iPhone 16 Pro disconnects from Starkey hearing aids after iOS26 update

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. Can I remove this update?



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Hearing aids

iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Sep 21, 2025 04:59 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 21, 2025 07:53 PM

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________

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 :-)

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 21, 2025 07:53 PM in response to augusta177

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________

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 :-)

iPhone 16 Pro disconnects from Starkey hearing aids after iOS26 update

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