For iPhone users prone to forgetting the things they need to remember, a significant upgrade has arrived. Apple’s apps are finally working together seamlessly, and the latest integration between Reminders and Alarms could be a game-changer for those who rely on timely notifications.
Previously, Apple bridged Reminders and Calendar, allowing time-based reminders to appear directly within your schedule. Now, iOS takes it a step further, letting you attach a full-screen, can’t-miss alarm to any reminder you create. It’s a solution for those who need a reminder… for their reminder.
Adding an alarm is remarkably simple. When creating or editing a reminder, a new “Urgent” toggle appears alongside the date and time settings. Enabling this instantly sets an alarm that will sound precisely when the reminder is due, even if your phone is silenced or in Do Not Disturb mode – a powerful feature, so use it wisely.
The first time you activate this integration, a permission request will appear, asking you to allow Reminders access to Alarms. If you miss it, or dismiss it, you can easily enable the connection within your iPhone’s Settings app under Reminders.
When the alarm triggers, your screen will be taken over by a clear, full-screen interface. The reminder itself is prominently displayed, accompanied by a large, intuitive “Slide to Stop” option and a prominent blue “Snooze” button. Snoozing grants you a nine-minute reprieve.
Whether you snooze or dismiss the alarm, the reminder is intelligently elevated to the top of your notifications as a Live Activity. This persistent notification displays the task and, if snoozed, the remaining time until the reminder reappears.
While the snooze duration is fixed at nine minutes, Apple offers customization regarding how you ultimately complete the task. Within the Reminders settings, you can choose to replace the “Slide to Stop” and “Snooze” buttons with a single, direct “Complete” button for immediate task closure.
This new level of integration isn’t just about adding another layer of notification; it’s about ensuring critical tasks don’t slip through the cracks. It’s a thoughtful addition that acknowledges the realities of a busy life and provides a powerful tool for staying on track.
