Apple has finally started to offer a feature that iPhone users have been waiting for a long time with iOS 26. The custom ringtone setting option, which Android users have been able to use easily since 2008, is also coming to iPhones with iOS 26.

It has become possible to make custom ringtones on iPhones

Apple announced iOS 26 last week. While the new version draws attention visually with its design called “Liquid Glass”, it also adds a feature that has been lacking for years in terms of functionality. In the first developer beta version of iOS 26, it has become possible to set any audio file as a ringtone in just a few steps.

The new method is quite simple. Users can select the audio file in applications such as Files or Voice Memos and select the “Use as Ringtone” option from the Share menu. After this process, the selected sound is automatically added to the system’s “Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone” menu. Users can set this sound as the default ringtone, or assign it specifically to specific people.

Supported audio formats include common formats such as MP3 and M4A. However, it is stated that the system requires the audio file to be shorter than 30 seconds. This shows that iOS still maintains certain technical limitations.

Apple has not made an official statement as to why it introduced this feature so late. However, past practices reveal the reason for this delay. The Tone Store, which is part of the iTunes ecosystem, was a platform where paid ringtones were sold for many years. Apple earned revenue from this sales model. Since allowing users to create their own ringtones directly would put this commercial model at risk, this functionality was pushed out of the system for a long time.

iOS 26 is currently only available as a developer beta. The final version is expected to be available to all users by the end of the year. So what do you think about this? You can share your opinions with us in the comments section below.