How to Switch Apps Using the iPad Dock in iOS 12

Apple introduced streamlined multitasking navigation in iOS 12, allowing iPad users to move between active tasks quickly using fluid gestures and the Dock. This guide provides a straightforward explanation of how to reveal the Dock from inside any application and use its dedicated recent apps section and gesture controls to switch between open applications seamlessly.

Revealing the Dock

While using any application, swipe up gently from the bottom edge of the screen and release your finger once the Dock appears. Avoid swiping too far up, as a longer swipe will trigger the App Switcher or return you to the Home screen.

Selecting a Recent App

Once the Dock is visible on the screen, look at the right-hand section:

1. Locate the thin vertical dividing line on the right side of the Dock.
2. The icons to the right of this divider represent your most recently used applications, as well as Continuity suggestions from other Apple devices.
3. Tap the icon of the recent app you want to open to switch to it immediately.

Accessing the Full App Switcher

If the application you want does not appear in the recent section of the Dock:

1. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen toward the middle of the display.
2. Pause your finger briefly in the center of the screen without lifting it until the App Switcher grid appears, then let go.
3. Swipe horizontally through the preview tiles of your open applications.
4. Tap any application tile to switch to it.