Both WiFi and Bluetooth disconnect and reconnect repeatedly with iOS 26, even after installing iOS 26.0.1 WiFi and Bluetooth are still disconnecting and reconnecting. I've done everything to remove the connection (WiFi or BT device) and connect brand new, but to no avail. My AirPods and AirPod Pros keep dropping too. My Apple Watch is connected though, not dropping. What gives? Is Apple aware of this too?
iPhone 17 Pro Max
When I saw the "do you have VPN" made me think, i just added the AT&T App armor thing and it aligned with my similar poor bluetooth connection issues.
Removed that app and my airpods connected the first time without me having to restart the bluetooth... ****. Guess I'll just have to deal with that guy "Suspected Spam" continuing to ring my number.
I did - I removed my Netgear Armor security software w/VPN and the same results - disconnects and reconnects. I also learned today that it disconnects and reconnects from my car - Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth Audio.
I don’t use a VPN on my MacBook Air M2, which is updated to iOS 26.0.1. While watching videos with my AirPods connected, the audio suddenly cuts out. Initially, I assumed it was an issue with the video itself.
However, I’ve experienced the same problem on my iPhone, also updated to iOS 26.0.1. During phone calls, if the phone is just a short distance away — still within the room — the audio quality on the other end drops significantly.
This issue appears to be serious and needs urgent attention. It’s affecting the user experience and could damage the reputation of Apple’s iOS if not resolved quickly.
Additionally, I’m noticing unusual battery drain. For the first time, I have to charge my device three times a day, which is extremely inconvenient.
Honestly, this has been very disappointing, and it’s making me consider switching to Windows or another platform if the situation doesn’t improve soon.
I've never experienced any issues with WiFi or Bluetooth with iOS 26.
That isn't to gloat, but rather to say that it's not a universal issue, which is what makes it so difficult to diagnose.
It's a universal truism that it's nearly impossible to diagnose and fix an issue without the ability to reproduce it.
I have a new-ish iphone 13 and bluetooth keeps dropping out on my hearing aids. I have disabled the VPN installed in Settings and in Avast, restarted phone but no luck. Not sure how I delete the profile of the VPN as suggested below as it is part of what came as standard in my Settings..... Online youtube suggested reset network settings but I'm worried I then have to reset wifi to all devices in the house. Any help most appreciated.
This is so annoying. Both my wife and myself updated iOS. And our WiFi and Bluetooth keep dropping. We have a BT (UK) hub which is perfect on laptops/macs. But our phone not so. Have reset the router. Reset network connections on our iPhones. And still the same. If anyone in the UK with BT hubs have the same. Let me know. Driving us mad!!!!
This is happening to me as well after upgrading to the latest iOS on my iPhone 16 ProMax.
I disconnected my AirPods and even removed it from my iPhone by clicking “Forget This Device”. The issue still persists. Apple needs to fix this issue immediately! Is Apple even paying attention to user posts/complaints on their forum?
Thanks TheGoodOldBoy, and you’re right it’s not hardware related but with the OS—iOS 26. I will also include the 26.0.1 update that is suppose to resolve the issue but does nothing. I’ve held off on updating my personal iPad Pro, my business iPhone 14 Pro, and business iPad Air.
New protocol!!! Going forward, I will treat these update as I do for patch management—install any updates on a “test” device, run it for a 3-4 weeks, monitor update issues before installing on my actual device.
Can confirm this is still the case for me. IOS 26.1 Bluetooth still a problem. The suggestion of VPN causing interference isn’t the case. I’ve completed multiple resets and nothing. This occurred after 26.01 for me. Super frustrating any help is welcome. (Not able to hold connection Bluetooth and CarPlay wireless)
I have an iPhone 12 Pro Max and it's happening to me regularly. Audio continues to play but no connection to my AirPods.
You’re probably experiencing battery performance issue due to the device disconnecting and reconnecting Bluetooth and WiFi connections.
I have the same issue. Keeps disconnecting me on and off. It is so annoying. Interestingly my partner has the phone (iPhone 17 Pro Max) and we are on the same wifi and she does not have this issue.
In iOS 26.1 I still get a Bluetooth headset disconnection issue. I don’t have any VPN’s. It’s a bug I think.
I forgot passcode cant get into my new phone
It doesn't matter NorcalWingman. VPN has been uninstalled from my phone from Day 1 of this debacle and no improvements whatsoever.
WiFi and Bluetooth Drops Even After iOS 26.0.1
