The latest iOS update introduces a Picture-in-picture which allows the user to continue watching a video or making a FaceTime call while using another app.
Until iOS 13, when you watched a video or made a FaceTime call, the video window displayed on the screen disappeared whenever you needed to use another app. In iOS 14, this mode of operation was discontinued. Now, when watching full screen video content or using FaceTime, quitting the current app to use a different one does not close or pause the video.
The new version of the operating system of the iPhone now offers a “picture in picture” mode that allows you to display the content of your video or your FaceTime call within a movable miniature window on the screen. Here is how to use it.
1. Activate picture in picture
IOS 14’s Picture-in-Picture mode is normally enabled by default on all devices.
To make sure, go to Settings, then in General, go to the Picture-in-picture menu. Make sure the Start IDI Automatically feature is enabled correctly.
2. Move and resize the thumbnail
Then play a video in full screen, or make a FaceTime call with a loved one. Normally, if all goes as planned, quitting the app should leave you with a miniature floating window in which the video or video call continues. Please note, however, that not all applications are compatible with this function yet. However, you can test picture-in-picture with Netflix, Prime Video or from a video played in Safari.
This floating thumbnail, displayed on top of the rest of the content, can be moved to any corner of the screen. You can also resize it, by pinching the window with two fingers, as you would zoom in / out on an image, or by performing a double-tap directly.
To return to the original video playback window, tap the dedicated icon displayed at the top right of the thumbnail.
3. Minimize picture in picture
Even better, when viewing a video in picture-in-picture mode, you can, if necessary, minimize it by moving it off the screen, to the right or to the left.
You will then be able to access another application in full screen, while continuing to listen to the content of your video. The minimized video can then be brought back to the screen very easily by simply pulling the handle displayed on the side where you have chosen to reduce the image.