iOS 15 Background Sounds: Rain and Dark Noise

Apple integrated a native ambient audio tool directly into iOS 15 known as Background Sounds, eliminating the need for third-party white noise applications. This accessibility feature is designed to minimize distractions, improve focus, and promote relaxation by generating continuous audio—including rain, stream, and dark noise—directly through the system software. It seamlessly layers over system audio and streaming media, functioning continuously in the background even when the device is locked.

Available Sound Profiles

iOS 15 includes six high-quality, pre-installed audio profiles generated dynamically on the device:

  • Dark Noise: A deep, low-frequency sound similar to a heavy, distant rumble or an airplane cabin, focusing primarily on lower sonic registers.
  • Rain: A consistent rhythm of falling water that provides organic masking across mid-level frequencies.
  • Stream: A lighter, continuous water flow characterized by gentle bubbling and splashing sounds.
  • Balanced Noise: Standard white noise with equal energy distribution across mid-level frequencies.
  • Bright Noise: High-pitched static that emphasizes higher frequencies, similar to the hiss of steam.
  • Ocean: Rhythmic ocean waves crashing and receding on a shoreline.

How Background Playback Works With Media

The primary architectural benefit of this iOS 15 feature is concurrent playback. Unlike third-party apps that interrupt audio from music or video streams, Background Sounds operates as a system-level process.

Users can toggle an option titled "Play Sound While Media is Playing." When enabled, sound profiles like Rain or Dark Noise will continue playing simultaneously alongside podcasts, music, or video playback. Users can set an independent volume level for the background sound relative to other media, ensuring the ambient noise does not overpower primary playback.

Enabling the Feature via Settings

To turn on Background Sounds and select an audio profile through the main system settings:

  1. Open the Settings app on iOS 15.
  2. Navigate to Accessibility, then select Audio/Visual.
  3. Tap Background Sounds and toggle the feature on.
  4. Tap Sound to choose either Dark Noise, Rain, or any other preferred ambient profile.
  5. Use the dedicated volume slider to adjust output intensity.

Fast Access Through Control Center

For immediate access without navigating menus, the feature integrates directly with the Control Center:

  1. Add the Hearing control by going to Settings > Control Center and tapping the plus icon next to the Hearing tile.
  2. Swipe open the Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner on iPhone X and later, or up from the bottom on older devices).
  3. Tap the ear icon (Hearing) to view quick controls.
  4. Tap the Background Sounds button to toggle playback instantly, or tap the sound name to swap between tracks like Rain and Dark Noise.