Apple finally gives users the power to customize snooze time on alarms

In June 2025, Apple announced a significant change to its alarm snooze feature in iOS 26, which will allow users to manually set their snooze time for the first time ever. For 18 years, Apple users had been restricted to a fixed snooze duration of nine minutes, which many found frustrating. With the introduction of the developer beta version of iOS 26 at Apple's WWDC, users can now choose snooze intervals ranging from one to 15 minutes, marking a notable shift in Apple's approach to user customization. The beta version was made available to developers shortly after the announcement, with a public beta set to launch in the following month. The full release is expected to coincide with the latest iPhone models in the fall of 2025. This change comes at a time when Apple has been gradually loosening its traditionally rigid design restrictions, allowing for more user personalization in various aspects of its operating system. Not only is the snooze feature getting an upgrade, but iOS 26 will also introduce options for customizing app icons and wallpapers, which signals a broader trend within the company to enhance user experience through increased flexibility. Many users welcomed this evolving philosophy, as it contrasts with Apple’s long-standing reputation for imposing fixed options on its devices. Moreover, the decision to open up snooze time settings appears to cater to a growing demand for individuals to tailor their devices according to personal preferences. This feature is expected to alleviate the irritation that many users have faced when dealing with the predefined snooze time, enabling a more satisfying experience when managing their alarm settings. Historically, competitors had offered more flexibility in this regard, arguably putting pressure on Apple to adapt its systems to remain competitive. As Apple prepares for the next phase of its software evolution, the change in alarm settings will become part of a larger narrative of user engagement and responsiveness. As users test the new snooze feature, it will be interesting to observe how this change affects overall satisfaction with Apple's alarm system. This launch not only speaks to immediate customer needs but also reflects the tech giant's vision for a more interactive and customizable user interface across its platforms.