Related Articles
Using split view on an iPad running iOS 9 means you can view and use two apps at the same time. The feature is a big boost to productivity Apple’s tablet, especially on the iPad Pro.
The only problem is, you can’t view two Safari browser tabs at the same time using split view. Up until a few days ago, I had been using Safari and Chrome at the same time in order to simulate this experience, but it was clunky at best.
Sidefari is a utility app that aims to improve the experience, as first reported by MacStories.
The small app takes advantage of iOS 9’s new split-view feature, along with the new Safari View Controller Apple allows developers to use with the latest version of iOS. Essentially, Safari View Controllers within third-party apps mimic the experience found in a full Safari browsing session. For example, if you’re signed into Facebook in the Safari app, you’ll also be logged into Facebook inside any Safari View Controller windows.
Enlarge ImageScreenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
To use Sidefari after installing it, when browsing in Safari swipe from the right-side of your iPad’s screen to bring up the split view app launcher. Find and open Sidefari. With Safari now on the left side of the screen, you can then use the share extension to send a webpage to Sidefari and it will load within the app’s window.
While it’s not as clean-cut as true support for viewing two Safari tabs at the same time is, it’s easy to use and gets the job done for now.
Sidefari is available for iPad in the App Store for $0.99, £0.79, AU$1.49.
