iOS 18.4 introduces a new Ambient Music feature that allows users to easily play and listen to ambient soundscapes from within the Control Center. The feature aims to enhance user well-being by providing customized audio experiences for various moods and activities. The Ambient Music feature includes four distinct categories: Chill, Productivity, Sleep, and Wellbeing. Each category has a distinct playlist that can be played with a single tap within the Control Center.
For its application, though, users will need to personalize their Control Center with Ambient Music controls. This is by swiping from the top-right part of the screen downwards towards the Control Center, then clicking and holding on the background to put it into edit mode. Here, users can then click “Add a Control” and look for Ambient Music so that they add one or more of the respective categories.
Once placed, the controls are accessible to play as 1-by-1 small round icons or 2-by-2 big icons, which can be tailored to suit personal taste. Controls may be resized by dragging the drag handle of the control to broaden or constrict it. After inserting controls, users may tap them with one tap after swiping down from the top-right corner of their screen to start playing ambient soundscapes.
All of the Ambient Music controls will default to play a specific Apple Music playlist, but users can change these playlists to their liking. For example, the Productivity control might default to play a BEATstrumentals playlist, but users can change it to Binaural Frequencies, Pure Focus, Classical Concentration, or whatever playlist is available in their library. This makes it possible for users to customize their ambient music experience to their own preferences.
The Ambient Music feature is not only available from the Control Center but also from the Dynamic Island on eligible iPhones or through the Now Playing widget. Users can skip tracks and see the name of what is playing from these interfaces. Although there is no standalone app for Ambient Music on the Home Screen or in the App Library, users can utilize these hidden interfaces to gain more control over the feature.
This functionality is available on both iPhones and iPads running iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, respectively. It is Apple Music-driven, providing seamless integration with users’ existing music libraries. The Ambient Music controls can also be assigned to the iPhone’s Action Button or added to the Lock Screen as a replacement for other shortcuts like the flashlight or camera.
Overall, the Ambient Music feature in iOS 18.4 provides a convenient means to augment user experience with background soundscapes specific to various activities and moods. It should prove to be highly beneficial for those who use ambient music for concentration, relaxation, or sleep. Since iOS 18.4 is already in beta and close to public availability, users will be able to enjoy this feature on their devices soon.
