Rolling-back to an earlier version of iOS/iPadOS is not possible.
All System Updates are digitally signed by Apple - and can only be installed whilst the digital signatures remain valid. After release of a new iOS/iPadOS version, the immediately preceding version continues to be digitally signed by Apple - however, usually within a few days, Apple will revoke the digital certificate with which the earlier version is signed.
Perhaps consider that iOS/iPadOS updates include both functional and essential security updates. Restoring an earlier version of the OS would undermine the security of your device and your personal data.
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. This short video may help you to understand how to use the multitasking system:
https://cdsassets.apple.com/vid/live/hls/7WUAS350/videos/93ad67d2_1759269510.m3u8
You would also likely benefit from reviewing 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:
Multitask on iPad with iPadOS 26 - Apple Support
Work with multiple windows at once on iPad - Apple Support
OS - iPadOS 26 - Apple
The three-dot multitasking button with which you are no doubt familiar from earlier versions of iPadOS has been replaced with the traffic-light button to access and control the revised window-based User Interface.
If you dislike the new Windowed Apps or Stage Manager modes, you can switch to using the basic Full-Screen App mode - but this disables all multitasking capabilities and hide the associated traffic-light controls; you will also not be able to use split screen or slide-over modes with which you are likely familiar:
Settings > Multitasking & Gestures - select Full Screen Apps
For information, Apple does invite submission of comments via its Product Feedback portal. For iPad and iPadOS:
Feedback - iPad - Apple
If you would like to see specific changes or additional functionality in a future release of iPadOS, this would be the most appropriate channel through which to communicate any requests to Apple. While you are unlikely to receive an individual reply, it is our understanding that all submissions are logged, analysed and forwarded to the relevant team(s) for consideration.
