OneDrive Gets Support for Multiple Instances on iPadOS

With iPadOS/iOS 13, Apple introduced a major new feature for iPads that took apps to the next level. The company introduced a new feature called Multiple Windows that essentially allows users to make multiple instances of an app. So if you are working on a Word document, for example, you’d be able to work on different documents at the same time through the different windows/instances.

It looks like support for Multiple Windows is something app developers have to add on their apps, and Microsoft is adding the functionality to the OneDrive for iPad today. With the latest update for OneDrive on iOS, users on iPadOS/iOS 13 will be able to use the Multiple Windows feature on their iPads. The feature will allow you to open multiple files at once for viewing or editing, according to Microsoft.

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The UX for opening Multiple Windows is a bit confusing on iPadOS since this feature has never existed before, so if you want to try it out, here are the number of ways you can open a new window on an app:

  • Drag an app’s Dock icon to the side of the screen to choose one of its current windows or create a new one
  • Drag an object to the side of the screen and drop it onto the system-provided drop target
  • Touch and hold an app icon on the Home screen or the Dock, tap Show All Windows in the context menu that appears, and tap the Add (+) button
  • Touch and hold an object until it reveals a context menu that includes the option to view the object in a new window

You can get the latest update for OneDrive for iOS here.

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Conversation 10 comments

  • c_j_martinez

    Premium Member
    04 October, 2019 - 9:52 am

    <p>I'm glad for this, and was a bit disappointed they didn't have all the Office apps updated and ready for the iPadOS launch. Using multiple Word and Excel instances is a showcase feature for iPadOS. Outlook got updated to support automatic Dark Mode yesterday too. </p>

    • Chris_Kez

      Premium Member
      04 October, 2019 - 11:38 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#476662">In reply to C_J_Martinez:</a></em></blockquote><p>Yeah, this and the other new capabilities in iPad OS really have me thinking about test driving an iPad Pro. </p>

  • Thom77

    04 October, 2019 - 11:42 am

    <p>Apple isnt <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;introducing a major new feature for iPads that is taking apps to the next level.</span></p><p><br></p><p>they are allowing apps to play catchup to features that have been in existence in every legitimate OS for years … even DECADES.</p>

    • Hifihedgehog

      04 October, 2019 - 12:02 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#476878">In reply to Thom77:</a></em></blockquote><p>Thank you. Allowing multiple instances of an application is rudimentary in and fundamental to any fully featured operating system. Without it, you are hamstrung in productivity, left with a toy-like operating system that is only sufficient for content consumption. But I can imagine there are many Apple fans who are fawning over this like it was manna from heaven or the best thing since sliced bread. </p>

  • MikeGalos

    04 October, 2019 - 1:02 pm

    <p>So, to get multiple windows and multiple app instances and a decent file system on iOS you need to leave Apple's ecosystem and go to Microsoft's. </p>

    • pecosbob04

      04 October, 2019 - 4:22 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#476964"><em>In reply to MikeGalos:</em></a><em> Just curious Mikey were you ever in the Navy? You would have made a great petty officer because you are just about the pettiest MF I've ever seen.</em></blockquote><p><br></p>

      • Greg Green

        04 October, 2019 - 6:19 pm

        <blockquote><em><a href="#477071">In reply to pecosbob04:</a></em></blockquote><p>That was funny. Nice!</p>

      • pecosbob04

        07 October, 2019 - 8:04 pm

        <blockquote><em><a href="#477071">In reply to pecosbob04:</a></em></blockquote><p>Would someone care to explain "Approve Comment"? first time I've seen that option.</p>

    • miamimauler

      04 October, 2019 - 10:42 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#476964">In reply to MikeGalos:</a></em></blockquote><p>Cute Mike.</p><p> It's like if MS wanted a mobile OS people actually want to use they had to go to Google Android.</p>

    • miamimauler

      05 October, 2019 - 2:01 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#476964">In reply to MikeGalos:</a></em></blockquote><p>Good news Mike. Another sixty U.S banks have signed on to Google Pay. Now when Android manufacturer Microsoft release their Android phone users will have a vibrant Google Pay experience. You should be thrilled.</p><p>How is Microsoft Pay going btw Mike?</p><p><br></p><p>Users will even be able to use Chromium Edge browser. How fortunate for MS they can rely on Android and Chromium.</p>

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