App icons missing after latest iPad update

Have you tried using a spotlight search? Swipe down from the middle of the screen to bring up the search field. Type in the name of one of the apps and see if it shows up in the search. If it is in a folder, the name of the folder will appear next to the app name. If it does appear, tap on it to launch it. Then go back to the home screen and see if it is there.

What do you mean when you say that they are still in the system? Do you see them in the settings? Have you tried restarting your iPad or trying a forced restart?

• iPad models that don't have a Home button: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then press and hold the Power button until the device restarts.
• iPad with Home button, iPhone 6s or earlier, and iPod touch (6th generation) or earlier: Press and hold both the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons until you see the Apple logo.

If either of those don’t help, post back with more detailed information please.

You are starting to high up on the screen. Swipe down from the middle of the screen - midpoint between the top and bottom of the screen. It doesn’t have to be exact by any means but if you start to swipe down from the very top of the screen, you will invoke the Notification screen as you have discovered.

Did you try restarting or force restarting your iPad now that you have launched a couple of apps and they appear on the Home Screen?

I’m glad to hear that you are getting it all sorted out, but sorry you had to go through all of that work.