bug: ion-item-sliding reads option side before frameworks assign it, start options broken or open from the wrong side (v9 React)

[aeharding]

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

v9.x

Current Behavior

side="start" options can't be swiped open, or open on the wrong side. Only happens when the item doesn't contain an IonLabel.

Expected Behavior

side="start" options open on start swipe regardless of item content.

Steps to Reproduce

Open repo (stock example with IonLabel changed to <p>, try sliding:

Docs example item	With IonLabel	With p instead
End options only	✅	✅
Start options only	✅	❌ opens on end swipe instead of start
Options on both sides	✅	❌ start options never open

Code Reproduction URL

https://stackblitz.com/edit/saccabqc-rxbbctar

Ionic Info

v9.0.0

Additional Information

Repro: the docs React example with each IonLabel swapped for a p. Reproduces on 9.0.0 and 9.0.1-dev.11787177893.1979eb13, React 18 and 19. Worked in 8.8.19.

Same cause as #31377: sides are read in connectedCallback before React assigns side, so both options register as end. IonLabel masks it by mutating its light DOM after mount, which happens to re-trigger updateOptions after props arrive; any other content and the wrong sides are permanent.

[ShaneK]

Thanks for your report! The fix for this has been merged and will be out in our next patch release