Podcast Summary: Hands-On Apple 209: Understanding Sounds & Haptics

• Podcast: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)
• Host: Micah Sargent
• Episode Date: November 20, 2025
• Main Topic: Navigating and getting the most out of the Sounds & Haptics Settings on iOS and iPadOS devices

Episode Overview

In this episode, Micah Sargent helps listeners understand the often-overlooked Sounds & Haptics settings on iPhones and iPads. He explores why users run into issues with notifications, ringtones, audio loudness, and haptic feedback, breaking down common questions and frustrations. Micah draws on both audience feedback and his personal experiences to guide listeners through solutions that improve their device experience.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Why Dive into Sounds & Haptics?

• Micah addresses a trend of user confusion and frustration around iOS audio, notifications, and haptic feedback.
• The episode is part of a series tackling common device annoyances:

  “I have really been trying lately to listen in to what people…are complaining about, what issues they're having, what confusion they have” (01:00).

2. Getting to Sounds & Haptics

• Navigation: Open Settings → Sounds & Haptics on iOS/iPadOS.
• Many users only think of this area for ringtones, but it’s much more comprehensive.

3. Silent Mode and Status Bar Visibility (03:15)

• “Silent mode just makes it so that it does not play ringtones and alerts and system sounds throughout the day. …It does not affect alarms.” (04:05)
• Newer iPhones use the Action Button instead of the classic switch for silent mode.
• Option to show silent mode status in the top-right status bar.

4. Microphone Input Selection (05:10)

• You can now select your audio input source for recordings/calls.
• Practical for using headphones to listen but another mic to input:
  • "Having this input section, we're super happy about it. Celebrate good times. Come on." (06:10)

5. Ringtone & Alerts Volume + 'Change with Buttons' (06:20)

• You can set ringtones/alert volume independently from media volume.
• The “Change with Buttons” toggle controls whether side volume buttons affect alert/ringtone volume (off by default for host):
  • “Some people want to be able to change both their ringtone and alert sounds and their media volume all at once. Some people like to have it separated. That's why Apple gave this option.” (07:12)

6. Haptic Feedback Settings (08:21)

• Adjust when haptics (vibrations) are felt—always, in silent, or never.
• Micah’s preference: always-on haptics for discreet notifications.
  • “I love haptics. That's how I know that something has happened on my phone” (09:07)
• Note: iPad does not have a haptic engine, so options differ.

7. Custom Alert & System Sound Options (10:12)

• Adjust ringtones, text tones, voicemail, mail, and other default alerts.
• Separate section controls keyboard feedback (sound and haptic) and lock sound.
• System haptics toggle for device-wide vibration feedback.

8. Media Volume Limits & Why Users Struggle with Loudness (12:18)

• “Volume Limit” lets you restrict maximum playback loudness for the device’s built-in speaker.
  • "This lets you on your device toggle...a limit for the maximum volume able to come out of your iPhone speaker." (12:19)
• Does not affect critical sounds (calls, alarms, system alerts).
• Useful for safeguarding children’s hearing or managing expectations.

9. Reduce Loud Sounds (Smart Volume Normalization) (14:00)

• Feature analyzes and “normalizes” media so sudden loud spikes don’t occur (e.g., movie explosions).
  • "It just helps to kind of make it so that the loudest parts are not incredibly loud and glaring and obnoxious...” (14:20)
• Balances the need to hear quiet dialogue without abrupt volume changes.

10. Headphone Safety & Reduced Loud Audio (15:01)

• “Reduce Loud Audio” for headphones sets a customizable dB max (e.g., 90dB = motorcycle, 85 = heavy traffic, etc.).
• If AirPods “aren’t loud enough”—this is the place to check!
  • “...if you find that at one point you feel like your AirPods could be louder, but suddenly they're not as loud, this is the place where you want to go to make this change.” (16:15)

11. Headphone Notifications (17:10)

• If you listen too loud for prolonged periods (7 days), you’ll be warned.
• Based on hearing health standards.

12. USB Audio Accessories Management (18:22)

• iOS tracks headphones plugged in via USB or adapters for health monitoring.
• Can “forget” tracked devices for privacy.

13. Encouragement to Explore & Submit Questions

• Greater depth in Sounds & Haptics than users expect:
  • “There are more settings than just setting your ringtone or turning off vibrations.” (19:35)
• Micah invites listeners to submit ongoing frustrations for future episodes.
  • Contact: Micahit TV

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Silent mode just makes it so that it does not play ringtones and alerts and system sounds throughout the day. ...It does not affect alarms.” — Micah (04:05)
• “Some people want to be able to change both their ringtone and alert sounds and their media volume all at once. Some people like to have it separated. That's why Apple gave this option.” (07:12)
• “I love haptics. That's how I know that something has happened on my phone that I need to check while always keeping silent mode turned on.” (09:07)
• “If you find that at one point you feel like your AirPods could be louder, but suddenly they're not as loud, this is the place where you want to go to make this change.” (16:15)
• “There are more settings than just setting your ringtone or turning off vibrations. And if you haven't seen those or didn't know that those features were available, this is your opportunity to go, oh, that's maybe where I need to go to fix this problem that I've been having.” (19:35)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:00 – Why focus on user frustrations around audio/haptics
• 03:15 – Where to find Sounds & Haptics in Settings
• 04:05 – Understanding Silent Mode & status bar icon
• 05:10 – Microphone input selection on iOS/iPadOS
• 06:20 – Ringtone & Alerts volume, “Change with Buttons” toggle
• 08:21 – Customizing haptic feedback
• 12:18 – Volume limit for speaker and its purpose
• 14:00 – “Reduce Loud Sounds” for media normalization
• 15:01 – Headphone safety, “Reduce Loud Audio” settings
• 17:10 – Headphone notifications for prolonged exposure
• 18:22 – Managing USB audio accessories for health tracking
• 19:35 – Encouragement to explore features and submit feedback

Overall Tone and Takeaways

Micah’s approach is educational, friendly, and empathetic—he frequently validates common user frustrations, patiently explains confusing options, and shares anecdotal reasons behind his settings. The episode is practical, with tangible advice and a conversational tone.

Final thought: If you’ve ever wondered why your device doesn’t sound (or vibrate) the way you want, this episode is a must-listen—with practical walkthroughs and plenty of “aha!” moments for both novices and seasoned iPhone/iPad users.