AirPods connection issues after iOS 18 Update

This issue is genuinely ******* me off. I’ve spent way too much money with Apple for my devices to keep having unresolved issues. Ever since I updated to iOS 18, my AirPod pro 2’s disconnect multiple times a day when I’m using them. And of course customer service is no help because they just want me to follow a series of steps that I have already done 100 times.

Yeah. My APP2 has been cutting out for a second whenever I open an app or turn the display on/off. It’s a horrible experience, waiting for a firmware (or software) update.

When my AirPods pro2 updated to 7a305 and my iPad Pro updated to 18.1.4 my AirPods started to cutout and it sounds like I’m in a tunnel it is with all audio in all apps I hope there is a fix soon I use my AirPods and iPad to fall asleep every night and I have trouble sleeping because of my disability

This issue is annoying enough for me to consider leaving the apple ecosystem. I’ve tried every single suggestion and nothing fixes it.

This is clearly a widespread issue and there needs to be a software update to fix it.

Mine are also having trouble connecting. Initially, it was just my left AirPod so I tried to repair them to my phone, but now neither AirPod will register with my phone. Even after resetting them, the light remains solid white.

It sounds like users are experiencing connection issues with your AirPods after the iOS 18 update, which seems to be a common problem for many users. Can't write whole tutorial steps but here is the title of each solution from the guide.

1) Restart Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac

2) Disable Automatic Switching Between Devices

3) Turn Bluetooth on and off

4) Disable Vocal Shortcuts in Accessibility

5) Pair Your AirPods Again with your Device

6) Disable Automatic Ear Detection

7) Reset Your iOS Device’s Network Settings

8) Update Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac

9) Update the Firmware on Your AirPods

10) Reset Airpods.

[Edited by Moderator]

Fix that problem, go to setting- accessibility-vocal shortcuts- turn off vocal shortcuts

I have Airpods Pro and my wife has regular airpods. Both of us had to disconnect our airpods to try to repair the connection issues and now neither of us can reconnect them to our phones. We didn't have these problems before updating to 18.0. I'm sure Apple is working on it, I just wanted to add to the list so a fix can be prioritized.

Thank you

I have another problem with my AirPods Pro after updating to IOS 18. When I'm listening to music through my AirPods and a call comes through, the ring tone is extraordinary LOUD. This has never happened before and I can only assume it's a result of the recent update. I attended a Genius Bar appointment today at Apple only to be told that there was no fault with my AirPods and perhaps Apple will address this issue in a future update.

Here is solution, helped me!

Disabling Vocal Shortcuts fixing this bug

bug in ios 18 in apple music - Apple Community

My airpods had been cutting out for a second whenever I open an app or turn the display on/off. I just tried your solution and it helped. Thank you very much.

Restarting iphone, forgetting beats pros and reconnecting bests pros will TEMPORARILY fix the problem. Try using them the next day and same problem recurs. Apple F’d this up w ios 18

Exact same story! iPhone 12 mini and AirPods Pro. It's very annoying, hope for solution soon

Yep. This morning, after updating to iOS 18 yesterday, they were acting very flakey when trying to listen to Music on my iPhone 12 mini, while I was using my iPad (iPadOS 18) for Zwift. Sometimes they'd just switch back to the iPad arbitrarily, then switch back to the phone but turn off noise cancellation. And it wouldn't stop. I eventually had to switch to Music on the iPad (not my preference for my own reasons.)

After updating to IOS 18 I can only connect my AirPods if I forget and reconnect. And they only stay connected as long as I am using them. If I stop for a few minutes I cannot connect again. My phone sees them, when I open the case it shows the battery status, but when I put one in my ear it won’t connect. When I got to Bluetooth and try to connect it says make sure device is in range and powered on.

when I talked to support they said I had to go into a store and pay for service because my phone and AirPods are out of warranty. This was not an issue till I updated to IOS 18.