Apple has refreshed the iPhone’s sound library in iOS 26 beta 6, giving users more options to personalize alerts. The update expands the familiar Reflection ringtone into six distinct variants named Buoyant, Dreamer, Pond, Pop, Reflected, and Surge.
Each has its own character: Buoyant is airy and upbeat, Dreamer has a softer, more ambient quality, Pond carries gentle water-like tones, Pop delivers sharper digital chimes, Reflected offers a cleaner and brighter take on the original, and Surge builds with layered harmonics for a more dynamic feel.
The Reflected tone replaces the Alt 1 version from earlier betas, bringing a more polished and balanced sound. Apple has also introduced a completely new ringtone, Little Bird, which blends light melodic notes with a soft chime sequence that feels subtle yet distinctive, ideal for those who prefer a calmer alert without sacrificing clarity. These additions can be found under Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone > Reflection, where the updated list is grouped for easier browsing.
This marks the first significant ringtone expansion since Reflection became the iPhone default in 2017 with iOS 11. The move reflects Apple’s wider push toward small but meaningful personalization updates in iOS 26. By adding fresh tones and refining existing ones, Apple acknowledges that for many users, the ringtone is one of the most personal aspects of their device, a sound they may hear dozens of times a day.
Alongside the built-in tones, the process for creating custom ringtones is much simpler in iOS 26. Any MP3 or M4A file under 30 seconds can be set directly from the Files app or Voice Memos by using the Share menu and selecting “Use as Ringtone,” bypassing the older GarageBand or Mac syncing workflow. This streamlined method makes adding a personal sound faster and more accessible, whether for work calls, family contacts, or special occasions.
While the ringtones are the standout addition in beta 6, Apple has also made performance and visual refinements. App launch speeds have been noticeably improved, giving the system a smoother, more responsive feel under the Liquid Glass design language.
These updates come as Apple shifts iOS 26 to a weekly beta release cycle, a sign the public rollout is approaching. The release candidate is expected in early September, likely coinciding with the iPhone 17 unveiling, with the final version targeted for mid-September. By combining new audio options, faster animations, and smarter in-app features, beta 6 shows Apple’s intent to polish both function and form before launch.
