iOS26 widget no longer works
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Since upgrading to iOS 26 the play/pause functionality of the 2×2 widget no longer works. Pressing play/pause doesn’t start/stop playback until the app is opened.
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I’m also having this problem, though I don’t think it’s because of iOS 26. I was using the betas all summer and haven’t had any issues until the last 2 weeks or so. Looking at the app version history, I’d say it corresponds with 7.98 or 7.97.1.
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@nicholasbromfield and @sj7fx7qrhh In case you haven’t tried it yet, can you please try removing the widget and re-adding it? Can you let us know if that makes a difference?
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Moot point—the latest update (7.99.1) appears to fix the issue. Thanks!
But FWIW, I had tried deleting/re-adding but that didn’t help.
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Updating to 7.99.1 did not resolve the issue. However, removing and re-adding the widget did address the problem. Thank you for your help fixing this problem. I didn’t realize how often I control Pocket Casts with the widget.
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I’m still having issue. I emailed support, no response.
iOS 18.6.2 / pocketcasts 7.99.1
I use pocketcasts in a widget stack. I removed my stack and rebuilt it, no change.
It’s like the first time I click play, it adds pocketcasts to the dynamic island, 2nd click of play finally starts playing it.
Would love any response. I I have such a large up next queue downloaded was hoping to not have to remove app. -
Support replied they replicated, sent to devs and closed ticket since out of their control.
fingers crossed
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@sj7fx7qrhh I’m glad to hear updating resolved the issue!
@nicholasbromfield and I’m glad to hear that removing and re-adding was able to resolve it for you!
@candidpeach9a360b9afe while I’m not able to offer an estimate timeframe for a fix, I can confirm that our developers are now aware of the issue. Hopefully we’ll have something to resolve the issue soon!
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Hi there, @candidpeach9a360b9afe! I checked on this and confirmed that your report has been logged with our developers. While I don’t have a time frame for a fix, I know it’s on their radar.
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This is NOT fixed and still doesn’t work – I need to press play/pause a few times to get it working:
- iPhone 17
- iOS 26.2
- App ver: 8.1.1
Tried removing widget/re-adding, rebooting, updates, etc … NOT fixed.
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Hi @skw531! I’m not able to reproduce this issue on iOS. Could you confirm that the app has back background refresh turned on? (Settings → General → Background App Refresh → ensure Pocket Casts is allowed to refresh in background).
If you still need help with this, please contact us via the app so we can check the debug log for the device.Navigate to Profile > Help & Feedback
Scroll down and tap on “Contact Support”
Tap on “Get Support”
Add a description of the issue and tap “Submit”
You can can include a link to this post or mention Ticket #10635352 for reference.
After sending the message, reply to us here to let us know that they’ve been sent. -
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Hi there, @candidpeach9a360b9afe! Yes, that’s right, one of us was able to reproduce the issue a few months ago. But, it’s not been something we can replicate consistently which has made solving this more difficult.
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hi – yes, background refresh has been on and is on. Note that I have tried the widget in the side panel (swipe right) and also on a home page and same result.
I have had the app for YEARS and have the widget since iOS offered it, and it’s worked fine. I never make any settings changes to the app. Issue only started around iOS26 time.
Also, please consider removing the big image you guys added in latest release when you click on a list. It takes up the whole top and you have to scroll down to see your podcasts. It servers absolutely no purpose.
Thanks.
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We don’t currently have an estimated timeframe for a fix of this issue, but it is something our developers are aware of and have been investigating. We’ll be sure to follow-up from here once we have more information to share.
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I put a ticket in that was closed bc they couldn’t reliably reproduce. Happens every day for me.
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I’ve given up hope for a fix and moved to Apple Podcasts instead. I’ve been using PocketCasts for god knows how long – a decade? Audible widget and Apple Podcasts widget work perfectly. Not sure why they can’t figure out this bug but too late for this user.
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We’re sorry this is still causing frustration. We don’t have a fix or an ETA to share just yet, but it is on our radar.
In the meantime, here are a couple of basic steps that are worth trying if you haven’t already:
- Update the Pocket Casts app to the newest version
- Update your iOS device
- Remove the widget from your home screen and re-add it
- Try restarting your device
We’ll post an update in the forums thread once there’s more to share. We genuinely appreciate your patience, and we understand how frustrating it is when a core feature doesn’t work as expected.
Pocket Casts Forum 