Hi augusta177
welcome to this Apple (user-to-user) Community!
Re: "Hearing aids: iPhone 16 Pro disconnects from Starkey hearing aids after iOS26 update".
Wondering if you tried restarting iPhone to re-establish the connection. Restart your iPhone - Apple Support
or
You can try turning Bluetooth off and back on.
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Re: I installed IOS26 on my iPhone 16 pro. Now my Starkey hearing aids have trouble connecting. Once they have connected they disconnect after a few minutes. This is terrible because I cannot use the iPhone as I always did."
In Apple Support's online article: List of Made for iPhone hearing devices - Apple Support
Starkey has various models listed as being "Made for iPhone" (Mfi) compatible:
You may want to check whether or not your hearing aids are listed:
Starkey
- Evolv AI*
- Genesis AI*
- Halo
- Halo 2
- Halo iQ
- Livio AI*
- Livio*
- Livio Edge AI*
With hearing-Aids that are listed, you are able to use Apple's inbuilt hearing health software.
Eg: Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices controls.
Else: If your hearing aids are not listed:
you may need to rely on Bluetooth and an app to control the hearing-aids.
It is likely your hearing-aids need a firmware (and or app) update in order to restore usability, remain connected.
If you wish: It would be wise to check whether Starkey has a firmware (or app) update available for your Hearing-Aids, so they remain compatible with your iPhone.
ie: Consulting the hearing-aids manual, your hearing-specialist, or Starkey suppport website may be helpful
Or: If you use an app with your hearing-aids, you may be able to update the firmware from within the app.
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Re: "Can I remove this update?"
The way I understand it, an iOS version can only be updated (ie: not downgraded to an earlier version).
Keeping both iPhone and hearing-aids using the newest available software is recommended in order to avoid incompatibility and to side-step other issues.
All the best :-)