The latest iOS 18 update came not just with the usual dose of new features but with several improvements this time. According to the users, a common problem after updating is the audio being paused when a call comes through or when it is waked up from sleep. A problem is related to multiple audio sources as the music player, Spotify, podcasts, and YouTube gamers with third-party music players are affected. A short timeout is set for this purpose on the media library, CarPlay, and a few more that it played normally again. This audio pausing issue has been experienced by iPhone users since the introduction of iOS 18 and will be solving this issue with a guide on this page.
Understanding the iOS 18 Audio Pause Bug
What Causes the Audio Pausing Issue?
The audio pausing problem that occurs in iOS 18 comes out as a consequence of system accessibility features and audio playback settings conflict. This problem happens when the users unlock their devices, and they hear the audio being paused and then resumed after a few seconds. This problem is common to all types of audio devices, wired, wireless ones as well. For instance, Bluetooth earbuds, AirPods, and even speakers through CarPlay may be included.
Impact on Different Audio Services
- Apple Music and Spotify: The bug gets more attention while streaming, thus audio is unexpectedly interrupted that users notice on their devices.
- Podcasts and Audiobooks: Device users report stoppages while the podcasts are on.
- Third-Party Media Players: It was found out that the independent (non-Apple) VLC, YouTube, and many streaming sites users are facing the same problem locking their iPhones will lead to the occasional pauses.
- CarPlay: Drivers who have used CarPlay complained about audio quality that is not uniform in a car’s audio system. This can be especially frustrating for people who use maps and music or podcasts at the same time.
How to Fix the Audio Pausing Issue on iOS 18
Method 1: Disable Vocal Shortcuts
One way to surpass this is to go in the Accessibility window and switch off the Vocal Shortcut feature. Turning off this feature is really a good way to hide the bug from an application. It can interfere with audio playback during the wake process. The procedure to switch off the Vocal Shortcut feature is up next:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Navigate to Accessibility.
- Scroll down and tap on Vocal Shortcut.
- Toggle off the option.
This method of turning it off should stop the iPhone from pausing the audio during wake-up. This turn-off may affect persons using voice shortcuts. But, it is a temporary solution available until the official update comes out.
Method 2: Reset Audio Settings
Oftentimes, the issue takes place due to flawed configuration and resetting the audio options can be the reason for definite resolution. You. Mag. Go to your devices setting general and reset your audio settings to get rid of the process. Here is how it can be done, step by step:
- Go to Settings > General.
- Tap on Reset and then select Reset All Settings.
- Confirm your selection.
Note: This will reset all system settings, including Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections, but will not delete your data. It is this method that would help you to get rid of the audio-related bugs including the pausing problem.
Method 3: Update to the Latest iOS Version
From time to time, Apple rolls out updates for addressing the discovered bugs. Make sure the iOS 18 version is on your device:
- Open Settings, and then you go to the General.
- Press, “Software Update.”
- If there are any updates available, you must download and install them.
By checking the updates you ensure that your device gets all the latest bug fixes and patches from Apple. If Apple has already confirmed the audio pausing issue, it is possible that an update might be provided with a resolution included.
Method 4: Use Airplane Mode as a Temporary Solution
If the methods mentioned above are not effective in solving the issue, you can try turning on the Airplane Mode, a wide but naked iPhone before you unlock it:
- To bring up the Control Center, swipe down from the top-right corner of your phone screen.
- Click on the airplane mode sign to put it on.
- Enable your iPhone and then Changing the Airplane Mode off.
The problem can be solved only temporarily with this quick and dirty solution. The device wakes up in silent mode and the interference is minimized thus the issue is resolved.
Method 5: Contact Apple Support
If all else fails, it might be time to reach out to Apple Support if the earlier methods did not work. Give them all the information you have about what could be the cause, when the problem arises, and what steps you tried. They may give you some suggestions for other actions to be performed or else they may step up the matter for more investigation.
Why The Issue Perplexes in iOS 18
Beta Bugs Carried Forward to Stable Release
Many individuals have reported this glitch to Apple for the time when iOS 18 was at the beta testing phase. The sad truth is that this problem exists even in the stable release, which means, the deep-seated problem was not completely solved. Though beta software is usually replete with bugs, it is still annoying to see these issues repeating in the final release.
Lack of Official Acknowledgement from Apple
At this time, Apple has not disclosed or published the audio pausing issue in their authentic support forums or documentation. This unnoticed aspect implies, the customers will have to use the workaround methods to till the company comes up with a proper solution.
Final Thoughts
The problem of audio pausing on the latest iOS 18 versions has become a common annoyance for iPhone users all over the world, who have otherwise been enjoying the experience of listening to music, playing podcasts, or watching videos. It is true that deactivating Vocal Shortcuts does not offer a simple way of handling the problem but it may be the best solution for those who do not need it. For a more permanent solution, a dedicated software update time needs to be waited by the users. The methods mentioned above should help fix the issue with the device and make the experience hassle-free. Keep in touch for the latest news, and together with you, we will keep updating this guide to provide the latest information.