iPhone 16 Pro: Wired headphones stopped working after update

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Level 1

7 points

iPhone 16 Pro: Wired headphones stopped working after update

I have wired type C headphones from AliExpress that worked fine in the past year. They still work on other phones, but since I updated my iphone 16 pro last week to ios 26.5.2 it stopped recognizing wired headphones. I tried three sets that worked on other android devices. BT headphones work fine, as well as the charging.

I tried to force restart multiple times (volume up-volume down-side button until apple logo) and cleared the list under the headphones safety, still not working (and the option of clearing that list is no longer present)

iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Jul 18, 2026 11:17 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 24, 2026 3:45 AM in response to ravitab1010

I have the same issue after the 26.5.2 update. It has nothing to do with the fact that your wired accessory is Ali Express, don't worry. Mine are Apple and only 1 month old. Not only they don't work, but the data cable also doesn't work. BOTH work in my Google Pixel phone and my Surface Pro- neither work in my iphone or my macbook.

This is an issue caused by the update and so far I have spoken to 3 different people who have taken every step to try and figure out that it could be a different issue. We have now reset everything. But it still doesn't work.

The previous update caused overheating, battery drainage, and lag. This one is preventing me listening and talking through my phone comfortably and from using carplay.

The USB-c port is transferring power but not data. I said this from my very first phone call and felt that i was dismissed.

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Answer 2

SravanKrA

Level 10

444,126 points

Jul 19, 2026 2:23 AM in response to ravitab1010

Search for accessories that have completed MFi certification. Once an accessory has completed MFi certification requirements and is reported to Apple as sold/distributed, it will be searchable in our public database of authorized Lightning, headset, charging, iAP-enabled, and Find My network-enabled accessories.

This Amazon link is provided for suggestion only and should not be construed as a promotion or advertisement. --> https://amzn.in/d/0c7HHk2u

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Answer 3

ravitab1010 Author

Level 1

7 points

Jul 24, 2026 12:24 PM in response to yesyesohyay

I just tried to use the phone with my windows laptop and it's not recognized. The iphone is charged but nothing data-related, the itunes doesnt recognize it, no "trust this device" pop up. I wonder if I want to update my old 12 mini to see if it's going to be affected the same way.

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Answer 4

ravitab1010 Author

Level 1

7 points

Jul 19, 2026 2:33 AM in response to SravanKrA

It's completely disrespectful for apple to limit their clients like that. I surely won't buy an expansive certificated accessory when I have a perfectly working one, just because of an update. What's next, only certified chargers and cables? No itunes for windows?

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