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gpatp1
User level: Level 1 (13 points)

iPadOS 27.2: AirPlay to AirPort Express disconnects when playback starts, but Apple TV works

iPadOS 27.2: AirPlay to AirPort Express disconnects when playback starts, but Apple TV works


Since updating my iPad (10th generation) to iPadOS 27.2 a few days ago, I can no longer play audio to any of my Apple AirPort Express 802.11n (2nd generation) units.


All the Express units are running firmware 7.8.1. They worked with this iPad before the update.


The problem occurs with Apple Music, BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer and other apps.


What happens:

  1. The AirPort Express devices appear in the iPad’s AirPlay device list.
  2. I select one and attempt to play audio.
  3. After a short delay, there is a slight click from the speakers connected to the AirPort Express.
  4. The iPad then disconnects from AirPlay and playback pauses.

Useful comparisons:

  • Every AirPort Express I own fails in the same way from this iPad.
  • My iPhone 12 Pro Max, running iOS 27.2, plays successfully to the same AirPort Express units using the same apps.
  • The affected iPad plays successfully over AirPlay to an Apple TV.


I have already tried restarting the iPad, power-cycling the AirPort Express units, checking the Wi-Fi network and VPN settings, and forgetting and rejoining the Wi-Fi network. None has resolved it.


I have not reset all network settings, as I would prefer to avoid this without stronger evidence that it would help.


The results suggest a possible compatibility regression involving iPadOS 27.2 and the AirPort Express, although I cannot confirm the cause.


Has anyone else encountered this specific behaviour since updating? Is there a known workaround that preserves the current network configuration and Express firmware?

Posted on Nov 5, 2026 2:46 AM

5 replies

LotusPilot
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)

Nov 5, 2026 4:05 AM in response to gpatp1

Some similar reports have been seen within the ASC Community. There does appear to be a general issue with AirPlay since updating to iPadOS 27.2. Whether or not the issue is (a) an OS bug, (b) a possible change/deprecation to AirPlay communication protocols, or (c) an App compatibility issue requiring fix by respective App Developers is unknown at this time.


Speaking of my own experience, BBC iPlayer will AirPlay to my AppleTV4 box without issue. When attempting to AirPlay to my Sony TV, iPlayer will briefly connect for about 1 second before the AirPlay connection drops. Prior to the recent update(s), AirPlay would work seamlessly with the Sony TV.


Other than directly AirPlay to my AppleTV4 box in those instances that AirPlay fails, I have not identified an alternative fix or workaround.


Given the broad nature of the problem, in the first instance, you (and anyone else that encounters similar issues) might begin with submitting a Bug Report to Apple via its Product Feedback portal. For iPad and iPadOS:

Feedback - iPad - Apple


When submitting a Bug Report, ensure that you include details of your iPad model and installed version of iPadOS within the body-text of your report. Don't rely upon the pick-list alone - as this rarely includes the current versions.


You might also be well advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support - as they may wish to record and escalate as appropriate. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively you can initiate and manage your support cases from Apple devices using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

LotusPilot
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)

Nov 5, 2026 5:58 AM in response to gpatp1

You might also report the problem to the App Developers of the Apps (such as BBC iPlayer) that you identify as having the issue:

How to contact an app developer – Apple Support


It is perhaps worth noting that the YouTube App appears to work as expected with AirPlay. Of itself, this may suggest that the App Developers may be using different system libraries or protocol versions.

LotusPilot
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)

Nov 6, 2026 2:40 AM in response to gpatp1

I note that the BBC iPlayer App was updated yesterday. I'm not seeing a consistent fix.


AirPlay now appears to sometimes work if AirPlay is selected using the Share button from within the App - but fails to connect if AirPlay is selected from the iPad Control Centre.

gpatp1 Author
User level: Level 1 (13 points)

Nov 6, 2026 1:12 AM in response to LotusPilot

I can confirm that I tried using YouTube today to text the audio to my AirPlay devices and it worked OK.

I then retried using BBC iPlayer app and BBC Sounds app. They are both working OK as well.

So problem has been spolved.

Thanks for your help and advice.

gpatp1 Author
User level: Level 1 (13 points)

Nov 5, 2026 4:37 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thanks for the advice and feedback.

I did submit a report to Apple.

I wasn’t aware of the support app.

Many thanks.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256389136