iOS 8 Release Date, Features & Rumors: Multitasking Split-Screen Revealed in Leaked Video

Apple will never trail behind its competitors. The Cupertino-based company has upped its strategy by matching its rivals' products' features and capabilities. One example is the alleged plan of the tech giant to match Microsoft's Surface tablet's "'snap' multitasking feature that allows customers to snap multiple apps onto the screen for simultaneous usage," as detailed by 9to5mac.

"iOS 8 is likely to supercharge the functionality of Apple's iPad with a new split-screen multitasking feature, according to sources with knowledge of the enhancement in development," the site said. "These people say that the feature will allow iPad users to run and interact with two iPad applications at once. Up until now, each iPad application either developed by Apple or available on the App Store is only usable individually in a full-screen view."

This feature was reportedly not announced at Apple's WWDC this year, which is odd, given the fact that the company tends to separate its hardware announcements from software. 9To5mac revealed "code references to the feature have been found across the iOS 8 Software Development Kit."

This split-screen feature has long been on the wishlist of iPad fans for many years now. "Some designers have even designed sample user-interfaces, unofficial tweaks, and videos for how they would like the feature to function," 9to5mac. "The feature is said to be designed with the 9.7-inch iPad display in mind, and it is unclear if the feature will work on the smaller-screened iPad mini. The feature is said to work exclusively in landscape mode. The feature may also be key to a larger-screened iPad, which Apple is actively developing for a launch either later this year or in 2015."

The International Business Times observed that Apple's "split-screen multitasking" feature is still "pretty rough" right now. This is understandable given the fact that the said feature is still in development.

"If Apple is indeed planning to copy this Windows 8 feature, it means that it will be another reason for tablet buyers to purchase the iPad," the site added. "In addition to having access to the latest and best apps, which includes the Microsoft Office, the reasons to purchase an iPad are growing with the release of the new iOS 8."

What do you think, readers? Should Apple push through with the split screen feature or should it keep is much awaited feature shelved until next year?

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