iOS 26: Finally, custom ringtones without GarageBand!

As the excitement around iOS 26 settles, there is a less publicised but highly practical change worth your attention: you can now set custom ringtones on your iPhone without having to open GarageBand.

Specifically, in iOS 26 you can use any MP3 or M4A audio file under 30 seconds long directly from the Files app. Simply open it, tap the share button at the bottom right, select “More” and then “Use as Ringtone”.

The file will now be available in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone, alongside the other options. The same feature also appears in other apps, such as Voice Memos, making the process even easier.

This feature is not limited to the "Files" app. As Macworld recently reported, iOS 26 also lets you add ringtones from selected other apps that contain audio files, such as Voice Memos. This means you can record something with your voice and instantly turn it into a ringtone — without third-party tools or a computer.

However, although Apple has simplified the process, there are still some limitations:

• You cannot use songs from Apple Music, even if you are a subscriber. This is due to licensing restrictions and DRM content protection.
• Audio clips longer than 30 seconds are not supported.
• This feature only works with locally stored files, not streamed audio or audio files in the cloud that have not been downloaded.

What does this mean for users?

With this change, Apple lets users personalise their iPhones in a much more straightforward way. Whether it is a favourite song snippet, a beat, or even the voice of a loved one, you can now turn it into a ringtone without having to deal with editing or syncing via iTunes. It is one of the most practical additions to iOS 26 — small but meaningful, showing that Apple is starting to listen to its users’ everyday needs.