iOS 18.4: Free background music for more productivity
It has long been possible to play background noises on the iPhone via the operating aids. The function has now been significantly expanded in iOS 18.4.
Selection of playlists for background music in iOS 18.4: Actually worth its own app.
(Image: Screenshot Apple / via 9to5Mac)
People who need to concentrate intensively in order to be able to do creative work, for example, can benefit from background sounds designed for this purpose. This can also help neurodivergent people. Apple has included a function called "background sounds" in its accessibility features for several iOS versions, which can be switched on to include rain, ocean sounds or various types of noise. However, the selection was quite limited. This is set to change with iOS 18.4, which is expected to be released this week: Apple is putting so-called ambient music directly into the iPhone control center.
Four times four playlists
The function can be accessed via a dedicated button, which can even be configured to the type of sound. Apple has covered a total of four subject areas for which there are suitable playlists: "Sleep", "Calm", "Productivity" and "Wellbeing", the latter of which is intended for meditation and self-care. For each theme, there are four songs that can be selected according to taste. The content comes from Apple Music, but a subscription to the streaming service is not required.
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In the productivity section, for example, there are instrumentals with a driving beat, binaural sounds and classical music for concentration. In the sleep section, you can be lulled to sleep with sleep sounds, a "sound bath" or piano sleep music. The calming playlists include ambient and lo-fi jazz. "Wellbeing" includes spa sounds, "Pure Calm" and "Beats and Breathing".
Update probably coming this week
The range is so extensive that it makes you wonder why Apple didn't put it in its own app and hide it in the control center instead. The respective playlists can also be controlled as usual from the Music app – so you can also fast-forward. To conjure up ambient music, you first have to make the appropriate entries in the control center and bring the respective buttons to the screen.
Nevertheless, the new function is welcome. iOS 18.4 is due to be released in April and could be released as an update for all users as early as tomorrow Tuesday evening. Release Candidate 2 of iOS 18.4 was released last week.
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