Exciting news for iphone users! Apple has tucked a fresh, “classy” new ringtone into the latest iOS 26 developer beta, and you can actually try it out right now if you’re participating in the program. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a distinct, pleasing melody offering a potential new sound signature for your calls. We’ll show you exactly where to find it and what makes it noteworthy.
This new tone, a variation of the familiar “reflection” ringtone that debuted with the iPhone X, was first hinted at in the initial iOS 26 beta code. While initially just a file name, Apple has now made it selectable and audible in the second developer beta release. Its availability marks one of the surprising little gems found within the newest software update, which also reportedly contains hints about future hardware like an ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air model.
Discovering the New iPhone Ringtone
The journey of this new sound started quietly. Beta testers delving into the very first iOS 26 developer preview spotted references to a ringtone file named “Alt 1.” This immediately sparked interest among Apple enthusiasts and tech journalists, leading to speculation about a potential refresh for the aging default tones.
Analysts and testers, including figures noted by Macworld and MacRumors, quickly confirmed the existence of this hidden audio file, sometimes referred to more specifically in the code as “ReflectionAlt1-EncoreRemix.” This longer name strongly suggested it was a direct descendant or remix of the widely recognized “Reflection” tone. The find was significant because Apple rarely introduces completely new ringtones outside of major software or hardware launches.
From Hidden File to Playable Sound
While the first beta revealed the name, the second iOS 26 developer beta delivered the experience. Released this week, beta 2 made the “Alt 1” ringtone fully accessible within the iPhone’s sound settings. This shift from a mere code reference to a user-selectable option confirms Apple’s intent to potentially release this sound more broadly in the future.
The transition highlights how Apple’s beta program works, often revealing upcoming features in stages. Initial betas might contain foundational code, while subsequent releases make those features functional and available for testing.
What Does the New Ringtone Sound Like?
Descriptions from those who have heard it are overwhelmingly positive. The original Macworld report characterized it as a “very pleasing melody.” The earlier discovery reports from beta 1 described the “ReflectionAlt1-EncoreRemix” as retaining a similar “cool, glassy sound” to the original “Reflection,” suggesting it might be produced by instruments like a xylophone or marimba.
Crucially, the new version introduces a “frenetic rhythm,” distinguishing it from the more stately pace of the existing “Reflection.” Think of it as a more energetic, perhaps slightly more modern take on that signature chime. It’s designed to feel both familiar, leveraging the “Reflection” brand, while offering a fresh auditory experience. It aims for a sophisticated or “classy” feel, fitting Apple’s typical design aesthetic.
Comparing to the Original Reflection
The original “Reflection” ringtone replaced “Opening” as the default on the iPhone X in 2017 and has remained unchanged since. It has a distinct, ethereal quality. The new “Alt 1” version, by all accounts, builds upon this foundation but with a noticeable rhythmic difference. Users trying the beta can easily compare the two side-by-side in the settings menu.
Being a remix, it maintains a sonic relationship to its predecessor but offers a faster, perhaps more attention-grabbing cadence suitable for alerts. This provides a subtle but welcome new option for personalizing the sound of incoming calls.
How to Try the New Ringtone Now
If you are currently enrolled in the Apple Developer Program and running iOS 26 developer beta 2, accessing the new ringtone is straightforward.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Navigate to Sounds & Haptics.
- Tap on Ringtone.
Within the list of available ringtones, you will now find two entries listed under the “Reflection” heading:
“Default” (This is the original “Reflection” ringtone).
“Alt 1” (This is the new, remixed version).
Simply tap on “Alt 1” to preview the sound. If you like it, select it to set it as your current ringtone. It’s important to remember that the “Alt 1” label is likely just a placeholder filename used during the beta process. Apple will almost certainly give it a more polished, user-friendly name in future beta releases or the final public version of iOS 26.
Joining the Beta Program
For those not currently running the beta but eager to hear the new tone, joining the Apple Developer Program or the public beta program (when available) is the typical route. However, installing beta software comes with risks, including bugs and instability, and is generally not recommended for your primary device. For most users, waiting for the public release of iOS 26 is the safest option.
