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
Workaround suggestion
I haven't updated any of my devices due to time constraints yet, but from the description of the problem on the original post, I guess that physically connecting a keyboard to the device will at least make it possible for people to independently input their passcode after a reboot, thus unlocking the device and addressing the conditions in which the problem is triggered. Braille displays with Perkins-style keyboards may also work even if the displays themselves don't actually output anything. I reinforce the need to do this through a physical USB or Lightning connection, because right after a reboot, and until the passcode is entered, the stored user data is inaccessible due to encryption, and since the Bluetooth pairing tokens are likely stored there, Bluetooth keyboards are unlikely to work.
I'm not quite sure if I experienced this, but
I updated to iOs 26 a few days ago, and VoiceOver was silent after the update. However, after waiting for a bit, VoiceOver started working again. Unfortunately I don't remember how long I waited, although it didn't seem very long. That being said, I'm not sure if I actually experienced the VoiceOver bug or a temporarily frozen screen after the update.
Reporting
Hope people are reporting it. Heard that Apple will be releasing iOS 26.01 soon. Looks like some sighted people are having issues with the camera. Also other issues.
Apple Aware of the Issue, Fix Incoming
Apple has confirmed that they are aware of the issue, and a fix will be coming in a software update. Our original post has been updated with this information.
Impressed
Wow, this was quick! It must be a very serious issue. I still belive that it's more because of the sighted users problems that they are issuing a .01 update in the first place but as long as they acknowledge it, which they are, why not. Thank you Apple!
I didn't experience this but some of my friends definitely are.
TheBlindGuy07
Camera on iOS having issues. phone 17 are having issues. Nothing to do with those poor blind who keep annoying apple. If they fix bugs for us is an after thought.
Please let's not be negative again
It's unproductive.
It's already a huge thing for Apple to actually acknowledge and patch an accessibility bug so quickly.
We can all have your opinions, I always remember that my accessibility advocacy jurney started because of Apple and macOS. This is just it.
Not
Is not just reality.
Agree with misplaced negativity
I agree with TheBlindGuy07 about this not being the right time to express negativity. In my opinion we should promote positive behavior whenever it happens and reserve negative criticism for when it doesn't. Even if we're far from being the main motivation behind the 26.0.1 patch because there are more economically relevant problems to address, I think that we should already be thankful about our problems being considered at all.
This is a pet peeve of mine with the blind or maybe even disabled community in general, which is that even when I have a legal right, I still don't feel entitled to any kind of special treatment, so I must always be prepared to tackle any kind of problem that I might face independently even in the total absence of accessibility. This is called adaptation, and is a skill that I am far from mastering but am constantly improving.
IOS 26 Voice Issue Solved by Connecting Mantis Braille Display a
@Holger Fiallo
Do you have anything positive to say ever? Your snarky attitude is very tiring! You never give Apple credit for anything! If you are so dissatisfied with
Apple products, find a product that better meets your needs! @Apple awesome job of working to fix this so quickly! To those that reported awesome job! I couldn't report this as I wasn't experiencing it.
Re: Connecting Mantis
That was really clever.
Dennis Long
Yes, the issue with VO and notification will continue. Long live the apple.
Way to go
Apple is truly awesome! This issue is why I held off on the update Keep up the good work