Why Doesn’t the iPhone Have Multitasking? Exploring Apple’s Unique Approach

Introduction: The Multitasking Debate on iPhone

For years, Android users have enjoyed multitasking features like split-screen and floating apps that allow them to run two applications side-by-side. Meanwhile, iPhone users have often wondered why their devices—powerful and polished as they are—still don’t offer true multitasking. Despite incremental updates, iPhones remain limited to running one app in full screen, with minor exceptions such as Picture-in-Picture for video.

Why does Apple stick to this single-app focus when multitasking feels like a natural productivity booster? Let’s dive into the technical, philosophical, and user-experience reasons behind Apple’s unique approach to multitasking on iPhones.

The Current State of Multitasking on iPhone

Unlike Android smartphones that have had split-screen multitasking for nearly a decade, iPhones still don’t support running two apps simultaneously on screen in the traditional sense. Users cannot resize apps or have floating windows like on Samsung Galaxy or other Android devices. The only real form of multitasking is the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, which lets you watch videos or take FaceTime calls while using another app, but even this is limited and not universally supported by all apps.

Apple’s multitasking on iPhone is mostly limited to quick app switching and background app refresh, which is far from what many users expect as true multitasking. This limitation is often criticized by power users who want to, for example, watch a video while browsing the web or take notes while messaging, without constantly switching between apps.

IPhone 16e front and back views highlighting new design features

Why Doesn’t iPhone Have Full Multitasking? The Technical Constraints

One of the primary technical reasons relates to hardware limitations, especially memory management. Unlike desktop computers or many Android devices that have swap memory or large RAM pools, iPhones operate with a fixed and relatively limited memory environment designed for efficiency and stability.

iPhones do not have a swap file or hard drive space that can be used as virtual memory, so apps are allocated a fixed amount of RAM.
When memory runs low, iOS uses an Out of Memory (OOM) killer to terminate apps that consume too much memory to keep the system stable.
Apps are designed to run within these constraints, and allowing multiple apps to run actively on screen would greatly increase memory usage, risking crashes or slowdowns.

This memory management is a classic example of embedded system design, where resources are carefully balanced for battery life, performance, and stability. Running two or more apps simultaneously in full view could drain the battery faster and degrade performance on many iPhones, especially older or lower-end models.

IPhone 11 displaying colorful wallpaper on screen

Apple's Design Philosophy: Simplicity and User Experience

Beyond technical reasons, Apple’s approach is rooted deeply in its user experience philosophy:

Focus on one app at a time: Apple believes users are better served by focusing on one task without distractions from multiple windows or split screens. This philosophy emphasizes simplicity and clarity.
Avoiding complexity and cognitive overload: Scientific research shows that the human brain struggles to multitask effectively with complex tasks. Apple’s design tries to reduce cognitive load by limiting how many apps can demand attention simultaneously.
Consistency across devices: While the iPad OS supports some multitasking like split views and slide overs, Apple keeps iPhone interactions simpler due to the smaller screen and different use cases.
Battery and performance optimization: Apple prioritizes delivering a smooth, fluid, and long-lasting experience over adding features that might compromise these aspects.

This means Apple prefers to optimize the single-app experience to be as fast and responsive as possible rather than fragmenting attention and resources across apps.

What About iPad? Why Does It Support Multitasking?

You might wonder why iPads have split-screen and slide-over multitasking but iPhones do not, despite both running similar operating systems.

iPads have larger screens that can comfortably display two or more apps side by side.
iPads generally have more RAM and bigger batteries, allowing for more complex multitasking without sacrificing performance.
The iPad is often positioned as a productivity device where multitasking is more essential, while the iPhone is viewed primarily as a communication and entertainment device.
iPadOS has been evolving multitasking features gradually to balance power and usability, a process Apple seems cautious to replicate exactly on iPhones.

This distinction highlights Apple’s tailored approach to device categories rather than a one-size-fits-all OS.

IPhone 15 Pro lineup in natural titanium finish

How Android Differs in Multitasking Approach

Android phones have supported traditional multitasking features like split-screen, floating apps, and resizable windows for years. This is partly because:

Android devices vary widely in hardware, often offering larger RAM and swap memory options.
Android’s open ecosystem encourages more flexibility in how apps are displayed and managed.
Manufacturers like Samsung enhance multitasking further with custom features like drag-and-drop apps in split-screen or pop-up view.

Android’s multitasking is designed to maximize flexibility and cater to power users who want to work on multiple apps simultaneously, even if that sometimes costs battery or performance.

Are There Any Workarounds or Alternatives on iPhone?

While true split-screen multitasking is absent, iPhone users can still boost productivity with some built-in features:

Picture-in-Picture (PiP): Watch videos or FaceTime calls in a small floating window while using other apps.
App switching: Quickly switch between recently used apps via the app switcher or gestures.
Widgets and Control Center: Access useful info or controls without leaving an app.
Third-party apps: Some apps incorporate mini floating windows or quick actions internally, but this is app-specific and limited.

However, none of these fully replace the multitasking experience Android users enjoy.

Will iPhone Ever Get True Multitasking?

Rumors and developer discussions suggest Apple might introduce more advanced multitasking features in future iOS releases as hardware improves and user demand grows. But Apple will likely:

Implement multitasking cautiously to maintain battery life and stability.
Possibly restrict multitasking to newer, higher-end iPhones with better RAM and processors.
Preserve their design philosophy by offering multitasking features in a simplified, user-friendly way rather than replicating Android’s model directly.

Users hoping for iPhone multitasking should watch Apple’s WWDC announcements and iOS updates closely in coming years.

Conclusion: Understanding Apple’s Balanced Choice

The iPhone’s lack of traditional multitasking isn’t simply an oversight or refusal to innovate. It’s a carefully considered balance of hardware constraints, user experience philosophy, and performance priorities. Apple opts for simplicity, stability, and battery life over multitasking bells and whistles, trusting that many users prefer fluid, distraction-free app experiences.

While this approach frustrates power users craving Android-style multitasking, it reflects Apple’s consistent vision of mobile computing. As technology advances, we may see more multitasking features on iPhone, but they will likely remain true to Apple’s hallmark of simplicity and polish.

Are you an iPhone user longing for multitasking? How do you manage your workflow on a single app screen? Share your thoughts and hacks below!