- iOS 26 beta may include a new ringtone called “Reflection.”
- It’s the first major ringtone update since 2023.
- The tone was spotted in iOS 26 beta 1 IPSW.
- Final release expected in September 2025.
As an old iPhone user, every major iOS upgrade came with cool features such as wallpapers, sound effects, and ringtones. However, as Apple still provides new backgrounds, a new ringtone has not appeared in years, and now it has.
A New Ringtone Discovered in iOS 26 Beta
An X (formerly Twitter) user, @8810cfw, just discovered a new ringtone known as Reflection in the iOS 26 beta 1 IPSW. While Apple has not announced this new tone yet, the finding suggests that we could likely see this added in a future beta or potentially in the iOS 26 Release Candidate.
Interestingly, the same ringtone is not present in macOS Tahoe (the next macOS version), so Apple may want to keep it only in iPhones.
Why a New iPhone Ringtone Actually Matters
Ringtones are culturally significant, even though this may sound trifling in the era of silent mode. Think about it:
- The original iPhone’s Marimba sound became iconic in the 2010s.
- In 2013, Apple updated its ringtone collection to a more elegant and modern tone.
- In 2017, the new sound of the iPhone X got a fresh touch, and there was a minor update in 2023.
Any changes in ringtones have announced changes in the design of the phone, its functionality and consumer experience. If this new “Reflection” tone becomes the default for iOS 26, it might be another cultural accent that represents the new Apple design.
Reflection Ringtone and iOS 26’s Big Redesign
A new ringtone is a possible addition at a time when Apple is making major design changes in iOS 26.
- A “Liquid Glass” UI overhaul.
- Refreshed icons, fonts, and button layouts.
- Updated animations and visual effects.
That is why it is logical that Apple decides to pair a bold visual redesign with a new sound identity. The new ringtones take on the overall aspect of making it a more modern, fluid experience in iOS 26.
When Will iOS 26 and the New Ringtone Launch?
iOS 26 is currently in early beta, with Beta 2 expected in the coming days. Apple is likely to continue tweaking the OS through the summer, before a public version is released in September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17.
It remains to be seen whether the “Reflection” ringtone will reach the final selection, but the signals are good.
