Since upgrading to iOS 15, I've noticed that VoiceOver focus sometimes jumps to the menu bar. I'm using an iPhone SE 2020.
Most recently, I noticed this while launching the Xfinity My Account app. After launching the app, focus jumped to the menu bar and VoiceOver announced my current wi-fi connection. Dragging my finger across the screen revealed no elements other than the menu bar. I toggled VoiceOver off and back on to resolve the issue and use the app. I just tried it again and didn't encounter the issue.
Is anyone else experiencing this, and are there reliable steps to reproduce it? If so, we can report it and log it in the bug tracker.
Comments
Yes I had this issue in some apps
I get this sometimes too, especially in the Mint app. I figured it was just taking forever to load and I just let it go for a second, swipe around, and then it loads fine.
I tihnk you mean "Status bar"?
Hi Paul.
I often just hit the touchscreen on an area not near the top. I've also found that sometimes performing a 2-finger scrub will work. Kind of annoying, I agree!
Right, status bar
Status bar, of course. Too many platforms to track. LOL.
I'd like to report this, but fear Apple will respond they're unable to reproduce it.
I can't say that I have.
Could it be app-specific? Some apps work and others don't.
I have this issue
Hi, I have incounter this issue also.
Just annoying.
Any ways to fix this problem
One of our iphone's has this problem. Searched the internet, no answers so far
Thanks bunches :)
Re: Any ways to fix this problem Bookmark
It’s very important to report to Apple. Email accessibility@ apple.com. Or call them at 1-877-204-3930. There is no answer beyond repeatedly and consistently forwarding it to Apple, and making sure that they are aware of it to fix it
This happens to me too
I don't know if it's a problem with Voiceover, or the app not being optimized. Doesn't happen very often, only in some apps.
2024 issue still happens
sorry I know this post is almost 2 years old but I still experience it on my iPhone 12 running IOS 17.5 as of today, it happens randomly when trying to launch an application. The only way to get out of it is get to the app. switcher and tap the application again
Gestures?
What about some of the home screen gestures such as control/notification center, home screen itself, spotlight search, and/or the today view? Would any of those get you back in-focus?
This problem still persists for me.
Hi all,
When iOS 17 was announced this year I started having this issue. It doesn't matter what application I'm running. I've noticed that the issue is random and doesn't have a reason for happening. I notice it a lot when my phone is charging. I can't give any specifics of what applications it happens with however, I'm running an iPhone 15 pro with the latest iOS build of 17.5. I've reported this issue to Apple every update I see it happen with no issues.
Possibly related
I never did report this to Apple. No clear way to consistently reproduce it.
But there's a related issue. When I open an app, where VoiceOver focus lands is pretty much random. It could be the first app element, which is the expected behavior. Or it could be some random app control, or it could be the status bar, as I originally described.
Just now, as a test, I told SIRI, "open settings." When settings opened, VoiceOver focus was on the Notifications button. Another test: "Hey SIRI, open Clock." VoiceOver focus landed on "Alarm tab 2 of 4." It's random. iPhone 15, iOS 17.5.
This issue is much easier to reproduce. I'll report this behavior to Apple and hope that a future fix also makes the original issue go away
Filed an issue report
It's probably the vaguest report I've ever filed. LOL. Here's what I said.
I described the problem I just mentioned, in which VoiceOver focus lands on random elements when you open an app. I admitted this is a pretty minor issue, but I directed Apple to this discussion, and told them I thought the two bugs were related. I advised them to simply turn on VoiceOver and try opening a few apps. Something's going on here, I said, and I hoped they could investigate and resolve the behavior.
So, if you're seeing this bug, please post your model and iOS version. I can't make any promises, but maybe someone from Apple will take a look.
and is easy to detect since vo changes voice on status bar
Hi,
Yes this has happened for me, and like others I have a hard time documenting the behavior. Of course the bug still in existance that vo will change to the default voice for the OS language in use, will make the behavior more clear, and even more anoying.
At one time I saw this in Audible that of it's own wil moved focus to the status bar but again no pattern to detect.
The other issue with Vo not placing focus as expected when a new screen appears, is in my view worse. No problem if you know your way around, but if you are checking out a new app or just new to VO you do not know what voiceover/iOS decides to skip.