bug: ScreenReader iOS does not work with swipe gestures on ion-select >= v. 8.3.4

[mopat]

Prerequisites

• I have read the Contributing Guidelines.
• I agree to follow the Code of Conduct.
• I have searched for existing issues that already report this problem, without success.

Ionic Framework Version

v8.x

Current Behavior

In version 8.3.4, the behavior of the screen reader (VoiceOver) has changed when swiping right. The buttons (e.g., Cancel/OK) are no longer accessible using the right-swipe gesture.
Additionally, the alert is not properly focused when the alert opens.

Expected Behavior

• When swiping right using the screen reader (VoiceOver), all actionable buttons (e.g., Cancel, OK) should be reachable via the gesture.
• The alert should automatically receive proper focus, ensuring that it is announced and interactable immediately upon appearing.
• The user should be able to navigate through the alert content and buttons seamlessly using VoiceOver gestures.

Check version 8.3.3 where it used to work this way.

Steps to Reproduce

• Open the application and navigate to a screen that contains an ion-select component.
• Activate the ion-select to display its options (e.g., by tapping on it).
• Observe the alert/modal that appears, listing the selectable options.
• Enable VoiceOver on the device.
• Attempt to swipe right to navigate through the options or actionable buttons (e.g., Cancel/OK).

Notice whether:

• The buttons (e.g., Cancel/OK) are reachable using the right-swipe gesture.
• The alert/modal is properly focused when it appears.

Code Reproduction URL

https://ionicframework.com/docs/api/select

Ionic Info

Ionic:

Ionic CLI: 7.2.0
Ionic Framework: @ionic/angular 8.3.4
@angular-devkit/build-angular: 18.2.11
@angular-devkit/schematics: 18.2.11
@angular/cli: 18.2.11
@ionic/angular-toolkit: 12.1.1
Capacitor:

Capacitor CLI: not installed
@capacitor/android: 6.1.2
@capacitor/core: 6.1.2
@capacitor/ios: 6.1.2
Cordova:

Cordova CLI: not installed
Cordova Platforms: not available
Cordova Plugins: not available
Utility:

cordova-res: 0.15.4
native-run: not installed globally
System:

ios-deploy: 1.12.2
NodeJS: v20.17.0
npm: 10.8.2
OS: macOS Unknown
Xcode: Xcode 16.1 Build version 16B40

Additional Information

No response

[svzi]

We experience the same issue in one of our projects after the recent update! We needed to switch back to 8.3.3 for that reason.