iOS 18 Includes Two New Background Sounds to Help You Focus or Rest

[arc of the universe]

this background noise accessibility feature is one of the only "sounds" that can play at the same time while a different iPhone app is also playing.

its also easy to set it up in control panel to immediately turn it on or off.

the ocean sound in particular is really relaxing.

 

[spazzcat]

Are these new sounds present also in macOS Sequoia?

Yes.

 

[FatherOfDragon]

I use an iHome app because they have a "Drive" background noise that I find calming. Wish Apple would add a similar one... I live in fear that the iHome app will stop being supported!

 

[eAi]

We use background sounds (dark noise) to help get our baby to sleep. We have a white noise device too, but the phone is often nearer to hand and the volume has a wider range than the device. It’s a really useful feature, though clearly a bit neglected as the UI is a bit messy for it (though better in recent updates).

See how the UI cuts off at the bottom:

 

[Chupachups]

PLEASE tell me they finally removed the infernal bird tweeting from the 'Rain' sound

 

[garranhado]

WOW I didn't know this great feature! Nice to relax and sleep.

 

[O.N.Y.X]

Will this be available in the EU/non English language countries? Just asking…

 

[svish]

Good to have more options. Will check this out.

 

[Janichsan]

Will this be available in the EU/non English language countries? Just asking…

The background sounds options already is part of iOS/macOS and available in all countries. I don't see a reason why this should be different for the two new sounds.

 

[LukeHarrison]

The one thing this feature needs is a sleep timer. I've looked at it a couple of times but, unless I'm mistaken, there's no way of getting it to shut off after a period of time.

 

[keithdoc]

First time hearing about it as well. Kind of odd that a background noise app is buried in accessibility.

Buried WAY down!

 

[ke-iron]

WTH is this and where do I find it?