Go to Settings > Multitasking & Gestures and choose the layout that fits how you use your iPad: Windowed Apps for movable, resizable windows; Stage Manager for window groups and a recent-apps list; or Full Screen Apps for a full-screen app workflow. You can also switch between Windowed Apps and Stage Manager in Control Center. Your iPad model and iPadOS version determine which options are available.
Choose the mode that fits your work
| Mode | How it arranges apps | Task groups and switching | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windowed Apps | Open multiple app windows, then move and resize them. | Apple describes window arrangement, not Stage Manager-style task groups. | Choose it when you want to see and arrange several windows at once. |
| Stage Manager | Move, resize, rearrange, and overlap windows. | Groups windows for tasks and provides a recent-apps list. | Choose it when you want to keep related windows together and switch among recent apps. |
| Full Screen Apps | Uses the full-screen app workflow rather than the Windowed Apps layout. | Apple’s cited instructions do not describe it as providing Stage Manager groups. | Choose it if you prefer working with apps full screen. |
Apple documents the features and compatibility of these modes, but does not claim that one is universally more productive. For Apple’s current overview, see Multitask on iPad with iPadOS 26.
Change the multitasking setting
- Open Settings on your iPad.
- Tap Multitasking & Gestures.
- Select Windowed Apps, Stage Manager, or Full Screen Apps.
To turn off Stage Manager, select Windowed Apps or Full Screen Apps instead. Apple also documents switching modes through Control Center; the available controls can depend on the mode and software version. See Apple’s instructions for turning Stage Manager on or off and turning Windowed Apps on or off.
Arrange windows with Windowed Apps
After selecting Windowed Apps, open an app from the Dock, Home Screen, or App Library. To change its position or size, drag the window from the top to move it, or drag a corner or resize handle to resize it. You can open other apps or additional windows of the same app and arrange them together.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Apple’s guide explains the controls and window workflow in Multitask on iPad with iPadOS 26.
What Stage Manager adds
Stage Manager builds on windowed work by letting you rearrange and overlap windows, group windows for a task, and switch using a list of recent apps. It is the better fit if keeping a set of related windows together is more important to you than using a simpler arrangement of movable windows. Apple’s Stage Manager guide covers its window groups and controls.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Check compatibility before changing your setup
Availability depends on the iPad model and installed iPadOS version. Apple lists Windowed Apps on a range of models, including iPad (8th generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), and iPad Air (3rd generation and later). This is not a complete compatibility list; check Apple’s current Windowed Apps model availability for your exact iPad.
Stage Manager has its own model requirements. Support for using Stage Manager to move apps and windows to an external display is limited to a smaller subset of compatible iPads. Check Apple’s separate lists for Stage Manager and external-display compatibility rather than assuming that an iPad supporting Stage Manager also supports that external-display workflow.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Slide Over has a version requirement
Apple’s iPadOS 26 instructions say Slide Over is available in iPadOS 26.2 or later. If you are looking for it and do not see it, check the iPadOS version installed on your device and Apple’s current multitasking instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
