Alarm and Audio Issues with 26.1

Question

Level 1

6 points

Alarm and Audio Issues with 26.1

When I updated to iOS 26.1, the alarm functionality changed two significant things for me:

While listening to audio, if an alarm goes off (I set many alarms each day to remind me of things), the volume of the audio increases measurably for a second. It's so loud in my AirPods or playing through my Bluetooth speaker that it's startling and cannot be safe for anyone's ears.
The second issue is, again, if an alarm goes off while listening to audio, the audio stops playing completely and I have to go back to the audio and hit play again after the alarm is stopped. It used to be that the alarm would sound and the audio would pause for a moment and then automatically start playing again once the alarm was silenced.

Being a person with ADHD that relies on alarms to remember to do things this has severely impacted my ability to get things done. I listen to music or podcasts constantly, so these issues are quite possibly enough to get me to switch to another device, which is sad since I have been using an iPhone since they first came out. Can you please consider fixing these issues? I am sure I am not the only one experiencing them. Not only are they inconvenient but the volume issue is dangerous for hearing.

iPhone 15 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Dec 2, 2025 6:15 AM

Reply

Answer 1

SravanKrA

Level 10

433,036 points

Dec 2, 2025 7:51 AM in response to MacroGirl57

Reduce loud headphone sounds in Settings · Go to Settings, then tap Sounds & Haptics (iPhone 7 and later) or Sounds (earlier models). · Tap Headphone Safety.

Use headphone audio level features on iPhone - Apple Support

Headphone notifications on your iPhone, iPod touch, or Apple Watch

Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPod touch.
Tap Sounds & Haptics, then tap Headphone Safety.
Turn Headphone Notifications on or off.

Headphone notifications on your iPhone, iPod touch, or Apple ...

Reply

Answer 2

SravanKrA

Level 10

433,036 points

Dec 2, 2025 7:53 AM in response to MacroGirl57

The way an iPhone lowers (“ducks”) audio for an alarm — and whether the audio resumes afterward — actually depends on the app you’re using and the type of audio source.

Different apps handle interruptions differently, so some will pause and resume properly, while others may stop entirely or behave inconsistently when an alarm plays.

Reply

Answer 3

SravanKrA

Level 10

433,036 points

Dec 2, 2025 7:46 AM in response to MacroGirl57

It's not always the iOS update's fault! Many things can cause phone problems. If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.

Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!

Was/Is your device Jailbroken? If that's the situation, please be informed that attributing the issues to iOS updates may not be accurate.

iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.

Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.

Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.

See what each update does: OS — iOS 26, About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...

Reply

Answer 4

MacroGirl57 Author

Level 1

6 points

Dec 2, 2025 10:29 AM in response to SravanKrA

Thank you for the headphone safety information. I will update this. However, the fact that it happens at all is bizarre. I also looked into settings and adjusted what I could to try and resolve the issue of the audio completely stopping and having to restart it again, but it did not work. And it is happening with every external app I use (music, podcasts, videos) which is why I attributed it to the update since it was not happening previously. I guess my next step is to go to the Apple store and see if someone can help me with it. Just thought I would share here in case anyone had a similar issue and a workaround.

Reply

Answer 5

SravanKrA

Level 10

433,036 points

Dec 2, 2025 7:50 AM in response to MacroGirl57

Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety

Toggle off > wait > toggle on.

Reply

Alarm and Audio Issues with 26.1

Similar questions