PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.

Google Docs, Sheets, Slides Get iOS Multitasking

iPad owners running iOS 9 can finally use the Slide Over and Split View functions while using the Google apps.

 & Stephanie Mlot Contributor

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

Our Expert
LOOK INSIDE PC LABS HOW WE TEST
65 EXPERTS
43 YEARS
41,500+ REVIEWS

Google this week rolled out multitasking support for its Docs, Sheets, and Slides iOS apps.

iPad owners running iOS 9 can finally tap into the operating system's Slide Over and Split View functions while using the Google Apps for Work suite.

Swipe in from the right to see the multitasking sidebar, which provides quick access to things like email, Twitter, and Slack. Supported apps, meanwhile, can take over one half the screen with Split View: Just pull further to the left and the program will snap into place.

The Web giant took nearly a year to launch support for the same features other applications have long provided. Better late than never, right?

Cupertino introduced split-screen multitasking in June 2015, teasing other mobile OS upgrades like Apple Maps transit directions, the built-in News app, and Apple Pay.

Despite the delay, Google users can let out a sigh of relief knowing it will now be easier to complete a slideshow presentation while watching Orange Is the New Black, write a term paper while playing Candy Crush, and fill out a spreadsheet while tweeting about how much you hate spreadsheets.

Other minor changes include the ability to insert images and page breaks in Docs, as well as bug fixes and performance improvements in all three programs.

iOS multitasking is available on recent Apple hardware, including the 9.7- and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 4.

Google, meanwhile, has been working on a multitasking feature for Android tablets since at least last winter, when the Pixel C team revealed via a Reddit Ask Me Anything that split-screen is in the works.

About Our Expert

Stephanie Mlot

Stephanie Mlot

Contributor

My Experience

  • B.A. in Journalism & Public Relations with minor in Communications Media from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
  • Reporter at The Frederick News-Post (2008-2012)
  • Reporter for PCMag and Geek.com (RIP) (2012-present)

My Areas of Expertise

  • Science & Space
  • Video Streaming Services
  • Social Media
  • Cars & Auto
  • Education

The Tech I Use

  • iPhone 12 Pro
  • MacBook Air (hooked up to a 23-inch Dell monitor)
  • Google Chrome
  • Google Drive
  • Soundcore Life P3 earbuds
  • Various Amazon Echo devices

Read full bio