while reading some posts where users could not activate VoiceOver after updating to iOS 26 and rebooting their devices, I came up with a potential solution. Please note, I have not updated my device just yet, so I cannot verify as to whether or not this will actually work.
Having said that, here is my recommendation:
1. Before updating, go to Settings, Accessibility, PHYSICAL AND MOTOR, Touch, Back Tap. This is not the same Back Tap as VoiceOver's version, though they are very similar. With the exception that this version is systemwide, whereas the VO version only works when VO is actually running.
2. Enable Back Tap, and choose the triple tap option. Navigate to the Accessibility heading, then swipe right until you find, and select—VoiceOver— do not choose Accessibility Shortcut here.
3. Next go to Settings, Accessibility, VoiceOver, Commands, Touch Gestures, Back Tap. Again, choose the triple tap option, and tap the bottom of the screen one time with four fingers, then navigate upwards by headings until you find the system heading. Swipe right once and select—"Accessibility Shortcut".
This set up will allow you to toggle VoiceOver on and off, simply by triple tapping the back of your device. The reason why I suggest using, VoiceOver, instead of, Accessibility Shortcut, for the 2nd step is on the slim chance that the iOS 26 update is resetting the Accessibility Shortcut. This, in fact, happened to me updating from iOS 17.X to 18.0, so I know it's possible.
Anyways, happy updating, and I do hope this workaround helps you guys out. 😎