At an online-only WWDC event, Apple has officially unveiled the new iOS 14. This new OS version for iPhones is packed with remarkable features with various tweaks and changes under the hood. Some of these are widgets on home screen, App Library, ability to hide home screen pages etc. Another standout feature was Picture-in-Picture support for iPhones. Phones running Android 8.0 Oreo and higher update have been enjoying Picture-in-Picture since late 2017.
With iOS 14, you can finally watch your favorite YouTube video, Netflix show or Prime Video while navigating the operating system for other tasks. Picture-in-Picture isn’t limited to just viewing video through other apps. Apple has cleverly implemented various gestures and different window sizes for Picture-in-Picture to enhance the experience. The company also offers video control in Picture-in-Picture mode for making changes.
Picture in Picture mode is a great convenience feature for users. You don’t have to pause the video to browse for new mail or reply to a WhatsApp message.
In this article, we will talk about how to use Picture in Picture mode, its functions and other tips. Lets start.
Note: We’ve been using the iOS 14 Public Beta for a while, and we took the screenshots on the iPhone XR.
Where is Picture-in-Picture in iOS 14 for iPhones?
Picture-in-Picture mode is built right into iOS 14. This feature is activated when you try to return to the home screen using the home button or swipe up while watching a video.
When you watch your favorite TV show or movie on Netflix or Prime Video and you have an urgent matter that needs your attention, you can go home by swiping up from the homepage; Picture-in-Picture mode is activated with motion.
You will see a floating window with video playback on the home screen. There is a catch. You will only be able to enable Picture-in-Picture while the video is playing. If you try to use a home screen gesture while the video is paused, the app will close and Picture will not be triggered in Picture mode.
In which applications can I use the picture in Picture Mode?
So far, Picture-in-Picture mode is supported in Netflix, Prime Video, and video streaming apps like Apple TV+ and Apple’s Safari browser. Not surprisingly, YouTube is not on the list. Do not worry. We have a solution for that too. So stay here until the end of the article. Surprisingly, Picture-in-Picture support is missing from the Apple Photos app.
I expect to see more streaming apps join the list as we get closer to the iOS 14 general release in the last quarter of 2020.
What Video Controls You Get in Picture in Picture Mode
Apple’s Picture-in-Picture mode is not limited to the simple video viewing experience. You can pause the video, fast forward or rewind the video for 15 seconds, return to the app using the video expander option in the upper right corner, and turn off Picture-in-Picture mode using the ‘X’ in the upper left corner.
Apple also offers live video playback timeline in Picture-in-Picture mode. As of now, these controls are only visible in the company’s apps, including Apple TV+ and the Safari browser. In Apps like Netflix and Prime Video you can only see the play/pause button, live video timeline, video extender and video mute feature.
Movements in Picture in Picture Mode
Apple’s Picture-in-Picture mode may seem like a simple mod at first glance, but it’s packed with lots of cool tips and tricks to personalize your experience. For example, the company offers three Picture-in-Picture window modes for your preference. To use Picture-in-Picture mode effectively, you need to master the movements.
You can use single finger double tap in Picture-in-Picture window mode and it will shrink in size. Use the same gesture again and it will shrink to the smallest window size. Use the same one-finger double-tap gesture to zoom in Picture-in-Picture mode.
You can use two finger double tap in Picture-in-Picture mode to return to the app with the original video size.
Users can also swipe left or right and minimize the window in Picture-in-Picture mode. The sound will continue to play in the background. In Picture mode you will see an arrow for a Minimized Picture. Tap on it and move Picture back to home screen in Picture mode.
How to Use Picture in Picture Mode on YouTube
As I mentioned earlier, the YouTube app in iOS 14 does not support Picture-in-Picture mode. There is a workaround. Follow the steps below.
Stage 1: Open the YouTube webpage in the Safari browser.
Step 2: Sign in using your Google account login credentials.
Stage 3: Try playing any YouTube video in full screen in Safari and use the swipe up gesture or press the home button (if you are on older iPhones) and you will see YouTube playing video in Picture-in-Picture mode.
Like Apple TV+, Safari offers all the options to customize the video viewing experience in Picture-in-Picture mode. You can also hide the Picture in Picture mode and keep the sound playing in the background; this is something only YouTube Premium users enjoy.
Enjoy Picture in Picture on iPhone
Picture in picture mode is a nice addition to the iOS experience. As expected, Apple nailed the execution here. When Apple releases iOS 14 to the public, it will be interesting to see how many apps have integrated the Picture-in-Picture mode. I would like to see apps like WhatsApp, VLC Player, Telegram that ride the Picture-in-Picture train.
Next: iPhone Screen Time Passcode is another useful function for iOS users. Read the post below to find all the details about Screen Time Passcode on iPhone.
Support our work ❤️
If you enjoyed this article, consider leaving a tip to help us keep publishing great content.
