[Bug]: Unlabeled Elements and Navigation Problems with VoiceOver #1208

New Issue

2026-04-24T23:53:43+02:00

adam commented

2026-04-24 23:53:43 +02:00

Originally created by @math65 on GitHub (May 17, 2025).

I have verified that the bug is not already awaiting release

Yes

What was the Problem?

Some elements in the Audiobookshelf iOS app are not properly labeled for VoiceOver users, which makes it difficult to understand their purpose. Additionally, navigation with VoiceOver is somewhat challenging, as certain UI components are either skipped or not announced clearly, making the app hard to use for blind users.

Steps to Reproduce the Issue

Open the Audiobookshelf iOS app with VoiceOver enabled.
Navigate through the interface using standard VoiceOver gestures (e.g., one-finger swipe left to right to move sequentially through elements).
Notice that some elements are either not announced by VoiceOver, have unclear or missing labels, or are skipped entirely, making it difficult to understand or interact with the app properly.

What was Expected?

All interface elements should have clear and descriptive accessibility labels so that VoiceOver can accurately announce them. Navigation should be smooth and logical, following the visual order of the screen, with no unlabeled or skipped elements.
However, this is currently not the case. On the home screen, some links are unlabeled — VoiceOver only announces “link” or nothing at all. On a book’s page, buttons are labeled with internal or unclear names like “more_vert,” “play_arrow,” or “Flux,” which do not make sense to blind users.
As I am blind, I cannot verify if some interface elements are completely missing from VoiceOver navigation, but it’s likely that some are not reachable or announced at all. This makes using the app frustrating and sometimes impossible without sighted assistance.

Phone Model

iPhone 15 Pro

Phone OS

iOS 18.5 (22F76)

Audiobookshelf App Version

iOS App - 0.9.81

Installation Source

Testflight

Additional Notes

Thank you for the amazing work on Audiobookshelf — the web version is already very accessible and enjoyable to use with a screen reader. I really hope the iOS app can reach the same level of accessibility.
As a blind user, having full access to the app is essential for independent use. I’d be happy to help test any improvements or provide further feedback if needed.
Thanks again for your efforts and for supporting the blind community through open-source development.

Originally created by @math65 on GitHub (May 17, 2025). ### I have verified that the [bug is not already awaiting release](https://github.com/advplyr/audiobookshelf-app/issues?q=is%3Aissue%20label%3A%22awaiting%20release%22) Yes ### What was the Problem? Some elements in the Audiobookshelf iOS app are not properly labeled for VoiceOver users, which makes it difficult to understand their purpose. Additionally, navigation with VoiceOver is somewhat challenging, as certain UI components are either skipped or not announced clearly, making the app hard to use for blind users. ### Steps to Reproduce the Issue 1. Open the Audiobookshelf iOS app with VoiceOver enabled. 2. Navigate through the interface using standard VoiceOver gestures (e.g., one-finger swipe left to right to move sequentially through elements). 3. Notice that some elements are either not announced by VoiceOver, have unclear or missing labels, or are skipped entirely, making it difficult to understand or interact with the app properly. ### What was Expected? All interface elements should have clear and descriptive accessibility labels so that VoiceOver can accurately announce them. Navigation should be smooth and logical, following the visual order of the screen, with no unlabeled or skipped elements. However, this is currently not the case. On the home screen, some links are unlabeled — VoiceOver only announces “link” or nothing at all. On a book’s page, buttons are labeled with internal or unclear names like “more_vert,” “play_arrow,” or “Flux,” which do not make sense to blind users. As I am blind, I cannot verify if some interface elements are completely missing from VoiceOver navigation, but it’s likely that some are not reachable or announced at all. This makes using the app frustrating and sometimes impossible without sighted assistance. ### Phone Model iPhone 15 Pro ### Phone OS iOS 18.5 (22F76) ### Audiobookshelf App Version iOS App - 0.9.81 ### Installation Source Testflight ### Additional Notes Thank you for the amazing work on Audiobookshelf — the web version is already very accessible and enjoyable to use with a screen reader. I really hope the iOS app can reach the same level of accessibility. As a blind user, having full access to the app is essential for independent use. I’d be happy to help test any improvements or provide further feedback if needed. Thanks again for your efforts and for supporting the blind community through open-source development.

adam added the bug label 2026-04-24 23:53:43 +02:00

adam referenced this issue

2026-04-24 23:59:01 +02:00

[PR #1208] [MERGED] feat: Add Time Marker Detection in Episode Descriptions #1519

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Reference: starred/audiobookshelf-app#1208