Can I resize and move windows on an iPad using VoiceOver gestures?

Yes, the ability to resize and arrange app windows that was introduced in iPadOS 26 is fully accessible to VoiceOver users. It may also be helpful for low vision users to turn VoiceOver on while resizing and moving windows if they have difficulty locating the necessary controls. It's easy to dip in and out of  VoiceOver with instructions to Siri to turn VoiceOver on or off.

To be able to resize and arrange app windows you must select Windowed Apps in Settings / Multitasking & Gestures. The Stage Manager option offers additional flexibility which I don't cover here.

Apps will open full screen when first opened. To resize an app window explore by sliding a finger  near bottom right of the screen to locate the resize handle. You will hear "resize app name, bottom right, double tap and hold then drag to adjust the window size". So, you should do just that and double tap and hold anywhere on the screen, wait for the rising tones and then drag the bottom right corner of the app window to a new position. In case you don't know, double tap and hold  means you should tap twice rapidly with one finger and leave your finger resting on the screen after the second tap. The window will remain centred as you drag and it will shrink in all directions.. It's best to double tap and hold in the bottom right area of the screen to give yourself sufficient room for the drag. When you lift your finger details of the window's position wil be spoken. If you drag the corner mostly upwards you will create a wide, squat window in the middle of the screen. If you drag the corner mostly to the left you will create a tall thin window in the middle of the screen. 

To move the window, slide a finger up from the centre of the screen to locate the move handle near the top of the window. You will hear "move app name, double tap and hold then drag to move the window". So again, that's what you do and you will hear details of the window's position when you lift your finger.

For any subsequent resizing or moving of the window you will need to explore the screen to locate the resize or move handle in its new location.

This process can be repeated to create multiple windows on screen. When you go to the home screen you will hear "windows stashed" and the windows will be represented by thin strips on the right and left of the screen. I've found it tricky to select the stashed apps at right and left of the screen by exploring the screen edges. An easier alternative is to swipe right after selecting the three dots page selector which speaks "page 1 of n". This is located above the middle of the dock at the bottom of the screen. When you have heard the apps name after swiping right double tap and your app window or windows will reappear with the one you double tapped active. Stashed apps can also be retrieved using the app switcher.

A window can be closed, minimized or returned to full screen using the Window Controls button at top left of an app window. Visually, this is three horizontal dots. 

A quick note for readers unfamiliar with VoiceOver. If you can see the three dots button, then touch it and you will hear its name spoken. That has selected it ready for activation. If you don't land correctly, slide your finger around until you hear "Window Controls" spoken and then lift your finger. The button is now selected. Once selected, the button can be activated by double tapping anywhere on the screen. It's the same for other buttons or menu items, select them to hear their name spoken and then double tap to activate them.

To use the Window Controls select the Windows Controls button and double tap and you will be able to swipe right between, close, minimize and zoom buttons. Close closes the app and removes it from the app switcher. Minimize removes the window from the screen and leaves the app in the app switcher. Zoom returns the app to full screen.

If the Window Controls button is selected and triple tapped a menu appears offering different standard locations such as left, right, top and bottom or, if you have multiple windows, you could also choose from left and right, thirds or quarters to organise all your windows with one click. There is also a Full option to revert to full screen for a single app.

Once an app window has been resized it will always reopen at its last size and position, even if the app is fully closed. To revert to full screen you must either double tap Zoom in the Window Controls or triple tap the Window Controls and double tap Full.

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last updated 14 January 2026