Apple is introducing a slight improvement for iPhone users looking to add custom ringtones in iOS 26, but the changes are modest compared to what was available in iOS 18. Historically, adding ringtones to an iPhone has required either a financial investment or significant time to create your own. Apple encourages users to purchase ringtones from the Tone Store, which features snippets of music from popular artists.
Creating custom ringtones previously involved a cumbersome process. Users had to make audio files lasting up to 30 seconds in GarageBand, export them as ringtones, and then add them to their device’s ringtone list. This procedure is often daunting for many users.
However, iOS 26 introduces a somewhat simpler option for adding custom ringtones, although it remains a relatively minimal improvement. In the first developer beta, users can add a custom ringtone more directly by selecting the file in an app and using the Share option. From the Share menu, users can find “Use as Ringtone.”
If it is not immediately visible, it may be located under an extra option in the More button. Once utilized, the new ringtone will appear at the top of the ringtone list in Settings. While this feature ideally works with compatible audio files, users have reported mixed results.
For instance, a custom MP3 file created on a Mac worked when shared via AirDrop, but similar attempts with other applications, like Notes, have not been successful. Additionally, this Share option does not convert Apple Music tracks into ringtones, so users must still create their own audio files or purchase tones from Apple. Despite being a modest enhancement, this update signals progress for Apple.
Users no longer need to rely solely on GarageBand, as alternative audio tools can be utilized. This feature is accessible throughout the iOS ecosystem, offering a more versatile way to personalize ringtones, even if it’s not as straightforward as buying them directly from Apple.
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