iOS 27 finally allows separate volume controls for ringtones, alarms, and alerts
Apple adds a long-requested feature that Android users have enjoyed for years.
1Long-awaited feature
Apple is solving a long-standing complaint of iPhone users with iOS 27. The independent volume control feature, available on Android devices for years, is finally coming to iOS. Users will now be able to separately adjust volume levels for ringtones, alarms, and alerts. This change will particularly benefit users who have been disturbed by loud alarm sounds at night.
2Problems with current system
In current iOS 26, there's only one 'Ringtones and Alerts' volume setting. When you increase this setting, your phone rings louder but alarms and timers also play too loudly. Lowering it risks missing morning alarms. Apple's simplified approach has actually been causing daily inconveniences for many users.
3New sound categories
With iOS 27, system sounds are divided into three separate categories: Ringtones, Alarms and Timers, and Alerts and System Sounds. Each category can have its own volume level. This means you can keep ringtones loud while setting alarms to a more reasonable level. Users will be able to create optimized sound settings for different situations.
4How to adjust
To access the new sound settings, go to Settings > Sound & Haptics. Here, you can disable 'Match Ringtone Volume' under 'Alarms and Timers' or 'Alerts and System Sounds' to activate the new sliders. Sounds play as you adjust them so you can hear the level immediately. Changes are applied instantly.
5Optional feature
Apple is offering the new feature as optional. Users who prefer simplicity can keep 'Match Ringtone Volume' enabled to continue with a single volume setting. Media volume and call volume will still be controlled separately. This flexibility provides a suitable solution for both new and advanced users.
6Catching up to Android
This feature has been available on Android devices for years. Apple's delay shows how the company's obsession with oversimplification can negatively impact user experience. Experts say Apple should move faster on such basic improvements. This change in iOS 27 demonstrates increased responsiveness to user feedback.
7User reactions
The announcement of the new feature has generated great satisfaction among iPhone users. On social media, many users say this change came too late but is still welcome. Parents in particular express happiness about being able to keep alarm volumes low on their children's phones while keeping ringtones loud.
8Important step for user experience
This seemingly small but significant change in iOS 27 shows Apple's commitment to user experience. The company is starting to listen more to user needs while maintaining its simplicity-focused approach. Such improvements will help strengthen iPhone's competitiveness against Android and increase user satisfaction.