Programming iOS 14

Chapter 10. iPad Interface

This chapter discusses some iOS interface features that differ between the iPad and the iPhone:

Popovers and split views

Popovers and split views were exclusive to the iPad when they were introduced in iOS 3.2. Starting in iOS 8, they became available also on the iPhone, where they typically adapt, appearing in an altered form more appropriate to the smaller screen. New in iOS 14, split views have been completely overhauled.

iPad multitasking

iPad multitasking, introduced in iOS 9, is an interface confined to the iPad, where two apps can occupy the screen simultaneously.

Drag and drop

Drag and drop was introduced in iOS 11 primarily to allow the user to drag from one app to another in an iPad multitasking interface. It can also be used within a single app, even on the iPhone.

Pointer and keyboard handling

New in iOS 14, an iPad user can attach a pointing device, such as a mouse or trackpad; your app can respond to and manipulate the onscreen cursor. If an external keyboard is attached, your app can also detect keyboard shortcuts.

Multiple windows

Starting in iOS 13, an app can display multiple windows on the iPad.

Popovers

A popover is a temporary view layered in front of the main interface. It is usually associated, through a sort of arrow, with a view in the main interface; typically, this will be the button that the user tapped to summon the popover. The popover might be effectively modal, preventing the user from working in the rest ...