Apple Background Sounds
A sound feature built into iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro that plays ambient sounds from Control Center. It is part of the operating system, not a separate app.
- iOS, iPadOS, macOSPlatforms
Listed features
- Built into the device, no separate download
- Timer available on iOS 26 and later
- Starts from Control Center
Worth checking
- Not listed by the maker: complete sound list
- Timer needs iOS 26 or later
Where to buy the Background Sounds
Offers and terms change. Check the provider's site before signing up.
- Check for recalls: Search the agency's recall list with the model number and date code from the label: CPSC recall search.
- Safe sleep: see the AAP's guide to safe sleep and NICHD Safe to Sleep. Check the label and the maker's instructions, and ask your pediatrician about your child.
Full specs
| Apple Background Sounds | |
|---|---|
| Type | White noise and sound app |
| Developer | Apple |
| Platforms | iOS, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS |
| What it logs or does | built-in ambient sounds started from Control Center, equalizer (iOS 26 and later), options to stop when the device locks or lower volume when other media plays |
| Sounds | Page names ocean, rain and bright noise and mentions white noise; no complete li |
| Timer | Stop Sounds with a Timer (iOS 26, iPadOS 26, visionOS 26, macOS Tahoe or later) |
Compare the Background Sounds with
How each closest rival differs from the Background Sounds, from the makers' specs.
- HatchSleep5 data types linkedCompare side by side
- TMSOFTWhite Noise Lite1 data types linkedCompare side by side
- myNoisemyNoise - The Soundscape AppCompare side by side
- Rain RainRain Rain Sleep Sounds1 data types linkedCompare side by side
Background Sounds: questions answered
From Apple's published specs, last checked 2026-11-02.
How much does Apple Background Sounds cost?
Prices and plans can change after you sign up.
What data does Apple Background Sounds collect?
HIPAA doesn't cover baby tracker apps (HHS). The FTC Health Breach Notification Rule applies to apps that hold health data. The App Store privacy label is self-reported by the developer, and subscription prices can change after you sign up.
How loud should white noise be?
Safe sleep: see the AAP's guide to safe sleep and NICHD Safe to Sleep. Check the label and the maker's instructions, and ask your pediatrician about your child.
Still wondering? Write to us at hello@cribpicks.com and we'll look it up.
More white noise and sound apps
- CalmCalm7 data types linked
- Sound SleeperSound Sleeper Baby White Noise
- Secret BoxSleep like a Baby: White Noise4 data types linked
- Tripti KumariBaby Sleep Sounds: Baby Sleep4 data types linked
- EndelEndel: Focus & Sleep Sounds6 data types linked
- BetterSleep(formerly Relax Melodies)7 data types linked
Where these specs come from
Last checked 2026-11-02. Spot something wrong? Tell us. Read our editorial and safety policy and corrections.