Multitasking Windows no longer works on iPad iOS26.

If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated or post-update software issue:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
3. Press and hold the top button.
4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings

If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

Otherwise, you would be well advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to assist with troubleshooting:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Yes, I’ve read all that & it all worked when I 1st updated to iOS 26.   The Windowed Apps button is selected (still).

The 3 little traffic buttons are there and will minimize / maximize the window.  But if I launch other apps they do not appear in multiple windows as shown in the "Work with multiple windows at once on iPad - Apple Support".   There is only one window & nothing can be seen in the background.  The only way to switch to another window is to completely close one, then open another, just like before multiple windows was an option.  The flow described in "Work with multiple windows at once on iPad - Apple Support"  worked a few weeks ago on iOS26- now it doesn’t on iOS26.1  That’s the issue.

Can you see what I mean from my screen shot above?

iPadOS multitasking has received a significant makeover from that to which you may be accustomed in iPadOS 18.x and earlier - and may take a little time to learn and adjust your workflows. You would be well advised to review the official iPadOS User Guide and the many available online tutorials (such as YouTube) to become better acquainted with the new multitasking interface and associated gestures and controls.

Work with multiple windows at once on iPad - Apple Support

OS - iPadOS 26 - Apple

Slide Over and Split Views remain - although are accessed differently. You can have two or three App windows side-by-side - or a spit the screen into four quadrants.

To access, assuming that the current App window is not maximised; touch-and-hold the traffic-light icon at top-left of the App window to expose the Fill & Arrange options:

NB: If you update to iPadOS 26.1, you also have a Slide Over view from which to choose:

Selecting a layout will cause the current App window to move aside, allowing you to open another App; the selected view will open the selected Apps in their own windows - which can be resized laterally, as before, by dragging the divider to left or right.

If the App window is already maximised, swipe downwards from the top-edge of the screen to expose the new menu bar - then use the traffic-light icon as described above.

Remember, for iPadOS 26, you have a configuration choice to use Full Screen Apps only, use Windowed Apps, or Stage Manager mode as you prefer:

Settings > Multitasking & Gestures - select your preferred multitasking mode

As for the Dock, there is now an additional setting that controls whether it remains visible or requires a swipe to appear on the Home Screens:

Settings > Multitasking & Gestures > [Gestures] Swipe to Reveal Menu Bar - set to ON or OFF as preferred