Apple set to announce change that will double the power of the iPad

APPLE seems set to introduce true multi-tasking to its iPad tablets, with a report that the new iOS8 mobile operating system will let you split your iPad tablet in two.

Apple's critics have long complained that the ability to switch between apps is not true multi-tasking and one thing that is holding some people back from replacing their laptop computer with a tablet for work use.

But a report by Mark Gurman at 9to5Mac says that iOS8, which will be announced at next month's annual WWDC conference in San Francisco, will let people split their iPad screen and drag and drop between two apps on their screen.

For those who use the latest Samsung Galaxy tablets or Microsoft's Surface, the ability to two apps or more open on your screen at once is not new.

While you might not want to split the screen on a 7.9-inch iPad Mini, having apps such as a word processor and your email both open on the screen of a 9.7-inch iPad Air has clear advantages to those who see their tablet as a productivity tool.

There have also been reports since last June that Apple plans to release a bigger iPad with a 12.9-inch screen.