GarageBand for iOS Gains iPhone X Support, New Sound Library for Downloading Instruments - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

GarageBand for iOS Gains iPhone X Support, New Sound Library for Downloading Instruments

by

Apple today updated its GarageBand for iOS app to version 2.3, bringing support for the Super Retina OLED display of the iPhone X and introducing a new Sound Library designed to let users download additional free instruments, loops, and sound packs.

Apple highlighted the new update in a Newsroom press release that goes over all of the new features.

garagebandsoundlibrary

With the GarageBand Sound Library users can now preview and download new Apple-designed sounds and instruments right within the app. These free, downloadable sound packs contain a variety of Touch Instruments, Apple loops, Live Loops templates, guitar and instrument presets and more. Users can access the Sound Library from multiple places within GarageBand and will receive alerts when new sound packs are available. Initial sound packs include Future Bass, Reggaeton, Beat Sequencer kits, guitar amp tones and more. New sound packs will be released periodically by Apple.

There are three new Drummers in Pop, Songwriter, and Latin styles, along with support for new traditional instruments from China and Japan like the Guzheng, Koto, and Taiko drums. GarageBand users can also use the Beat Sequencer to create music inspired by classic drum machines, and there is an iMessage sticker pack with GarageBand instrument icons.

Along with support for the iPhone's display, the update allows GarageBand to work with the Files app in iOS 11 for expanded sharing and storage, plus there's a new larger Audio Unit Extensions view for use with compatible third-party instruments. Full release notes for the update are below:

- Updated for Super Retina display on iPhone X
- Use the new Sound Library to download additional free instruments, loops and sound packs
- Adds 3 Drummers who play percussion in the styles of Pop, Songwriter, and Latin*
- Play and record using traditional instruments from China and Japan, including the Guzheng, Koto and Taiko drums*
- Build grooves inspired by classic electronic drum machines with the Beat Sequencer
- Support for expanded sharing and storage options with the Files app in iOS 11
- Enables a larger Audio Unit Extensions view for compatible third-party instruments and effects
- Recording, mixing and exporting a song can be done at 24-bit audio resolution
- Includes iMessage sticker pack that adds GarageBand instrument icons
- Provides stability improvements and bug fixes

Apple has also updated its Logic Remote app for iOS devices with support for the iPhone X's display and touch instrument controls like guitar, bass, drums, and chord strips.

GarageBand can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Logic Remote, which works with Logic Pro X, MainStage, and GarageBand on Mac can also be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

Fzang Avatar
111 months ago
So... does it come with a notch filter?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
111 months ago
So... does it come with a notch filter?
You ABSOLUTELY killed it with that comment! Well done.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Apple Event Logo

Apple Just Released a New Accessory

Monday May 4, 2026 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today released a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. The new Pride Edition Sport Loop is available to order now on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, and it will be available at Apple Store locations starting later this week. In the U.S., the band costs $49. There...
iOS 27 on iPhone 17 1

iOS 27 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Saturday May 2, 2026 8:43 am PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and there are already many rumored features and changes for iPhones. The first developer beta of iOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in...
Apple Announces 2026 Pride Band Watch Face and iPhone Wallpaper Article 2

iOS 26.5 Coming Soon With These New Features

Monday May 4, 2026 8:40 am PDT by
iOS 26.5 is expected to be released next week, following more than a month of beta testing. The update is relatively minor, but there are a couple of new features and changes across the operating system that we have recapped below. iOS 26.5 lays the groundwork for end-to-end encryption for RCS in the Messages app and ads in the Apple Maps app, and it will include a new Pride wallpaper and a...
Related Apple News: Culture | Iphone | Iphone | Entertainment | Iphone