How to display UISplitViewController columns next to each other again.

Since iOS26 the UISplitViewController is displayed in a way where the primary column (red) overlaps the secondary column (blue) instead of displaying them next to each other like before. Several Apple apps still display the columns next to each other, like Notes, Mail and Photos. What is the correct way to display the columns next to each other again using UIKit and if possible Storyboards.

Answered by Frameworks Engineer in 892273022

While the columns overlap where blue flows under red, it's important to note that the safeArea of the blue view is just the area not obscured by the red column.

By positioning the content of the blue view within the safe area, the content will be next to the red column while the background can flow under it for visual effect.

In a storyboard, this can be done by anchoring to constraints the safe area of the view instead of the bounds of the view. Or in code using the safe area layout guide.

While the columns overlap where blue flows under red, it's important to note that the safeArea of the blue view is just the area not obscured by the red column.

By positioning the content of the blue view within the safe area, the content will be next to the red column while the background can flow under it for visual effect.

In a storyboard, this can be done by anchoring to constraints the safe area of the view instead of the bounds of the view. Or in code using the safe area layout guide.

So I have to make all the root views of my view controllers into sub views in order to be able to add constraints?

In my case I have a UICollectionViewController as the secondary ViewController of my UISplitViewController. (Similar to the Photos app)

You are suggesting I add constraints to the CollectionView?

This seems a bit hacky to me.

The Storyboard UI suggests that switching the primary style from 'Sidebar' to 'None' does what I'm looking for but this setting seems to be ignored and after building the app I always get the sidebar style.

How to display UISplitViewController columns next to each other again.
 
 
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