With iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, Apple has introduced a new Ambient Music feature that allows users to play relaxing background sounds directly from Control Center. This feature is designed to enhance different moods and activities by offering a curated selection of ambient sounds and music.
Four Categories for Different Needs
The Ambient Music feature includes four distinct sound categories, each designed for specific use cases:
- Sleep – Plays soothing and calming sounds to help you relax and fall asleep.
- Chill – Offers a mix of mellow and relaxing music, perfect for unwinding.
- Productivity – Provides background sounds that help you stay focused and engaged while working.
- Wellbeing – Features music and sounds aimed at promoting mental clarity and relaxation.
How to Access Ambient Music
Each sound category can be added separately to Control Center, giving users quick access to their favorite ambient sounds.
Once added, tapping a category instantly plays a random selection of sounds or music from that group. This makes it easy to create a relaxing atmosphere with just one tap.
However, users cannot manually select specific tracks from Control Center. Instead, they can gain some level of control by:
- Tapping into the Dynamic Island (if using an iPhone with this feature).
- Opening the Now Playing widget to skip songs and view the current track name.
No Dedicated App—But a Hidden One Exists
Interestingly, Apple has not introduced a standalone app for Ambient Music. However, there is a hidden app that provides more control, such as skipping tracks manually. This hidden app remains unlisted in the App Store but can be accessed through specific system interactions.
Available on iPhone and iPad
Ambient Music is available on both iPhone and iPad with iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4. This new feature is another example of Apple’s focus on seamless integration of relaxation and productivity tools within its ecosystem.
With Ambient Music, users can create the perfect soundscape for sleep, focus, and relaxation without using third-party apps.
This feature makes it easy to enjoy calming sounds anytime. It helps improve concentration, reduce stress, and enhance sleep quality.
What do you think about this new feature? Share your thoughts with us!