iPhone Air Different maximum speaker volume on identical iPhone Air devices

[mbp17forever]

I placed two iPhone Air devices side by side with the exact same settings, and one of them has noticeably lower maximum speaker volume than the other.

The only difference is that one is running iOS 26.0 and the other iOS 26.2.

Has anyone else noticed a similar issue?

 

[iThinkurBeats]

If you want a stereo sound there is the iphone 17, it's not a good idea to buy 2 air.

 

[mbp17forever]

I said another thing

I put 2 same iPhone air devices side by side

The ones speaker is noticeably louder than the other

 

[JPack]

Apple doesn’t want you blow that single speaker.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

The only difference is that one is running iOS 26.0 and the other iOS 26.2.

So… not “exact same.” Update to 26.2 and see if that makes a difference.

 

[davidarichardson1990]

Yeah, I've seen a few reports of this exact thing—speaker volume feeling lower on iOS 26.2 compared to 26.0, even on identical hardware.
Apple sometimes tweaks audio output levels in minor updates for "hearing protection" or to address distortion complaints. Try going to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety and make sure "Reduce Loud Sounds" is off on both devices.
Also, a simple restart or toggling Bluetooth off/on can sometimes reset the audio limiter. If it persists, it might be intentional on 26.2.
You're not alone though—others have noticed it too. Let us know if anything helps!