Here's what the new ringtones in iOS 26 sound like

AppleInsider

Apple's iOS 26 just got six new ringtones, putting a new spin on the company's iconic 'Reflections' melody. Here's what they all sound like.

iOS 26 just got six new ringtones with developer beta 6.

While iOS 26 is mostly known for its "Liquid Glass" design language, the update also makes it much easier to add custom ringtones. With the sixth developer beta of iOS 26, released on Monday, Apple took this one step further by including a total of six new built-in ringtones.

By opening the Settings app and navigating to Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone, you'll see six new options under the "Reflection" ringtone. The melodies offer different takes on the existing Reflection ringtone, and they're no less recognizable than the original, which is still the default iPhone ringtone.

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The different "Reflection" ringtone variants in iOS 26 developer beta 6 are labeled as follows:

• Default


• Buoyant


• Dreamer


• Pond


• Pop


• Reflected


• Surge

We got our first glimpse of this change two weeks after WWDC, in June 2025. iOS 26 developer beta 2 added a new take on "Reflections," the default iPhone ringtone. Originally known simply as "Alt 1," the ringtone variant has now been renamed to "Reflected."

Monday's software update adds five more ringtones, all variations of the iconic "Reflections" melody. The sixth developer beta of iOS 26 also includes an onboarding sequence and offers a few visual improvements, among other things.

iOS 26 is expected to receive its full public release in September 2025, and we'll likely see additional features in the weeks leading up to its launch.




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anilu_777

“Here’s what they sound like” and there’s no sound files. 🙄 

wesley_hilliard

Anilu_777 said:

“Here’s what they sound like” and there’s no sound files. 🙄 

They're all in the embedded YouTube video.

appleinsideruser

Anilu_777 said:

“Here’s what they sound like” and there’s no sound files. 🙄 

Haha, they’re lurking in the YouTube video after lots of repeated ramblings.

tompmri

I didn't realize that ringtones were still a "thing."  My iPhone has been on silent mode for years, and, if I get a call or text, my AppleWatch taps me on my wrist and lets me know who is calling or texting me.  I've heard too many iPhones playing loud "Dancing Queen" ring tones when calls come in, and I don't see a need to disturb people around me when my iPhone is "ringing."

sunman42

TomPMRI said:

I didn't realize that ringtones were still a "thing."  My iPhone has been on silent mode for years, and, if I get a call or text, my AppleWatch taps me on my wrist and lets me know who is calling or texting me.  I've heard too many iPhones playing loud "Dancing Queen" ring tones when calls come in, and I don't see a need to disturb people around me when my iPhone is "ringing."

And yet, I think I'll stick with my default ringtone — sampled from the Futurama theme music. Gets my attention every time.

mpantone

TomPMRI said:

I didn't realize that ringtones were still a "thing."  My iPhone has been on silent mode for years, and, if I get a call or text, my AppleWatch taps me on my wrist and lets me know who is calling or texting me.  I've heard too many iPhones playing loud "Dancing Queen" ring tones when calls come in, and I don't see a need to disturb people around me when my iPhone is "ringing."

I find ringtones still useful because I typically don't have my iPhone on my person either at work or at home. It's often on a table or counter and the vibration isn't loud enough to hear from a distance (like the next room).

Even when I have the phone on me, I often won't feel the vibration if its in certain articles of clothing (a suit jacket or overcoat are two notable garments). It's also worth pointing out that many women carry their phones in their purses and again, the vibrations aren't often strong enough to be noticed. Which is probably why a lot of phones have obnoxious ringtones set at jarring volumes. Getting sound through all that stuff in a handbag is a challenge for a smartphone. Bad when it's sitting on a table at a fancy restaurant, good at a ballgame.

If you've ever dated any women or even hung around some (like work or social settings) it's a pretty easy observation to make for all but the most awkward people on this planet.

So yes, there are usage cases that go beyond your own especially when you stop ignoring half the population on this planet.

edited 2:32PM