Forced cross-version update to "Liquid Glass" OS

Forced cross-version update to "Liquid Glass" OS

I am beyond frustrated right now. I deliberately updated my iPad to the latest iOS 18 version (holding off from the new "Liquid Glass" interface) and prior to updating made sure my Automatic Updates switch was toggled OFF.

Imagine my shock a few days later when I picked up my iPad to find it had completely ignored my settings, silently downloaded, and cross-version upgraded itself right into the new Liquid Glass OS anyway!

Even worse, I checked the settings afterward, and Apple had somehow toggled my Auto-Update switch back ON by itself. I never touched it! It was flipped back on without my consent!

I immediately tried to downgrade or undo it, only to find out this sneaky, devious and cunning move is permanent and irreversible.

Why give us an "Off" switch for automatic updates if the system is just going to override it anyway? This strips users of control over their own devices. Is there any way back from this?