Hi jmille22,
The App Switcher (as that function is called) is still present in iOS 16.5. To ensure you're able to access it, make sure you're following these steps and not just swiping up from Switch between open apps on iPhone:
"Use the App Switcher
- To see all your open apps in the App Switcher, do one of the following:
- On an iPhone with Face ID: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen, then pause in the center of the screen.
- On an iPhone with a Home button: Double-click the Home button.
2. To browse the open apps, swipe right, then tap the app you want to use."
If you pause halfway through the swipe-up step, you should then see the App Switcher window on the edge, and moving your finger to the right will allow that function to fully open.
You may also use this process to change between apps, also from that article:
"Switch between open apps
To quickly switch between open apps on an iPhone with Face ID, swipe right or left along the bottom edge of the screen."
Regards.