Apple's iOS 18, unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference 2024, has released its sixth developer beta, introducing a number of new features for iPhone users. One of the standout features is Enhanced Background Sounds, a hidden feature first introduced in 2021 designed to help users focus or relax.
Background sounds offer six looping ambient noises, including rain, stream, ocean, bright, balanced, and dark noise. The iOS 18 beta has expanded this feature by adding two new sounds: Night, filled with the sounds of crickets and other nocturnal creatures, and Fire, which mimics the sound of a crackling campfire. These sounds can be played on their own or under any podcast, music or video streaming application, offering a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a white noise machine.
Research from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that listening to natural sounds can reduce stress, ease perceived pain, and foster a more positive disposition. Other studies have found that white noise can help adults learn new words and improve learning in distracting environments. Natural sounds and white noise can also help listeners sleep.
To turn on background sounds on your iPhone, go to Settings, swipe down and tap Accessibility, then Sound & Visuals, and finally Background Sounds. Tap the switch next to Background sounds to turn it on, then tap Sound to hear the different noise options.
For easier access, you can set up a toggle in the Control Center. Go to Settings, scroll down to Control Center, add Hearing to your Control Center, then tap the ear icon next to Background Sounds to turn the feature on. You can also set up an accessibility shortcut to turn background sounds on or off from the home screen or within an app.
The iOS 18 update is not only about improving the user interface, but also improving the overall user experience, with features like background sounds that contribute to well-being and productivity.
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