Voice Over and Mail Settings

Re: " ... cannot get rid of the side bar and read the email in full screen. Is there a workaround for this issue?

Am no expert in this area, yet your post to the community certainly deserves some response..

Your friend is fortunate to have your help, and we'd like to assist in some way.

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Firstly: investigating ways to view email in full screen:

Seems simply rotating an iPad to landscape view was one known method. Maybe not in iPadOS 26 ?

Sorry I don't have an up-to-date iPad handy to check.

Else: Wondering if this recent discussion thread (link below) about a similar issue may help:

How to see iOS26 mail on iPad full screen… - Apple Community

Recent replies from another respected community member in this thread may also be helpful.

How to view emails in full screen on iPad… - Apple Community

A much earlier discussion thread (2022) also gave an interesting method, which may or may not still work with iPadOS 26: .Viewing emails in landscape mode on iPad - Apple Community

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Secondly: Voice Over: "... with the accessibility option on, a double tap will only read the screen.

Is there a workaround for this issue?"

Wondering if Apple support's online article )link below) below can help customize the Mail app:

Customize visual accessibility settings for specific apps on iPad - Apple Support

Eg: says:

"You can choose different color, text size, and motion settings for certain apps or for the Home Screen and App Library.

1. Go to Settings  > Accessibility > Per-App Settings.
2. Tap Add App, then choose an app from the list (or Home Screen & App Library).
3. Tap the name of the app (or Home Screen & App Library) to access its settings."

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If more help is needed with an accessibility feature:

You may want to reach out to the experts on Apple Support's Accessibility Team:

How to contact Apple for help with accessibility features - Apple Support