Hands-On Apple 217: Multitasking & Gestures on iPad

Host: Micah Sargent (for TWiT)
Date: February 5, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Micah Sargent delivers a practical and informative refresher on multitasking modes and gesture controls on the iPad, focusing on how users can optimize their workflow in iPadOS. The discussion covers the distinctions between Full Screen Apps, Windowed Apps, and Stage Manager, as well as the respective gestures and productivity tips relevant to each mode.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Why Multitasking & Gestures Matter

• Many users overlook or forget iPad multitasking features and gesture controls, which can greatly enhance their experience.
• "It comes up a lot, but a lot of people don't take the time to kind of review it, relearn it, learn it for the first time—everything in between." — Micah Sargent [00:32]

2. Navigating to Multitasking & Gestures

• Start by launching the Settings app on the iPad and navigating to the “Multitasking and Gestures” section.
  • This area provides three main choices for how users interact with apps: Full Screen Apps, Windowed Apps, and Stage Manager. [01:05]

3. Full Screen Apps Mode

• The default, classic iPad view where each app occupies the entire display.
  • E.g., Freeform, Settings, App Store, and Home app each open full screen.
• Gestures for Full Screen Apps:
  • Four or five finger gestures:
    • Pinch to go to Home
    • Swipe left/right to switch apps
    • Pinch and pause to open the App Switcher
      • “I'm placing four fingers on the screen, swiping left, swiping right, and that's allowing me to change it.” — Micah Sargent [02:09]
  • Productivity gestures:
    • Double-tap with three fingers to undo
    • Three-finger pinch to copy, spread to paste
    • Three-finger swipe left to undo, right to redo
    • Shake to undo (“shake your iPad back and forth and an undo option will pop up”) [03:00]
  • Corner swipes: Access screenshots or Quick Notes
  • Picture in Picture: Automatic for FaceTime or supported video when returning to Home or switching apps [03:25]
    • “If you're on a FaceTime call, you swipe up to go look at something. That person will still remain on the FaceTime call.” [03:40]

4. Windowed Apps Mode

• Newer multitasking option allowing multiple app windows on screen, similar to macOS.
  • Resize and move app windows by dragging from the bottom right corner.
    • “You can take your finger and move it to the bottom right corner of the screen to resize an app and place it where you need it.” — Micah Sargent [04:05]
  • Supports stacking and arranging apps to access them simultaneously. [04:15]
• Key Settings:
  • Close All Windows after Swiping Home: Can be toggled on or off (“I have this turned off.”)
  • Auto Show/Hide Dock: Controls dock visibility when multitasking.
• Windowed Apps Specific Gestures:
  • Swipe from top-center to reveal the new menu bar, “much like macOS.” [04:45]

5. Stage Manager Mode

• Hybrid approach; main app in focus with other recent apps accessible on the side, “waiting on the side of the stage to come on when it's their turn.” [05:10]
  • Supports auto show/hide options for recent apps and the dock.
• Sargent spends less time here, referencing previous episodes for more depth but emphasizes it remains a distinct choice for some users.
  • “There are still fans, somehow, of Stage Manager.” [05:30]

6. Picking the Right Multitasking Mode

• Full Screen: Classic, simple, for those who prefer one app at a time
• Windowed: Flexible, modern, multiple visible apps—closest to macOS experience
• Stage Manager: Balanced, focused with recent apps just offstage [05:40]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On why learning these features is crucial:
  “I have seen and actually heard someone say, please help me, when it came to trying to figure out how they saw somebody who had a bunch of different windows open on their iPad and they were like, can I do that?” — Micah Sargent [05:50]

• On user empowerment:
  “Being able to understand how to do that, where to access it, and what each of these settings means, I think is very important.” — Micah Sargent [06:00]

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Intro and Episode Purpose: [00:00–00:35]
• Accessing Multitasking Settings: [01:05]
• Full Screen Apps Explained & Gestures: [01:30–03:30]
• Windowed Apps Mode Overview: [04:00–04:45]
• Stage Manager Essentials: [05:00–05:30]
• Why This Matters & User Scenarios: [05:50–06:10]

Episode Tone

Micah Sargent’s style is clear, patient, and friendly—encouraging listeners to explore settings at their own pace, with real-life examples and empathetic insights into common pain points.

If you haven't tried all three multitasking modes or you’re unsure about specific gestures, this concise episode will likely answer your questions and help unlock new productivity possibilities on your iPad.

End of Summary