Apple Provided Zoom With Unique Access To iPad’s Split View

Apple has apparently given Zoom unique access to its useful Split View feature on iPad. Split View was first introduced back in 2015 with iOS 9 and provides users with the opportunity to multitask by using two apps at the same time. For example, looking something up in Safari while answering an email. Or, making a Zoom call while doing something else.

Not only is Split View useful, but it’s also easy to access. To do so, iPad users just need to open an app and then pull up the Dock by swiping up from the bottom of the screen. Then, choosing the second app from the Dock, holding it down and dragging it to the left or right of the screen. In addition to multitasking, Split View also utilizes the Drag & Drop tool, allowing users to move text or other media from one app to another. Not to mention, it can also be used whether the iPad is held horizontally or vertically. Split View does have limitations, however. For example, third-party apps aren’t typically supported in Split View and using the feature could cause apps to crash.

App developer Jeremy Provost was the first to note the unique Zoom support in a Think Tap Work, blog post, according to Apple Insider. With the special API access, Zoom users are able to retain access to the iPad camera while using Split View. Previously, if a user opened Split View while using the camera, the camera would simply turn off. While it remains unclear when Apple gave Zoom access to the private entitlement, there are no current indications others video-conferencing apps will receive the same support soon.

A Zoom Advantage On iPad

With this support, Zoom users are able to do more. For example, referencing notes in the Notes app, answering an email, or viewing a presentation while remaining on a Zoom call. On the one hand, the special access for Zoom is not that surprising, considering how the video-chatting tool has become extremely important over the last year, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing more people to work from home or telecommute to school. Therefore, being able to multitask while using the Zoom app is very helpful.

On the other hand, Zoom is not the only video-calling app available. This in itself does raise questions as to why Zoom was given special access to a feature that many other similar apps were not. While the likes of Microsoft Teams have been adding new features, so has Zoom. In this sense, the special access effectively results in a competitive edge for Zoom, and at a time when access to all video apps is of equal importance. Basically, if a user’s preferred iPad video-calling app doesn’t support Split View, then it is probably due to a decision made by Apple and not the app developers.

Source: ThinkTapWork, Apple Insider

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