How do I fix iPhone 12 mini sound issues across apps?

I have this problem as well on my iPhone 12 Pro, and have not been able to find a solution. It only happens when using the speaker, and in similar apps — TuneIn Radio, Podcasts, etc which I often use on speaker. I notice it happens a lot when the display brightness changes, like tap or raise to wake, or increase from a dimmed screen. I've also noticed it can drop further after similar events, ie it first drops about 50%, and then when triggered again somehow, will drop another 50% so it's super quiet. Quitting apps and restarting them does fix it, but it's super annoying. And yes, it still shows the volume at 100% in the volume slider, so anyone trying to say this is somehow a normal volume change is wrong.

The iPhone 12 Mini cannot constantly lower the ringer and alarm volume to the minimum without some form of trigger. Here’s why:

1. Manual Settings Change – The most common reason for a volume drop is the user (or someone else handling the device) changing the settings manually.
   1. Settings > Sounds & Haptics allows users to set ringer and alert volumes.
   2. If "Change with Buttons" is enabled, the physical volume buttons can adjust the ringer/alarm volume.
2. Automation – Shortcuts or automation in the Shortcuts app can also alter the volume at specific times or under certain conditions.
3. Third-Party Apps – Some third-party apps with notification or sound management capabilities can affect volume settings, though iOS usually prevents them from directly modifying system sound settings without user action.

Conclusion:

If you’re experiencing unexplained volume drops, it is likely due to one of these triggers rather than a constantly system change.