Apple adds new Background Sounds in iOS 26 and removes notification animation in iOS 27 beta

Apple's iOS 26 update introduces eight new ambient soundscapes to the Background Sounds feature, giving users a wider palette for concentration, relaxation, or masking ambient noise. The sounds are accessible via the Control Center on iPhone and iPad, automatically adjust when other audio plays, and aim to improve auditory well‑being without requiring headphones.

In the iOS 27 beta 4, Apple has withdrawn a depth‑animation that previously played when opening the Notification Center from the lock screen. The visual effect, added in beta 3, is no longer shown, leaving the background unchanged but simplifying the gesture's visual feedback. The change illustrates Apple's iterative testing of interface details before final release.