health App: Hypertension alerts have been reinstated, enhancing health monitoring capabilities.
Quality-of-Life Improvements
The latest developer betas also address several issues to enhance user experience:
– Alarm Functionality: A previous issue that prevented alarms from sounding has been resolved, ensuring reliable alarm notifications.
– Microphone Gain Control: On the iPad, users can now adjust the gain level of connected microphones via the Control Center, allowing for optimal audio recording levels.
Overall, the second developer beta of iPadOS 26.1 reinstates a familiar multitasking feature, offering users enhanced versatility. The user interface tweaks and bug fixes across iPhone and iPad platforms are welcome enhancements.
Apple continues to release new developer betas of iOS and iPadOS approximately every two weeks, suggesting that additional features and changes may be forthcoming in subsequent software updates.
