In today’s digital age, where texting and social media dominate communication, customizing ringtones may not be as popular as it once was. However, Apple is revamping the process in iOS 26, making it easier to add a touch of personality to your incoming calls with a long-awaited update that simplifies creating custom ringtones.
While the iPhone has supported custom ringtones from the start, the initial method felt like a ploy to push sales. Early iPhone users had to buy ringtones at high prices through iTunes, which was criticized by many. Eventually, Apple introduced ways to create custom ringtones using GarageBand and iTunes, but the process was still cumbersome.
As the iPhone evolved, so did the ringtone creation process, with GarageBand for iPhone allowing users to create custom ringtones within the app. Despite these improvements, the process remained complex for many users.
Apple’s transition to iOS 26 has addressed these long-standing issues, including simplifying the use of custom ringtones. The new process can be summarized in three steps:
- Find an MP3 or M4A audio file in the Files app.
- Select the file and tap Share.
- Choose Use as Ringtone from the share sheet.
You can use both MP3 and AAC (M4A) files for custom ringtones, as long as they are under 30 seconds. However, Apple Music tracks cannot be used due to copyright restrictions.
If your chosen audio file is longer than 30 seconds, you will need to use a third-party app to trim it. While this limitation can be inconvenient, it ensures that your custom ringtone is tailored to your preferences.
Looking ahead, Apple may explore using AI to analyze songs and select the best parts for ringtones in future iOS updates. Until then, users can enjoy the simpler and more user-friendly process of creating custom ringtones in iOS 26.
