Picture-in-picture (PiP) is a groundbreaking feature that has revolutionized the way we consume multimedia content on our iPhones. Introduced with iOS 9, this innovative feature allows you to simultaneously watch videos and browse other apps, elevating your overall mobile experience. But how do you do picture-in-picture on iPhone? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of PiP, exploring its benefits, compatible devices, and step-by-step instructions to get you started.
Understanding Picture-in-Picture: What’s the Hype?
Picture-in-picture is a feature that enables you to minimize a video into a smaller window, situated at the corner of your screen, while you continue to interact with other apps on your iPhone. This allows for seamless multitasking, making it an essential tool for individuals who crave flexibility and convenience. The benefits of PiP are numerous:
- Effortless multitasking: PiP enables you to browse social media, respond to messages, or explore other apps while keeping an eye on your favorite video content.
- Enhanced productivity: With PiP, you can continue watching educational videos, podcasts, or tutorials while taking notes, responding to emails, or performing other tasks.
- Immersive entertainment: PiP creates an immersive experience, allowing you to enjoy music videos, movies, or TV shows while chatting with friends or scrolling through your social feeds.
Compatible Devices: Which iPhones Support Picture-in-Picture?
Picture-in-picture is compatible with a range of iPhone models, including:
- iPhone 8 or later
- iPhone SE (2nd generation) or later
- iPhone 8 Plus or later
- iPhone X or later
- iPhone XS or later
- iPhone XS Max or later
- iPhone 11 or later
- iPhone 11 Pro or later
- iPhone 11 Pro Max or later
- iPhone 12 or later
- iPhone 12 Pro or later
- iPhone 12 Pro Max or later
If you’re using an older iPhone model, don’t worry! You can still use third-party apps that offer PiP functionality, but the native iOS PiP feature might not be available.
Enabling Picture-in-Picture: A Step-by-Step Guide
Enabling PiP on your iPhone is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:
Enable Picture-in-Picture for Native iOS Apps
- Open a compatible app: Launch an app that supports PiP, such as Apple TV, YouTube, or Safari. Ensure the app is updated to the latest version.
- Start playing a video: Begin playing a video within the app. You can choose a video from the app’s library or search for one.
- Tap the PiP icon: Look for the PiP icon () in the top-right corner of the video player. Tap on it to activate PiP mode.
- Minimize the video: The video will shrink into a smaller window, typically situated at the top-right corner of your screen.
Using Picture-in-Picture with Third-Party Apps
- Download a PiP-enabled app: Install a third-party app that supports PiP, such as Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video.
- Launch the app: Open the app and start playing a video.
- Tap the PiP icon: Look for the PiP icon () or an equivalent button within the app. Tap on it to activate PiP mode.
- Minimize the video: The video will shrink into a smaller window, allowing you to interact with other apps.
Customizing Your Picture-in-Picture Experience
iOS offers several customization options to enhance your PiP experience:
Resize and Reposition the PiP Window
- Tap and hold: Tap and hold the PiP window to resize it. Use your thumb and index finger to pinch or spread the window to your desired size.
- Drag and drop: Tap and hold the PiP window, then drag it to a new location on your screen.
Pause, Play, and Close the PiP Window
- Tap the PiP window: Tap the PiP window to reveal playback controls.
- Pause or play: Tap the pause or play button to control the video playback.
- Close the PiP window: Tap the “X” icon to close the PiP window and return to the original app.
Troubleshooting Common Picture-in-Picture Issues
If you encounter any issues with PiP, try the following troubleshooting steps:
Restart the App or iPhone
- Close and reopen the app: If PiP isn’t working, try closing and reopening the app.
- Restart your iPhone: If the issue persists, restart your iPhone to resolve any software glitches.
Check App Compatibility and Updates
- Verify app compatibility: Ensure the app you’re using supports PiP and is updated to the latest version.
- Update the app: Check the App Store for updates and install the latest version.
