iPhone alarms failing to sound: What Apple says

Recently, iPhone users have been grappling with a frustrating issue: alarms failing to ring on time, causing disruptions to their daily routines. Numerous complaints have surfaced on social media platforms, with users reporting that the iPhone’s Clock app is at the heart of the problem. 

Alarms are either turning silent or getting muted without any prior warning, leading to tardiness and inconvenience for many.

Today Show called me last night and said iPhone alarms aren't working! I hadn't heard that but Apple confirmed this AM that it is aware of an issue causing some alarms not play a sound and that it's working on a fix.

My iPhone alarm woke me up right on time at 6:50AM! Anyone out…

— Joanna Stern (@JoannaStern) April 30, 2024

Acknowledging the severity of the issue, Apple has confirmed that they are actively investigating the glitch. Despite this assurance, the tech giant has not provided a concrete timeline for when a solution can be expected.

Renowned US-based tech columnist Joanna Stern took to Twitter to shed light on the matter, revealing that Apple had confirmed the problem and is working on a resolution. 

The speculation surrounding the cause of the malfunction points towards a potential connection with the ‘attention awareness’ feature on iPhones. This feature, designed to adjust phone behaviour based on user interaction, could inadvertently silence alarms during moments of active engagement.

In response to the alarming trend, iPhone users are advised to take proactive measures to mitigate the issue. 

Disabling the “Attention-Aware Features” in the “Face ID & Passcode” settings menu is recommended as a potential workaround. 

Here are the steps:

• Double-check the phone’s alarm settings and ensure the volume is turned up.

• The iPhones’ “attention aware features” could be the reason for the issue as when it is active, they enable an iPhone to check whether a person is paying attention to their device. In case they are, it prompts them to take action automatically like lowering the volume sound of alerts which includes alarms. 

• As per Apple, this is available on iPhone X or later, and iPad Pro 11-inch or iPad Pro 12.9-inch.

• To turn off the feature, go to iPhone settings, tap ‘Face ID & Passcode’ and scroll down to find ‘Attention Aware features

While this action may affect other functionalities, it offers a temporary solution to alleviate the alarm clock woes plaguing users.

The extent of the problem and its impact on different iPhone models remain unclear. Apple has assured users that they are working diligently to address the issue but has not divulged specifics regarding the cause or preventative measures.

As users await a permanent fix, staying vigilant and exploring alternative alarm options may prove beneficial in ensuring punctuality and efficiency in daily routines.