The overlooked accessibility tool that maximizes your AirPods Pro 3
Ryan Christoffel of 9to5Google reports that the “Background Sounds” feature, a native iOS tool hidden within Accessibility settings, has become an essential daily utility for maintaining focus when paired with the AirPods Pro 3.
After using the earbuds for three months, Christoffel found that the improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) works synergistically with the ambient noise tool to effectively eliminate distractions, such as coffee shop chatter or household activity. While he previously relied on third-party white noise apps, he now utilizes the built-in feature, which can be quickly toggled via the Control Center.
The feature has seen significant enhancements over the past year, particularly with the release of iOS 26. The update introduced new ambient options, such as “Rain on Roof,” and added the ability for users to customize the equalizer (EQ) to their liking.
Christoffel highlights the “Fire” sound, introduced in iOS 18, as a personal favorite for his daily workflow. He notes that initial comfort issues with the AirPods Pro 3 have been resolved, allowing the combination of the hardware’s ANC and the software’s background audio to serve as his primary method to “block out the world and get things done”.