Why a New Ringtone Now? Speculation on Purpose
The timing of this new ringtone’s appearance in the iOS 26 beta leads to a natural question: what is its intended purpose? Apple rarely introduces standalone ringtones outside of major releases or events. The most compelling speculation ties this new sound directly to the forthcoming iPhone 17 lineup, expected to launch in the fall alongside the public debut of iOS 26.
Historically, Apple has sometimes introduced a new signature ringtone with significant iPhone models. “Reflection” itself was the default for the iPhone X, a landmark device. Introducing a new, refined “Reflection Alt 1” could serve as an auditory marker for the iPhone 17 generation, differentiating it from previous models right out of the box.
More Than Just a Ringtone
While seemingly minor, a new ringtone contributes to the overall user experience and the sensory identity of a new device. It’s a subtle way to signal change and refresh the familiar. The fact that this beta also contains other hints about future hardware, such as the rumored ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, further supports the idea that Apple is laying the groundwork for its next product cycle within these early iOS 26 builds.
It’s worth noting, however, that features found in beta software are not guaranteed to make it into the final public release. Plans can change during the extensive testing period. But the inclusion of “Alt 1” as a selectable option in beta 2 makes its eventual release highly probable.
What This Means for All iPhone Users
The key takeaway for the vast majority of iPhone users who are not on the beta program is that a new ringtone option is likely coming your way later this year. The public release of iOS 26 is typically in the fall, coinciding with the launch of new iPhones.
When iOS 26 is released publicly, this new “Reflection Alt 1” (or whatever its final name will be) should be available in the standard Sound & Haptics settings for everyone.
Will it Become the New Default?
Whether “Alt 1” will replace the current “Reflection” as the default ringtone for new iPhones or simply be added as an option alongside the existing one remains to be seen. Given its naming convention (“Alt 1”) and placement within the “Reflection” category in the beta, it seems more likely to be an alternative option initially. However, Apple could choose to make it the new default for the iPhone 17 series while keeping the old one available for customization on all devices running iOS 26.
Regardless of its default status, the addition of any new, well-designed ringtone is a welcome enhancement, offering users more ways to personalize their devices beyond the classic tones that have been around for years. For many, the sound of their phone is a familiar part of their daily lives, and having a fresh, modern option is exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the new iPhone ringtone found in iOS 26?
The new ringtone discovered in the iOS 26 developer beta 2 is currently labeled “Alt 1” within the Settings app. It is listed under the existing “Reflection” ringtone category. In earlier beta code, it was sometimes referred to as “ReflectionAlt1-EncoreRemix,” suggesting it’s a new version or remix of the original “Reflection” ringtone.
How can I listen to or try the new iPhone ringtone right now?
To listen to the new “Alt 1” ringtone currently, you need to be running the iOS 26 developer beta 2 on your iPhone. If you are, you can find it by going to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone. It will appear as “Alt 1” under the “Reflection” section. Simply tap it to hear a preview and select it if you wish to use it. Note that it is only available to beta testers at this time.
When will the new iPhone ringtone be available to everyone?
The new “Alt 1” ringtone is expected to become available to all iPhone users when Apple releases the final public version of iOS 26. This typically happens in the fall, usually coinciding with the launch of new iPhone models, such as the anticipated iPhone 17 lineup. Until the public release, it remains exclusive to users participating in the iOS 26 beta program.
Conclusion
The discovery and activation of the “Alt 1” ringtone in iOS 26 beta 2 is a small but notable update for iPhone fans. Described as a “classy,” “pleasing melody” with a “frenetic rhythm,” it offers a refreshing alternative to the long-standing sounds. Its appearance in the beta, coupled with other potential hardware hints, fuels speculation that it could be poised to become an auditory signature for the upcoming iPhone 17 series.
While currently limited to beta testers, the fact that it’s now selectable in settings makes its eventual public release highly likely. iPhone users can look forward to potentially customizing their devices with this new sound when iOS 26 rolls out to everyone later this year, adding a fresh layer to the familiar iPhone experience.
