iPad apps disappear on swipe up screen

Ever since I installed iOS 26 and it's updates, when I swipe up to fully close apps, some of the apps just blink out. When I'm done swiping the visible apps, it does not return to my home screen, I need to swipe up again. If I want to close the apps that blinked out, I have to swipe up again and only have a second or two to close an app, then go through the cycle again.


To help resolve this issue, I've done a system reset and total erase and reinstall of the iOS (this was done with the help of people at my local Apple store). These have not resolved my issue.


I do have a video but cannot attach it.

iPad Air, iPadOS 26

Posted on Nov 7, 2025 12:44 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 13, 2025 6:49 AM

It's looking like the iPad iOS update of 26.2 might have resolved my main issue. For the past 12 hours I've been watching very carefully and all of the apps that I want to close are not blinking out. When I do swipe up on the apps, the screen returns to my home screen. I'm still having a secondary problem where if I am viewing an app and swipe up to get out of it, the home screen blanks out and only the app that I was just viewing was visible. The full home screen returns after a few seconds.

Good luck everyone that had the problem.

14 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 13, 2025 6:49 AM in response to thebreit1

It's looking like the iPad iOS update of 26.2 might have resolved my main issue. For the past 12 hours I've been watching very carefully and all of the apps that I want to close are not blinking out. When I do swipe up on the apps, the screen returns to my home screen. I'm still having a secondary problem where if I am viewing an app and swipe up to get out of it, the home screen blanks out and only the app that I was just viewing was visible. The full home screen returns after a few seconds.

Good luck everyone that had the problem.

Dec 7, 2025 3:44 AM in response to PierM69

PierM69 wrote:

I do have the same bug (because it is a bug) since iPadOS26. Basically when you want to close some app it happens they just disappear when you try to swipe over to close them. You can try multiple times but those same app will refuse to close. The only trick I've found, which does confirm it's a bug, it's to temporarly activate stagemanager, close those apps, then exit from stagemanagee. Again, this started with iPadOS26 and I find ridicolous that it's still there. Also the swipe action is triggering any kind of UI glitch, like black or white flashes so it's clear to me something is broken there.


If you have encountered a consistent/repeatable bug that has not been resolved in recent system software updates, you would be well advised to submit a Bug Report via Apple's product feedback portal. For iPad and iPadOS:

Feedback - iPad - Apple


When submitting a Bug Report, ensure that you include details of your iPad model and installed version of iPadOS within the body-text of your report. Don't rely upon the pick-list - as this rarely includes the current versions.


Submitting a Bug Report yourself - along with others that encounter a problem - is in you own best interests. Don't rely upon others, as Apple may not assign engineering resources to investigate and resolve an issue until sufficient reports of the same problem have been received.


In the meantime, you should also consider seeking 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 you can initiate and manage your support cases from Apple devices using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, 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. If a hardware fault with your iPad is identified, you will be in the best possible place to explore your available options for remedy:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


Dec 7, 2025 12:45 AM in response to thebreit1

I do have the same bug (because it is a bug) since iPadOS26. Basically when you want to close some app it happens they just disappear when you try to swipe over to close them. You can try multiple times but those same app will refuse to close. The only trick I've found, which does confirm it's a bug, it's to temporarly activate stagemanager, close those apps, then exit from stagemanagee. Again, this started with iPadOS26 and I find ridicolous that it's still there. Also the swipe action is triggering any kind of UI glitch, like black or white flashes so it's clear to me something is broken there.

Nov 25, 2025 8:10 AM in response to thebreit1

Good day,


I believe what you are experiencing is not a bug but related to the new multi-tasking options in 26. Please see this Apple article:


Work with multiple windows at once on iPad - Apple Support (QA)


Go to Settings > Multitasking & Gestures and see if "Full Screen Apps" is selected. If not, make it so and test.


Apple does not participate here, and we volunteers answer on a time-available basis. If you feel this is something Apple needs to hear about, they won't see it here. This link will place your concern before an Apple employee:


Feedback - iPad - Apple





Nov 26, 2025 9:54 AM in response to Mello_Man

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 best 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 test and assess your iPad - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Nov 26, 2025 11:58 AM in response to thebreit1

thebreit1 wrote:

LotusPilot, I've done all of this with the assistance of Apple chat or talking to them. I've even gone into an Apple store where they've suggested the same things as you and doing a total factory reset. It just hasn't worked.


If you have followed the steps described in my previous reply - and you have already sought assistance from both Apple Support and the Genius Bar at an Apple Store without success - then I'm at a loss to suggest an alternate resolution to your problem.


As is, your only option is to wait for the next available iPadOS update.


Nov 25, 2025 11:07 AM in response to Allan Jones

Allan, thank you for the input. Your suggestion seems to be working.


I understand that everyone here on the forum volunteer their time and are not affiliated with Apple (maybe a few are). It's just that 3 weeks after my initial post, the only response was from someone also having the problem. As I stated, I talked to different people at my Apple Store and they had no clue. Even the techs online couldn't give me any help other than restores.


Again, thanks for your help.

Nov 26, 2025 9:17 AM in response to Allan Jones

Hi Allan, it is doing it again. In landscape orientation, when I swipe up from the bottom of the Ipad to show open apps, the grid of apps will have blank spots where apps should be (and they are there but you cannot see them but for a split second), nor can you swipe them up to close them. And when I swipe up to close the ones that are visible I cannot get back to my homescreen without swiping down from the top, then up from the bottom. This is definitely a bug of some sort. Not sure how it cannot be. I can't be the only one experiencing this. And it is basically a brand new Ipad.

iPad apps disappear on swipe up screen

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