Split screen on iOS 11 - is it real this time?

[Wangta]

so I've been researching but haven't been able to get clear answer in this - will iOS allow any app to be used in split screen? I am tired of falling for the whole split screen thing only to find out only a handful of apps are "compatible" with the split screen feature because their "developers don't support it".

I honest to god don't understand why Apple allows developers to cripple their iOS apps (compared to their android versions) - which only leaves a bad experience with the iOS user since the app doesn't fully utilize all the bells and whistles with the iOS operating system.

Example - I want to use Spotify and Waze at the same time split screen while driving. This seems to be a near impossible request - which just blows my mind. It doesn't help that waze - which is owned by google - seems to be intent on building up their android app while offering the grade b version for iOS (the android version integrates with Spotify - the iOS version does not and not a peep from Waze on when they will roll it out).

 

[Feenician]

will iOS allow any app to be used in split screen

No. Developers have to opt in and implement it. If you have an app that doesn’t run in split and you think it should you should leave a review or contact the developer by other means. The more publicly you do so (Twitter, for example) the more likely they will implement it.

For the Waze/Google example: While Google’s services and backends may be first class, their apps are not. I’ve lost count of the number of “I can’t put the YouTube in PiP. Why won’t Apple fix this?” Comments but it is entirely on Google to do so. The APIs to do it have been available for ages and the only thing that stops them is the fear that you won’t be looking at the ads that generate almost their entire revenue.

 

[BritishApple]

Your question makes me believe you think this is Apples fault (apps being "compatible")?

All apps, in theory, are compatible with split screen, the onus is on the developer to implement it into their app.

If a developer chooses not to code split screen into their app, it'll remain full screen through no fault of Apple's.

 

[Wangta]

No. Developers have to opt in and implement it. If you have an app that doesn’t run in split and you think it should you should leave a review or contact the developer by other means. The more publicly you do so (Twitter, for example) the more likely they will implement it.

For the Waze/Google example: While Google’s services and backends may be first class, their apps are not. I’ve lost count of the number of “I can’t put the YouTube in PiP. Why won’t Apple fix this?” Comments but it is entirely on Google to do so. The APIs to do it have been available for ages and the only thing that stops them is the fear that you won’t be looking at the ads that generate almost their entire revenue.

Yes that's what I fear. But again - perhaps my original point was not clear - yes the developers have to "opt" in. But at the same time - Apple could make it a requirement. This would be a very aggressive stance by Apple - but not developing your apps to fully utilize the new iOS or hardware actually hurts the Apple platform via the bad experience. Apple should care about that.

Your question makes me believe you think this is Apples fault (apps being "compatible")?

All apps, in theory, are compatible with split screen, the onus is on the developer to implement it into their app.

If a developer chooses not to code split screen into their app, it'll remain full screen through no fault of Apple's.

Again...I understand the onus is on the developers. But as I pointed out - it's not like Apple has to give them a choice. It does no good for Apple to allow developers to continually build apps that don't utilize all the new functionality in the iOS or hardware. It makes for a bad user experience and a waste of time, money and effort for Apple (why continue to push development of iOS and hardware features if no developer will utilize the new things??)

Is give Apple a lot of credit if they made it a requirement: if you want your app in our App Store it must utilize x, y, z features which are new to iOS (or whatever).

For example - Does Apple make it a requirement for their apps to have to work in landscape mode? I'm guessing they do? Imagine if they didn't - apps like YouTube or whatever only worked in portrait orientation. That would suck. I'm guessing that's not up to the developer.

Id be curious to see what companies like Spotify and Waze would do if Apple lay down this ultimatum. Guessing Spotify makes a lot of $$$ from Apple subscribers. And waze wouldn't get as much social traffic data (or advertisement revenue due to less usage from Apple iPhone users).

 

[Infinitewisdom]

No. Developers have to opt in and implement it. If you have an app that doesn’t run in split and you think it should you should leave a review or contact the developer by other means. The more publicly you do so (Twitter, for example) the more likely they will implement it.

For the Waze/Google example: While Google’s services and backends may be first class, their apps are not. I’ve lost count of the number of “I can’t put the YouTube in PiP. Why won’t Apple fix this?” Comments but it is entirely on Google to do so. The APIs to do it have been available for ages and the only thing that stops them is the fear that you won’t be looking at the ads that generate almost their entire revenue.

YouTube issue is a monetization issue. Google wants you to subscribe to YouTube Red, which enables background play.

 

[kmj2318]

I don't think it's realistic for Apple to require compatibility with split screen. Compatibility with split screen requires using Auto Layout, and that's not something Apple could enforce. Reason being is that not all apps could use auto layout, such as games. That is all to say that apple would not be able to require Auto Layout without seriously messing with all of the games on the iOS platform. Or, Apple would have to have separate categories that require auto layout and others that don't, which would probably just make developers game the system. Plus, it's a massive undertaking to enforce something like that. The best thing that apple can do is to make implementing Auto Layout easy, which I think they did. The best thing users could do is to complain to developers.

 

[ConfusedChris]

“For example - Does Apple make it a requirement for their apps to have to work in landscape mode? I'm guessing they do? Imagine if they didn't - apps like YouTube or whatever only worked in portrait orientation. That would suck. I'm guessing that's not up to the developer.”

I hate Clips partly because it’s stuck in portrait. These stubborn apps even rotate and move the AssistiveTouch shortcut while the device is still in landscape.

On topic:
I often choose my apps based on whether they will go split-screen.

 

[Tycho24]

Oooooooh, I have an idea!!!!

Don’t reward crappy shady developers that PURPOSEFULLY hobble their apps, by using them.

Boom.
#problemsolved

 

[Abazigal]

Oooooooh, I have an idea!!!!

Don’t reward crappy shady developers that PURPOSEFULLY hobble their apps, by using them.

Boom.
#problemsolved

Problem is that you have already paid for the app. What does it matter to them whether you use it or not?

 

[Tycho24]

Problem is that you have already paid for the app. What does it matter to them whether you use it or not?

Pretty sure Waze is free & Spotify has a LOT of alternatives...
With the app/services landscape being as competitive as it is- if they truly don’t care about retention & daily active users, they won’t be around much longer anyways.
Unless an app is TRULY unique.... the developer needs you far more than you need them- again; do NOT reward shady sleazy business practices by using that company’s app.

 

[Jayson A]

Did they remove the ability to swipe from the right on the iPad to open split screen? I couldn't get it to work on my iPad when I had iOS 11 on it.

 

[ps3zocker]

Did they remove the ability to swipe from the right on the iPad to open split screen? I couldn't get it to work on my iPad when I had iOS 11 on it.

No, but the behavior changed. After you opened an app, swipe up to see the Dock, drag a second app onto the screen (or press the home button, drag an app icon, open Multitasking, drag it on top of an open app). The top-most app can be dragged around and also swiped off the screen. You can then swipe from the right to bring the last app in again.

 

[eyeseeyou]

Do you have an iPad mounted in your car?

Does Apple even do split screen with Apple Music?

 

[DNichter]

Any app that supports Split View. It's up to the developer to institute that feature as Apple doesn't write their apps.

 

[joesegh]

Do you have an iPad mounted in your car?

Does Apple even do split screen with Apple Music?

Music definitely supports split screen.