During the last WWDC 2026, Cupertino focused almost entirely on the debut of Apple Intelligence, on the new Siri and on creative tools. However, among the novelties of iOS 27 emerged a feature that passed into the background but which in reality could be the true killer feature (and we are half ironic): the independent volume management for ringtones, alerts and alarms.
This is a feature that Android users have long considered standard, and the delay in the iPhone ecosystem has seemed almost paradoxical to many.
In the iOS 27 beta, the separate volume control appears: the real joy for iPhone users, not AI
Until today, iPhone users have been limited to a single volume slider that centrally managed ringtones, media, and system alerts. With the introduction of iOS 27, it is finally possible to set different audio levels depending on the type of notification — as revealed by Beta 1, released for developers.
To activate this new control mode, the user must go to Settings, select the Sounds and Haptic Feedback option and disable the option dedicated to pairing the ringtone volume. After completing this operation, the interface will show two additional sliders dedicated specifically to adjusting alarms, timers and system sounds.
The new alarm volume slider will not affect the alarm set via the Sleep function, which will continue to be managed independently within the related Sleep settings.
Under the Alerts and System Sounds heading, text message notifications, the camera shutter noise, and keyboard sounds will be grouped, allowing you to keep a very loud ringtone for calls without necessarily suffering high volumes during typing.
Although Apple has clearly prioritized AI development in recent years, the arrival of this basic function represents an important step forward for everyday usability.
Even if for many, seeing this novelty presented as a highlighted feature in 2026 may seem almost ironic compared to the longevity of such a function on Android.
