Apple iOS 26 beta has a hidden iPhone ringtone

If you're waiting for a new iPhone ringtone to attend your calls, Apple might be baking something for this year. The recently announced iOS 26 update hides a new ringtone for iPhone, discovered in the source code of its first developer beta.

Details about the new iPhone ringtone called "ReflectionAlt1-EncoreRemix" were posted on the social media platform X by @8810cfw. It was later re-shared by known Apple leaker @ShrimpApplePro and confirmed by @aaronp613.

Looking back a few pages in tech history, Apple's ringtone journey began with the first iPhone in 2007. The Cupertino giant included the classic Marimba ringtone as default, which became a signature for Apple fans. Since then, Apple has continued to release new ringtones and system sounds over the years. However, it exerted more control over iPhone ringtones during the initial years.

In addition to the ringtones preloaded on iPhones, Apple also allows users to buy new ringtones from the iTunes Store app. Users can also create their own custom ringtones from an audio file or a song from Apple Music using the GarageBand app.

Not just Apple, tech companies have long used ringtones as a way to differentiate their devices from the rest. This includes the fallen warrior, Nokia, and newer competitors like the Google Pixel, which got a new Sound Matters collection last year.

The unreleased iPhone ringtone isn't directly available to users in the Settings app as part of the developer beta. It's an alternative version of the Reflection ringtone that has been present on iPhones as the default since 2017. While it's being speculated that the ringtone could be exclusive to this year's iPhone 17 series, it's unclear if Apple will include it in upcoming iOS 26 beta releases.

Apple will release the iOS 26 update later this year, featuring a range of new features, including a revamped Photos app, new iPhone wallpapers, and the Vista-like Liquid Glass design. Its public beta is expected to arrive sometime during the next month.