iOS 26.4 is packed with many new features for Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and more. It also offers new ways to customize your iPhone. Apple has added a new alarm feature specifically designed for Apple Watch owners with iOS 26.4.

iOS 26.4 allows your iPhone's alarm sounds to play even while sleeping with your Apple Watch

Alarms are one of my favorite Apple Watch features and were what allowed me to use the Watch during sleep even before sleep tracking and sleep scores.

When you wear your Apple Watch to bed, the alarms you set on your iPhone will, by default, only sound on your Watch.

My Apple Watch is almost always in silent mode, so alarms play with a series of haptic vibrations. This is great if you're sleeping next to your partner or near sleeping children.

However, if a stronger wake-up is needed, it may not be ideal for the Apple Watch's alarms to take over.

Fortunately, Apple is finally offering a solution. If you're sleeping with your Apple Watch and need a loud iPhone alarm to wake up, this feature is just for you.

In iOS 26.4, there's a new option available when setting your Sleep Schedule alarm: ‘Always Play on iPhone.’

‘Always Play on iPhone’ works as follows according to Apple's definition:

When you wear your Apple Watch to bed, your alarm will sound on both your iPhone and your Apple Watch.

This setting is disabled by default, but you can find it while editing your Sleep Schedule in the Clock app on your iPhone or in Apple’s Health app.

If you're using a one-time alarm, you won’t find this setting. However, the new setting will be available for anyone setting up a Sleep Schedule and who has an Apple Watch.

So if you want to take advantage of sleep tracking and the new sleep score feature in watchOS 26, but still need a loud alarm to start your day, iOS 26.4 provides that.

Have you ever wished Apple offered such an alarm setting? Share with us in the comments.

Best iPhone and Apple Watch Accessories

  • AirPods Pro 3 (currently only $199, down from $249)
  • MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone
  • Retro Mac stand for Apple Watch Night Mode
  • Portable USB-C charger for Apple Watch
  • 10-year AirTag battery case 2-pack