With the iOS 11 public beta officially available, brave testers everywhere can now use the new features designed to bring the iPad a huge step closer to being a laptop replacement. The major changes we’re going to take a look at are the new dock, the Files app, drag & drop, new multitasking features, and a couple other stand-out features we’re excited about. This isn’t an opinion piece, so I’m not going to definitively tell you whether or not I think these features will make your iPad as functional as your MacBook. I think that’s far too individual of a decision; instead, I’ll lay out what each new iPad with iOS 11 beta feature can do and let you decide for yourself.
Multitasking
How to Open the App Switcher without Clicking the Home Button
By Sarah Kingsbury
Before 3D Touch the only way to access the multitasking window was to double click the Home button. Then came the back button in iOS 9 for quickly returning to the previous app. But, if you have an iPhone 6s or 6s Plus, you can now also switch between apps using 3D Touch.
How to Use Side by Side on Your iPad
By Conner Carey
With iOS 9, Apple introduces the iPad to split-screen multitasking. Also called Slide Over, this new function is supported by the iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 2, and iPad mini 3 and later. Located on the right edge of the screen and designed to run multiple apps, Slide Over allows you view another app without leaving the one you're in; however, the two applications won't run together side by side unless you have an iPad Air 2 or later.