transparent compass-like symbol on right side of screen

triplehjr wrote:

my friend was able to locate the problem and all is well--is there a tutorial on all the accessibility bells and whistles Apple has added to iOS ?--thanks for help

This is not a particularly new feature.

See this articles for specific information on accessiblity:

Accessibility - Apple

Get started with accessibility features on iPad - Apple Support

Those other items were detailed where expanded; in

'table of contents' in two guides, links already posted.

• iPad User Guide [ Table of Contents ] - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/toc

• iPhone User Guide [ Table of Contents ] - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/toc

• Shortcuts User Guide [ Table of Contents ] - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/guide/shortcuts/toc

(shortcuts, ie: automation, were not covered well in other guides)

While these TOCs take fair account of many details.

A few user iOS & macOS guides are available online; as download(?) or in Books.

• iPad User Guide - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/welcome/ipados

• iPad User Guide [ Table of Contents ] - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/toc

• iPhone User Guide - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/welcome/ios

• iPhone User Guide [ Table of Contents ] - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/toc

• Shortcuts User Guide (iOS) - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/guide/shortcuts/welcome/ios

• Apple - Support - Manuals

https://support.apple.com/manuals

• iPhone User Guide on Apple Books

https://books.apple.com/us/book/iphone-user-guide/id1515995528

• iPad User Guide on Apple Books

https://books.apple.com/us/book/ipad-user-guide/id1515995498

Hadn't found combined-updated 'iPad and iPhone User Guide' so far.

Do you mean Assistive Touch?

Use AssistiveTouch on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support