Here Are the New Background Sounds in iOS 26

With iOS 26, Apple added a bunch of new options for the Background Sounds feature. If you're unfamiliar with it, it is an Accessibility option that allows your iPhone to play soothing background noise, like white noise or rain.

ios 26 background sounds
Prior to ‌iOS 26‌, there were eight Background Sounds options, but now there are a total of sixteen. Here's what's new:

  • Babble
  • Steam
  • Airplane
  • Boat
  • Bus
  • Train
  • Rain on Roof
  • Quiet Night

These join the original eight, which include Balanced Noise, Bright Noise, Dark Noise, Ocean, Rain, Stream, Night, and Fire.

Background Sounds can be toggled on in the Settings app under Accessibility > Audio and Visual > Background Sounds. Once you've opted in and selected a sound, you can toggle Background Sounds on and off through the Hearing Accessibility shortcut in the Control Center.

‌iOS 26‌ is only available for developers right now, but Apple plans to release a public beta in July. The software will launch in September alongside new iPhones.

Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
Apple Foldable Thumb

First Foldable iPhone Design Details Revealed

Monday February 2, 2026 7:19 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone will feature relocated volume buttons, an all-black camera plateau, a smaller Dynamic Island, and more, according to design leaks from a known Weibo leaker. The user known as "Instant Digital" today claimed to share several key details about the design of the foldable iPhone: The volume buttons will be located on the top edge of the device, aligned to the...

Top Rated Comments

Hallouminati Avatar
9 months ago
Hopefully they “fix” the sound of rain. I need background noise for my sleep but have to go with white noise (not one of the titles listed above, maybe a rename) as rain is incredibly annoying - it’s not rain, it’s rain and loads of birds.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Eric_WVGG Avatar
9 months ago
I’ve been using Noizio for > 10 years and they do not deserve to be sherlocked. Quality app. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/noizio-calm-meditate-sleep/id928871589?mt=12
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
M-Life Avatar
9 months ago

Who in their right mind would want an Airplane background noise? Are there people that like that sound? ?‍?
Airplane engine noise from the inside of the airplane is the ultimate relaxation noise for some of us. The instant the plane takes off I pass out due to the hum of the engines.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rafagon Avatar
9 months ago
What was that Accessibility feature that would listen and inform you if there was a baby crying, or shots fired?

I think with AI, this could easily now be expanded to a bunch of other sounds being detected.

Boss Coming (Detect Boss's voice and inform you if it's heard nearby)

Bats in Vicinity (Alert you if there are bats flying nearby)

Lie Detection (Alert you if someone's lying due to the particular nuances of their voice)

Toast is Ready (Alert you when the toaster ejects toast)

Tsunami Approaching (self-explanatory)
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Thisismattwade Avatar
9 months ago

wait, how is this different from asking Siri to play an "Ambient Sound". Will this supersede or replace it? Is Background Sound the 'new' Ambient Sounds in iOS26?

Edit: oh maybe AS are stored in Apple Music, these new BS will be store in the iOS?
Not sure if I'll answer your question or not, but the sounds in this article are in the Accessibility settings of your phone. Therefore, you don't need Apple Music / they're available for everyone. And I think they're downloaded/stored automatically. Signed, someone who uses them every night.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Waragainstsleep Avatar
9 months ago
Last time I looked at background noise settings they didn't work over Airplay, only over AirPods or on the device speaker. Has this changed?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)