Apple has today released iOS 18.2.1 and iPadOS 18.2.1 to the public.
According to Apple's release notes, iOS 18.2.1 and iPadOS 18.2.1 contain 'important bug fixes':
This update provides important bug fixes and is recommended for all users.
As iOS 18.2.1 and iPadOS 18.2.1 are point releases and appear to have been released to address a specific issue or issues, we do not expect that they will contain any improvements specific to VoiceOver, braille, or low vision features. However, if you do notice any changes to vision accessibility features in these releases, please do let others know by posting a comment.
How to Update
iOS 18.2.1 and iPadOS 18.2.1 are available via Over-the-Air Update (Settings > General > Software Update) via Finder on a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, or via iTunes on a PC or Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier.
Before updating, we strongly recommend making a full and complete backup of your device (either locally or in iCloud, depending on personal preference). This will ensure that, in the unlikely event that something goes wrong during the update process, you will have a current backup on hand in case a device restore becomes necessary. Also, if using OTA update, we recommend plugging your device into a power source for the duration of the download/installation process, so as to prevent the unlikely event of your battery going dead during the update.
Comments
My espeak is gone since I…
My espeak is gone since I installed this update. ddin't restart my phone though.
In the previous version, voiceover was crashing occasionaly when used with espeak already and it began to get to my nerves.
About voices, mostly to Fatih
Hi guys, writing from Italy. First thing I should say is, I didn't know if there was the possibility to use ESpeak on iOS, this feature is not available in my country most likely, or possible it's due to the fact that I am still on iPhone Se 2020. Anyway I use Eloquence since iOS 16, and I am regularly encounter an issue after updating where I hear for some minutes another Italian voice called Alice in the compact version, then Eloquence resumes speaking properly. Not sure if it has anything to do, but try to cconnect your iPhone as if you're charging the battery and also sign in on a wi-fi network.
Bye!
Barbuz
Espeak is on the appstore,…
Espeak is on the appstore, not built-in.
Alice
Consider deleting the voice if you do not use it.
Agree with Holger
It's good practice to only keep the voices that you actually use on a regular basis. This way you're not taking up storage space with additional voice data.
It mysteriously reappeared…
It mysteriously reappeared after restarting the phone and entering the passcode.
Thanks for your replies.
eSpeak Working On My End
I just updated now to 18.2.1 . I have eSpeak on my iPhone 14 and in 18.2 , they fixed the issue with switching from eSpeak to something else. I got Samantha during the update to 18.2.1 but then it switched back to eSpeak Alicia. She sounds pretty funny.
Re: ESpeak-NG
Unfortunately ESpeak-NG hasn't been updated over the last 16 months. Let's hope the dev can update it soon. It's working here with 18.2.1, though.
about voices, replying to Michele
My explanation would be that your IPhone has to redownload certain voices after installing the update.