iOS 26 AirPlay volume equalization and sync issue

It looks like iOS 26 has once again removed the ability to equalize volume across multiple AirPlay speakers by long pressing the volume slider.

In addition, the speakers will gradually get out of sync and force you to pause the music and restart to sync the streams again.

Anyone running into this problem with iOS 26 and found a fix?

Thank you!

Using original HomePods and HomePod mini with iPhone 17 Pro Max. All on the latest OS updates.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iOS 26 & AirPlay