Mastering Picture-in-Picture on Your iPhone
Now that you’ve learned the ins and outs of PiP, it’s time to take your iPhone experience to the next level. With practice, you’ll become a multitasking pro, effortlessly juggling videos and apps. Remember to explore compatible devices, enable PiP in native iOS apps and third-party apps, and customize your experience to suit your preferences. Happy multitasking!
What is Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and why is it useful?
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) is a feature on the iPhone that allows you to keep watching a video in a small window while you continue to use other apps on your device. This feature is useful because it allows you to multitask and be more productive while still enjoying your favorite videos. For example, you can continue to watch a cooking video while browsing through a recipe on a website or writing a message to a friend.
With PiP, you can easily switch between apps without having to stop the video or close the app. This feature is especially useful when you want to take notes or refer to information related to the video while still watching it. PiP also allows you to quickly jump back to the full-screen video by tapping on the PiP window, making it easy to switch between multitasking and immersive video viewing.
How do I enable Picture-in-Picture on my iPhone?
To enable Picture-in-Picture on your iPhone, start by making sure your device is running iOS 14 or later. Then, open a compatible video app, such as Apple TV, YouTube, or Netflix, and start playing a video. Tap the PiP icon, which looks like a rectangle with an arrow pointing inward, in the top-right corner of the video player. This will instantly shrink the video into a small window that you can move around the screen.
Once you’ve enabled PiP, you can adjust the size of the video window by pinching it with your fingers. You can also tap on the video window to bring up playback controls, such as pause, play, and volume control. To exit PiP mode and return to full-screen video, simply tap on the PiP window again.
What apps are compatible with Picture-in-Picture on the iPhone?
A wide range of video streaming apps are compatible with Picture-in-Picture on the iPhone, including Apple TV, YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more. Additionally, some social media apps, such as Facebook and Twitter, also support PiP. You can also use PiP with many video conferencing apps, such as Zoom and Skype.
If an app doesn’t support PiP, you won’t see the PiP icon in the video player. In that case, you won’t be able to use PiP with that particular app. However, many popular video apps do support PiP, so you may be able to find an alternative app that offers this feature.
Can I use Picture-in-Picture with audio-only content?
Yes, you can use Picture-in-Picture with audio-only content, such as podcasts or music streams. When you enable PiP with audio-only content, the video window will be replaced with a small audio player that shows the title and artwork of the audio content. You can continue to listen to the audio while using other apps on your iPhone.
Using PiP with audio-only content is a great way to multitask and stay productive while still enjoying your favorite podcasts or music. You can easily control the audio playback by tapping on the PiP window and using the playback controls that appear.
How do I move the Picture-in-Picture window around the screen?
To move the Picture-in-Picture window around the screen, simply tap and hold on the window, then drag it to the desired location. You can move the window to any corner or edge of the screen, or place it anywhere in between. When you’re not using the PiP window, it will automatically move to a corner of the screen to minimize distractions.
You can also adjust the size of the PiP window by pinching it with your fingers. This allows you to make the window larger or smaller depending on your preferences. To close the PiP window, simply tap on the “X” icon in the top-right corner of the window.
Can I use Picture-in-Picture with multiple videos at the same time?
No, you can only use Picture-in-Picture with one video at a time on your iPhone. When you enable PiP with a video, the video window will take over the entire screen, and you won’t be able to open another video in PiP mode. However, you can open multiple apps on your iPhone and use PiP with each app individually.
If you need to watch multiple videos at the same time, you may want to consider using a tablet or desktop computer, which often allow for multiple video windows to be open at the same time. Alternatively, you can try using a third-party app that allows for split-screen video viewing.
Is Picture-in-Picture available on all iPhone models?
Picture-in-Picture is available on iPhone models running iOS 14 or later. This includes the iPhone 8 and later models, as well as the iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later. However, PiP is not available on iPhone 7 and earlier models, as they do not support iOS 14 or later.
If you’re using an older iPhone model, you may not be able to use PiP, but you can still multitask by using the app switcher to switch between apps. You can also consider upgrading to a newer iPhone model that supports PiP and other advanced features.