With iOS 18, Apple has introduced a variety of improvements and new features. A particularly interesting new feature is the expanded background noises, which have now been supplemented with fire and night sounds. This feature can not only have a relaxing effect but also increase your concentration and productivity.
Background noise is an important tool for many people to relax, concentrate, or simply create a pleasant atmosphere. While third-party apps for noise and other sounds do a great job, Apple already offers a built-in solution that's available on your iPhone or iPad at no additional cost. With iOS 18, this feature is expanded to include two new sounds: Fire and Night. These new options give you even more options to create the perfect acoustic backdrop.
The integrated background noises of iPhone and iPad
Apple has included background sounds as part of its accessibility suite to help users with different needs. Here's how to find the feature on your device:
- Open the settings.
- Go to Accessibility.
- Open Audio and Visual Effects.
- Select background noise.
Here you will find the various background sounds built into iOS, which you can also find in macOS under System Preferences ➜ Accessibility ➜ Audio. Before iOS 18, there were six sound options available. With the update to iOS 18, the list was expanded to eight. The full list of background sounds is now:
- Balanced noise
- bright noise
- Dark Noise
- sound of the sea
- Rain
- Bach
- Night
- Fire
The new options, Fire and Night, are a great addition to the existing sounds.
Using Control Center to trigger background noise
It would be cumbersome to jump into Settings every time you want to enable or disable background noise. Fortunately, Apple offers easy access via Control Center. Already in iOS 17 and earlier versions, you could set up a background noise switch in Control Center. However, with iOS 18, this process is further simplified and improved. In the new Control Center, you can now create a background noise switch in three different sizes. By long-pressing the switch, you can quickly change the sounds and adjust the volume.
iOS 18: New background sounds for more focus and relaxation
iOS 18 brings a welcome addition to the Fire and Night background sounds for all users who appreciate relaxing or focusing sounds. This feature, combined with improved accessibility via the Control Center, makes it easier than ever to create the perfect acoustic conditions for any situation. Just try it out and discover how the new sounds can improve your productivity and relaxation. Looking for the best accessories? Visit our Amazon Storefront and discover a variety of products from top providers, including for HomeKit! (Image: Apple)
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