Low audio since update to 26 and 26.2

It's not always the iOS update's fault!  Many things can cause phone problems.  If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.

Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!

Was/Is your device Jailbroken? If that's the situation, please be informed that attributing the issues to iOS updates may not be accurate.

iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.

Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.

Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.

See what each update does: OS — iOS 26, About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...

Adjusting Audio Settings on an iPhone

1. Set Volume with Media
   1. To ensure media volume is properly controlled:
   2. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics
   3. Under Ringer and Alerts, toggle Change with Buttons ON if you want volume buttons to adjust media volume instead of ringer volume.
   4. Alternatively, adjust the media volume by playing audio and using the volume buttons while media is playing.
2. Background Sounds (Optional feature for accessibility and focus)
   1. If background sounds interfere with media playback:
   2. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual
   3. Tap Background Sounds
   4. If enabled, toggle Use When Media Is Playing to ON or OFF, depending on your preference.
   5. Adjust the volume slider accordingly.
3. Screen Time Restrictions & Loud Audio
   1. Go to Settings > Screen Time
   2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions (Enable if it’s OFF)
   3. Tap Reduce Loud Sounds
   4. Set to Allow, ensuring iOS doesn’t automatically limit loud audio playback.
4. Third-Party App Audio Settings
   1. For apps like Spotify, YouTube, Netflix, or games:
   2. Open the app
   3. Look for Settings (Toothed Wheel)
   4. Navigate to Audio, Sound, or Playback settings
   5. Adjust equalizer, volume levels, or specific audio enhancements as available.

While you're on a call, pressing the volume up button on your phone increases the call volume. Here's how it works and some tips to make sure it functions correctly:

1. Ensure the Call is Active: The volume buttons adjust different audio levels depending on what you're doing. While on a call, they control the call volume, not the media or ringer volume.
2. Steps to Adjust Call Volume:
   1. During a call, place the phone near your ear or use the speakerphone.
   2. Press the volume up button on the side of your phone to increase the call volume incrementally.
   3. Repeat until you reach a comfortable level.
3. Additional Tips:
   1. If using a Bluetooth device, the volume controls may adjust the Bluetooth headset's volume instead of the phone's.
   2. If the call volume remains low despite this, ensure no debris blocks the earpiece speaker.

Check this, first.

Or Use and customize the Action button on iPhone - Apple Support (IN)

Then please check the following.

• Check your DND status - Settings > Focus [Do Not Disturb]; Use Focus on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
• Check BedTime Status - Clock App; Use Bedtime to track your sleep on your iPhone - Apple Support
• Check your iPhone Sound Volume; Adjust the volume on your iPhone - Apple Support
• Check Call Audio Routing; Call Audio Routing Bluetooth / Speaker / Automatic
• Check Auto Answer Calls; Turn off Auto Answer Calls
• Check the list of Blocked Numbers --> Block phone numbers, contacts, and emails on your iPhone ...

Notification Preview when Screen is Locked, Notification Alerts, Notification OFF, and much more...

1. To get Notifications when the Screen is locked see the pic below which is self-explanatory
   1. 
2. To turn ON notifications selectively for apps, go to Settings > Notifications > Scroll Down to the App and turn ON notifications... Change notification settings on iPhone - Apple Support (IN)
   1. 
3. Some apps have their own notification settings over and above the iOS notification settings: An example of Instagram Notification settings is given below
   1. 
4. Help for Notification Alerts --> No Notification Alerts - Apple Community
5. For VIP email Alerts refer to the pic below
   1. 
6. The pic below is self-explanatory
   1. 

Use Custom Audio Setup

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual, then adjust the Balance slider. Set the audio volume, balance to the center.

Customize headphone audio levels on your iPhone or iPad ...

You may also --> Track audio and sound level exposure in Health on iPhone ...

You can --> Check headphone and environmental sound levels in Control ...

ChatGPT is not an Apple product. Get in touch with OpenAI

Pi AI is not an Apple product. Contact them here --> https://pi.ai/onboarding

If nothing helped, then see the two pics (Pic 1 and Pic 2) below to reduce the Sound.

Pic 1

Pic 2