Why no multitasking button in Home Screen and dock

Hello,

The multitasking button is only used when starting it from inside of an already open app (if the app allows it).

Use multitasking on your iPad - Apple Support

”How to use the Multitasking menu to open multiple iPad apps

1. Open an app.
2. Tap the Multitasking button  at the top of the screen.
3. Tap the Split View button  or the Slide Over button . The current app moves aside and your Home Screen appears.
4. Tap a second app on your Home Screen. (Swipe left or right to see apps on your other Home Screen pages. You can also tap an app in your Dock.)

• • If you chose Split View, the second app appears side-by-side with the current app.
  • If you chose Slide Over, the second app opens full-screen and the current app moves to a smaller window that you can move to the right or left side of your screen.“

Starting it from the Dock works differently. You can also use the App Library to start a session.

“How to use the Dock to open multiple iPad apps

1. Open an app.
2. Slide one finger up from the bottom edge of the screen until the Dock appears, then release.
3. Touch and hold a second app in the Dock, then immediately drag it up out of the Dock.

• • If you drag the app to the left or right edge of the screen, it appears in Split View with the current app.
  • If you let go of the app in the middle of the screen, it appears in a Slide Over window.“

I hope this helps.