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Implementing Picture in Picture Mode

Overview​

iOS supports Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode starting from iOS 9 for iPads and iOS 14 for iPhones. Picture-in-Picture (PiP) allows users to continue watching video content in a small, resizable window while navigating through other apps or interacting with the home screen. This provides a seamless multitasking experience, where the PiP window floats over the active app, allowing users to switch between apps without interrupting the video.

How users can interact with the PiP window​

On iOS, users can interact with the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) window in the following ways:

  • Drag the PiP window: Users can drag the PiP window to any corner of the screen by tapping and holding the window.

  • Resize the PiP window: Starting from iOS 15, users can resize the PiP window by pinching in or out with two fingers, making the window larger or smaller as needed.

  • Hide the PiP window temporarily: Users can swipe the PiP window off the screen to hide it temporarily. A small arrow remains visible, and they can swipe it back in to restore the PiP window.

  • Controls on PiP window: Users can tap the PiP window to reveal playback controls, which include play/pause, fast forward, rewind, and a button to return the video to full-screen mode.

  • Close the PiP window: Tapping the close (X) button will stop the video and close the PiP window.

Picture in picture implementation​

Enable Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode in an iOS app using Xcode, as mentioned below:

Enable PiP capability: Open your project in Xcode and go to the "Signing & Capabilities" tab of your target. Click on the "+" button to add a new capability, then search for and add "Background Modes". In the list of background modes, check the option labeled "Audio, AirPlay, and Picture in Picture".

PiP preview