Apple recently released iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, bringing new features and performance improvements for iPhone and iPad users. Like every major iOS release, it was expected to enhance the overall experience and strengthen Apple’s reputation for accessibility. However, reports from the blind and low vision community have highlighted a critical bug that is making life difficult for VoiceOver users.
The Bug Affecting Blind and VoiceOver Users
After updating to iOS 26, some blind, DeafBlind, and low vision users are experiencing a complete loss of VoiceOver speech. This issue has been reported in two ways:
- Immediately after installing the update
- After rebooting the device sometime later
In most cases, the bug appears on the Lock Screen after a restart. Affected users report that both VoiceOver and Siri become unusable, making it impossible to enter the passcode independently. Once the device is unlocked, VoiceOver seems to work normally again.
The bug has only been reported on passcode-protected devices, which suggests that it is related to the security lock screen. Apple has already confirmed that they are aware of the issue and will release a fix in a future update. Until then, blind and VoiceOver users are strongly advised not to update to iOS 26 or iPadOS 26.
Why This Bug Matters
For sighted users, a temporary software glitch may be inconvenient. But for blind and low vision users, losing VoiceOver speech can make an iPhone or iPad completely unusable without sighted assistance. In one case, a user reported that their iPhone 15 became inaccessible after a reboot, leaving them unable to recover it without help.
This highlights how even a limited bug can have serious accessibility consequences, and why Apple needs to prioritize a quick fix.
Workarounds Reported by Users
Some community members have shared possible temporary solutions:
- Disable passcode and biometrics before updating – This bypasses the lock screen, allowing VoiceOver to work normally after reboot.
- Sighted assistance – Getting help to enter the passcode can unlock the device and restore VoiceOver.
- Erase device via Find My or computer – A drastic step if the phone becomes unusable.
- External keyboard method – One user suggested connecting a physical keyboard via USB or Lightning cable to input the passcode. Since Bluetooth pairing may not work right after reboot due to encryption, a wired keyboard is the safer choice. Braille displays with Perkins-style keyboards may also help, even if they don’t show output. Please note: this method has not been officially tested by us, so we cannot confirm if it works in all cases.
Apple has always been praised for its accessibility features, but this iOS 26 bug is a reminder of how fragile independence can become when accessibility fails. The good news is that Apple has acknowledged the problem and promised a fix in an upcoming update.
For now, if you are a blind or VoiceOver user, the safest advice is simple: wait before updating to iOS 26.