Issue Summary

When tabbing, focusing on the “Switch sites or apps” button announces “Alert! The App Switcher is loading” instead of its label.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Open the Jira/JSM Cloud homepage.
2. Using a screen reader, navigate through interactive elements using the Tab key.
3. Focus the “Switch sites or apps” button and note its label isn’t announced.

Screen Recording

Screen Reader Announcement Issue

Actual Results

When screen reader users navigate through interactive elements using the Tab key, focusing on the “Switch sites or apps” button triggers an assertive announcement: “Alert! The App Switcher is loading.” This announcement overrides the expected output, preventing the screen reader from announcing the button’s accessible name and role (e.g., “Switch sites or apps, button”). As a result, users cannot identify the element or understand its purpose when it receives focus.

Expected Results

When focused, interactive elements should announce their accessible name and role clearly, without being overridden by unrelated or assertive messages.

Apply the following changes:

• Do not trigger any loading or status announcements on focus events for the button. Screen reader focus should be reserved for exposing the element’s accessible name, role, and state.
• Move the “App Switcher is loading” announcement so it is only triggered after user activation (click/Enter/Space), not on focus.
• Ensure loading announcements are handled via a separate ARIA live region (aria-live="polite" or role="status") that updates only when the app switcher begins loading.
• Update the scripts to prevent any announcements from being triggered on focus events.

Workaround

Currently there is no known workaround for this behavior. A workaround will be added here when available

Environment

MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021)
macOS Tahoe 26.3
Operations - Windows11
Chrome - Version 146.0.7680.154 (Official Build) (64-bit)
Safari- Version 26.3
JAWS- Version 2023
NVDA- Version 2025.3.2
VoiceOver - Version Latest