Customize iOS 15 Notification Summary Schedule

With the release of iOS 15, Apple introduced the Scheduled Summary feature to help users manage screen time and reduce daily digital distractions. This tool bundles non-urgent notifications and delivers them at predetermined times rather than interrupting users throughout the day. This article details the specific scheduling and timing customization options introduced with iOS 15 and how to configure them for optimal productivity.

Multiple Delivery Times Throughout the Day

Prior to iOS 15, notifications were largely delivered either instantly or muted entirely via Do Not Disturb. The Scheduled Summary introduced the ability to establish multiple designated delivery windows throughout a 24-hour period. While Apple provides two default summary slots—typically set for 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM—users are not limited to just morning and evening digests. The system allows you to configure up to 12 distinct summary slots per day to fit your routine.

Granular Time Pickers

Each summary slot features an independent time picker, allowing users to choose the exact hour and minute non-urgent notifications arrive. This ensures alerts can align with specific daily events, such as during a morning commute, right after a lunch break, or immediately following work hours.

Adding and Removing Summary Slots

The interface allows dynamic management of scheduled times:

  • Add Summary: Users can tap the "Add Summary" option to introduce additional timed batches as needed.
  • Remove Summary: Individual slots can be deleted at any time by tapping the minus icon next to the scheduled time, providing the flexibility to scale down alerts on lighter days or weekends.

How to Access and Configure the Schedule

To customize notification summary timing in iOS 15:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Select Notifications.
  3. Tap Scheduled Summary and ensure the toggle is switched to the on position.
  4. Under the Schedule section, tap the time adjacent to "1st Summary" or "2nd Summary" to change the delivery time using the clock wheel.
  5. Tap Add Summary to set additional delivery windows throughout the day.