In iOS 7, multitasking was greatly improved with a more intuitive design for managing multiple apps at once. Here’s a guide on how to multitask on iOS 7:
1. Accessing the Multitasking View
To switch between apps or manage open apps:
- Double-tap the Home button: This action brings up the App Switcher screen, showing a horizontal list of your recently opened apps.
- You’ll see app preview cards (snapshots of where you left off in each app) along with the app icons at the bottom.
2. Switching Between Apps
Once you’re in the multitasking view:
- Swipe left or right to browse through the list of apps. Each app will have a preview of the last screen you were on.
- Tap on the app you want to switch to. This will immediately open the app.
3. Closing Apps
To force close apps:
- In the multitasking view, locate the app you want to close.
- Swipe up on the app’s preview card. This will remove it from the multitasking screen and close the app.
- You can close multiple apps by swiping up on more than one app card at the same time using multiple fingers.
4. Background App Refresh
iOS 7 introduced Background App Refresh, which allows apps to update content in the background without being actively opened. To manage which apps are allowed to refresh:
- Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
- Toggle the feature on or off for individual apps depending on your preference. This can help conserve battery life by limiting apps running in the background.
5. Notification Center and Control Center
You can also multitask by quickly accessing key features without leaving your current app:
- Notification Center: Swipe down from the top of the screen to view your notifications and updates. It’s divided into three tabs: Today, All, and Missed.
- Control Center: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to quickly access controls like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane Mode, music controls, brightness, and quick access to apps like the flashlight, camera, or calculator.
6. Quick Tips for Multitasking Efficiency
- Use Siri to open apps or perform tasks without leaving your current app. Just hold the Home button and ask Siri to open an app or perform a task.
- Keep an eye on battery management when multitasking. Apps running in the background can use more battery, so closing apps you’re not using can help preserve battery life.
- iOS 7’s animation transitions between apps are smooth and fluid, making multitasking feel seamless. However, you can reduce motion effects if you find the animations take too long or cause discomfort. Go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Reduce Motion.
By following these steps, you can efficiently multitask and manage apps on your iPhone or iPad running iOS 7.