Remix: iOS 26 offers six versions of the "Reflection" ringtone
A popular Apple "ringtone" gets an update in iOS 26 – and six times over. There is also a new, seventh sound – and easier do-it-yourself.
New features in iOS 26: The sound also changes on request.
(Image: Apple)
Apple's next iPhone operating system, iOS 26, is not only getting a completely new look but also innovations in many smaller areas. This also includes the ringtones, as testers of the latest beta versions (Public Beta 3 and Developer Beta 6) have discovered. At least seven new call alerts have been added, which Apple has composed itself. It was already known that iOS 26 will make it much easier to convert your sounds and pieces of music into ringtones.
Six additional variants of “Reflection”
Apple has already had the “Reflection” alarm sound in its repertoire for years. It is a chime-like sound with a reverb effect that is easy to hear and recognize. The Apple team seems to have liked it so much that the sound engineers have composed no less than six further variants. These include a dreampop version, a version with classical instruments, a pop remix, and even a dance version. This should satisfy the needs of all “Reflection” fans.
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“Little Bird,” on the other hand, is completely new. The ringtone is immediately recognizable as an Apple sound, combining an EDM bassline with a whistled melody, which also has slight echoes of “Reflection.” It is still unclear whether Apple will actually include all eight new sounds in the final version of iOS 26. Likewise, it is possible that this is just an experiment. It is useful that the “Reflection” variants are all sorted under “Reflection” in the system settings, so you can quickly switch between the old standard sound (“Default”) and the new mixes.
It doesn't always have to be Apple
Furthermore, it is now much easier to create your own ringtones in iOS 26. Whereas previously you had to work with GarageBand and the like, there is now a dedicated button in the “Share” dialog that significantly simplifies the export process. For example, an MP3 file can be accessed via the Files app via iCloud, and the sound or piece of music can be transferred directly to the settings as a ringtone.
The new procedure is also possible in Voice Memos and several other apps. Exported ringtones appear in the iPhone settings on the corresponding page at the top of the list. They can be removed at any time by swiping. Standard unencrypted formats such as MP3, WAV, or M4A are supported. iOS 26 is expected to be released in mid-September. A beta phase is currently running.
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