Update, 09/29/2025: Apple released iOS 26.0.1 on 09/29/2025, providing a resolution for the issue discussed in the below post.
Update, 09/18/2025: Apple has confirmed that they are aware of the issue and that it will be fixed in an upcoming software update. We will update this post as more information becomes available.
On occasions, blind, DeafBlind, and low vision users may lose VoiceOver speech after updating to iOS 26; either immediately after the update installs or upon a subsequent reboot of the device. If you use VoiceOver and have not already done so, we recommend that you do not install iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 until Apple resolves this issue.
At the outset, we must stress that the issue discussed in this post is not something that members of the AppleVis Editorial Team have personally experienced, and our understanding of the full nature and scope is limited. This issue also does not occur for everyone.
It is AppleVis' general practice to not post about issues that our team cannot personally validate; however, due to the seriousness and documented impacts for blind, DeafBlind, and low vision users, we feel that to not raise awareness of this issue would be doing a tremendous disservice to our community.
Shortly after the releases of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, we began receiving reports from the community from users who experienced a loss of VoiceOver speech--either immediately upon installing the update, or after rebooting the device at a point in the future. From what we have gathered, this issue appears to present itself only while on the Lock Screen after a device restart, and it has so far only been reported on devices that are passcode-protected.
When the issue occurs, impacted users report that there is no VoiceOver speech and that Siri is also unusable. We hypothesize that inability to use Siri is tied to the device being locked and requiring a passcode upon first restart, as this was the case on a properly-functioning device we tested.
There are multiple reported manifestations of this issue. While some reports have been from users who experienced a loss of speech immediately upon installing the iOS 26 update, multiple users have also reported that the issue presents itself only after the device is rebooted after a period of time; suggesting that perhaps the underlying issue may be with something unrelated to the update process. One user reported that VoiceOver was turned off upon installing the iPadOS 26 update on their M1 iPad Pro.
Once the device is unlocked, impacted users report that VoiceOver speech works normally. We are not aware of any reports of this issue occurring more than once for a particular user.
While we believe the reach of this issue is somewhat limited, it is nonetheless incredibly serious. As just one example of the impact of this issue, a member of our community shared how their iPhone 15 became unusable upon rebooting some time after installing iOS 26, with all attempts at troubleshooting being unsuccessful.
As the issue appears to resolve upon unlocking one's device, it is possible that disabling one's passcode and biometrics in advance may allow a user to bypass the lock screen and get to a point where VoiceOver works normally. The only other confirmed solutions have been (1) obtaining sighted assistance to unlock the device, or (2) absent sighted assistance, erasing the device with Find My and/or via a computer.
Apple is aware of these reports and is investigating. We recommend that users do not update to iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 until this issue is resolved. We call on Apple to uphold their long-standing commitment to accessibility for their blind, DeafBlind, and low vision customers by prioritizing and releasing a fix for this issue as a matter of great urgency.
Comments
More voiceover issues.
In addition to the issues I have with not connecting to bluetooth and not being able to change any voiceover settings, when I get an incoming call, my ringtones don't work. The only thing I hear is voiceover announcing call from whoever but no ringer. Also my alarm is very soft. Must be sure the phone is really close to me. Hopefully the soon-coming update will fix all of our issues.
SheilaG
Same issue with alarm. Cross finger apple releases something this week. iOS 26.0.1. Before ET find Earth.
Fix Now Out!
Apple have just released the fix for this bug, iOS 26.0.1
It’s mentioned in the release notes…
“This update provides important bug fixes and security updates for your iPhone, including fixes for the following issues:
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth may occasionally disconnect on iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro models
A small number of iPhone users may be unable to connect to a cellular network after updating to iOS 26
Photos taken under certain lighting conditions with iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro models may include unexpected artifacts
App icons may appear blank after adding a custom tint
VoiceOver may become disabled for some users after updating to iOS 26”
Today's update fixes this bug
Hello,
As of a few minutes ago, Ios26.0.1 is out & a fix for this bug is among the ones listed in the release notes.
I'm forever thankful that this bug never "bit me."
For others who were bitten by this bug, go grab the update & let us know if it fixes this bug on your end.
Not yet
Chicago, checked not here yet. Did they fix VO and notification? Probably not.
Holger
According to an exclusive report by Apple, they are leaving the notification bug specifically for you.
Because... they don't like you. 😛
Brian
Good send me the papers. I can take apple to court and get money and move to Hawaii. Happy days are here again. Also did they mention Siri? She is getting worse.
Missed another bug
There's another bug on iOS 26 preventing the security setting allowing accessories when the iPhone is unlocked that I mentioned earlier on this thread from being enabled that Apple did not fix with this patch. Essentially all the controls related to that setting are disable with a message stating that my organization has disabled access to them, with the problem being the fact that I bought my iPhone directly from Apple, don't have any device management profiles installed, and the phone is not even carrier locked. Right now the only way to enable those security protections seems to be enabling and then disabling Lockdown Mode, but I'm a bit reluctant to do that because I have a bunch of Apple devices associated with my Apple Account and have no idea of what kind of consequences might come from that.
make that 2 bugs, maybe
I just found a weird bug tonight on iOS 26.0. My backup device, and SE 2020, which still has 26.0 on it. For some reason the fingerprint that I saved has stopped working. Furthermore, I cannot delete, nor add a new fingerprint, because the Theft protection feature is enabled. For some reason, Apple thought it would be a really wonderful idea, to require biometrics only, to disable this feature. Even typing in the passcode does not work. So, I cannot delete my current fingerprint, and I cannot add a new fingerprint. Nor can I disable the theft protection feature, because all that requires my active fingerprint, which no longer works.
Go apple! 🫤👎
Brian
Golden apple awar goes to apple. Not.
Bugs squashed.
As I said in another area, updated last night. Bluetooth works, and I can change voiceover and sound settings now.