# Mastering Multi-Window Multitasking on iPhone Duo Use custom Shortcuts to bypass interface limitations and boost your mobile workflow efficiency. - **Source:** [MacStories](https://brifing.si/source/2d6fb241-7483-4085-bcc6-8301b013a2d2) - **Published:** 2026-11-03 - **Topic:** [Career Growth](https://brifing.si/c/growth) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/2938d29e-7cd1-4322-8193-46df1d8f93e1 ## iPhone Duo Multitasking Reality The iPhone Duo introduces a foldable inner display that functions similarly to an iPad, supporting multi-window workflows. However, unlike iPadOS, the current iOS 27 implementation lacks a universal system-level UI element to manually spawn new windows. Users are currently reliant on developer-specific menu items or keyboard shortcuts to trigger these secondary instances. ## Developer-Dependent Window Management Currently, creating multiple windows for a single app is inconsistent across the platform. Apps like Notes allow users to long-press for a Split View, while RSS clients like Unread offer custom menu items. This fragmentation forces users to adapt to unique interface designs rather than utilizing a standardized, system-wide window management gesture. ## The Shortcuts Workaround Strategy To overcome these limitations, users can utilize the Shortcuts app to force window creation. By leveraging the 'Get Current App' action and passing it as a parameter to the 'Split Screen' action, iOS treats the request as a command to spawn a new instance of the active application on the secondary side. ## Implementing the Self Split Shortcut The 'Self Split' shortcut automates this process by splitting the screen between the current app and itself. This workaround effectively tricks the system into creating a new window. It serves as a bridge for users who need to manage multiple documents or content streams simultaneously without waiting for future official Apple software updates. ## Optimizing Access via Control Center For maximum efficiency, the Self Split shortcut can be added directly to the Control Center. On the iPhone Duo, users can trigger this by tapping the Wi-Fi or battery icon. This provides a rapid, one-tap solution to spawn a new window, significantly reducing the friction associated with manual multitasking on the device. ## Hardware Integration and AssistiveTouch Users can further enhance their workflow by pairing the iPhone Duo with a mouse via AssistiveTouch. By navigating to Settings, Accessibility, and then Touch, users can map the shortcut to a specific mouse button. This hardware-software integration creates a more desktop-like experience for managing multiple windows on the portable, modular device. ## Future Interface Expectations While the current workaround is functional, there is a clear need for Apple to adapt iPadOS features like the Shelf or Exposé for the iPhone Duo. Simplifying window management at the system level would eliminate the need for custom shortcuts, providing a more cohesive and intuitive experience for professional mobile power users. ## The Evolution of Mobile Productivity The transition toward more complex window management on the iPhone Duo mirrors the historical evolution of the iPad Pro. As the device matures, the focus must shift from workarounds to native, streamlined interactions. Until then, utilizing community-driven tools like the MacStories Shortcuts Archive remains the most effective method for maintaining high-level productivity. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.macstories.net/ios/how-to-easily-create-multiple-windows-for-the-same-app-on-iphone-duo/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._