This issue also existed on the Mac before: https://bugs.webkit.org/show_bug.cgi?id=243373 (AX: An unnecessary group is created for every block-flow box with no other useful AX semantics) That fix wasn't enough for iOS because iOS does not ignore AccessibilityRole::Unknown elements, and the groups affected by that patch get an unknown role.
<rdar://problem/98014680>
Created attachment 461363 [details] Patch
Created attachment 461364 [details] Patch
Created attachment 461369 [details] Patch
Created attachment 461382 [details] Patch
Committed 253102@main (44ea8a482416): <https://commits.webkit.org/253102@main> All reviewed patches have been landed. Closing bug and clearing flags on attachment 461382 [details].
I am not convinced this issue was fixed. I filed a new one that goes into more detail on the `display: contents` impacts on tables (along with other `display` issues): Bug 257458 - AX: Tables with display properties are skipped, report wrong col/row counts https://bugs.webkit.org/show_bug.cgi?id=257458 Specifically: 17. Tables with `display: contents` on the `<td>` cannot be navigated into using swipe gestures (swipe right or left). 18. Tables with `display: contents` on the `<td>` are skipped when using read-all.