But one new capability -- split-screen multitasking -- deserves extra attention because its available only on some iPad models and because many apps still dont support it.

As a result, iPad users can work in separate multitasking modes depending on what iPad they are using and what apps they are running.

Understanding the two split-screen modes There are two split-screen modes for the iPad in iOS 9, available in both landscape and portrait orientation.

One mode, called Slide Over, restricts the second app to the right-hand third of the screen.

You can work in that right-hand screen while its open, but the app in the left-hand window is grayed out; you can only see its current state, not work in it.

When you tap the left-hand window to work in its app, the other apps Slide Over window closes.

When you tap the primary apps window on the left side, that right-hand window closes.

Plus, you can work in either app while both are visible; simply tap its window to work in it.

Split View is supported only by the iPad Mini 4, iPad Air 2, and iPad Pro.

Its important to start with the primary app because you cannot swap the primary and secondary apps once youve gone into a split-screen mode -- an awkward omission.

To do that, you have to exit the split-screen mode by pressing Home to open a new app as the primary or by using the old-fashioned multitasking to switch to a different app as the primary.

To split the screen for a second app, swipe in from the left edge of the screen to show the last-used compatible app.

If you swipe in far enough, the last-used apps window sticks in place.

Otherwise, it slides right back off.

That lets you peek at that last-used app without opening it in a window.) Note the phrase last-used compatible app: Many apps dont yet support the iOS 9 split-screen modes.

Thus, they simply wont display in that right-hand window, though they will appear in the left-hand window.

For example, Apples iWork apps, which dont support Split Screen or Slide Over modes, still can be visible in the left-hand window in Slide Over mode, but you cant put an iWork app in the right-hand window.

Yes, its odd that Apples productivity suite doesnt yet support iOS 9 split-screen multitasking, though Microsofts Office 365 apps do.) If you see a handle between the two screens, as is visible in the screen showing Word and Excel earlier in this post, that means both apps support Split Screen mode.

Thus, you can drag the handle to change the split, as well as work in the apps while they are both visible onscreen.

If you dont see that handle, that means one or both apps is not compatible with Split Screen mode, so the iPad will run in Slide Over mode.

Compatible vs. incompatible apps For example, Microsofts Office 365 apps are compatible with Split Screen Mode, but Apples iWork apps are not.

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