What does AlarmKit do?
Apple describes AlarmKit as a framework to “schedule prominent alarms and countdowns”. An app can use it for these functions:
- One-time alarms and alarms that repeat on days of the week.
- Countdown timers.
- A snooze function.
- An alert that the system shows, with a stop button and an optional second button. The second button can repeat the alarm or open the app.
- A countdown as a Live Activity.
Apple's sample code also says that the system forwards the alert to a paired Apple Watch.
How is an AlarmKit alarm different from a notification?
| Property | Clock app alarm | App with AlarmKit | App with a standard notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent mode | Sounds | Overrides Silent mode | Follows your notification settings |
| Focus and Do Not Disturb | Sounds | Overrides Focus | A Focus can silence it |
| Who shows the alert | The system | The system | The system, as a notification |
| Permission | None | You must allow alarms for the app | You must allow notifications |
Apple's statements cover the first two columns. The third column describes the standard behaviour of notifications on iPhone.
Which permission does an app need?
You must give the app permission to schedule alarms. The app can ask when it starts, or the system asks when you add your first alarm. Apple's documentation says that without this permission, an alarm from the app is not scheduled and does not alert.
If an alarm app does not ring, check this permission in the Settings app, in the entry for the app.
Which alarm apps use AlarmKit?
Apple publishes no list. You can find out in three ways:
- The app needs iOS 26 or later. AlarmKit does not exist in earlier versions.
- The app asks for permission to schedule alarms, and not only for notifications.
- The developer states it on the App Store page or the website.
| App | What the developer states | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Waker | Schedules alarms with AlarmKit. The alarm rings on silent, in a Focus and when the app is closed. | getwaker.app |
| Wake AI | “Wake AI uses Apple AlarmKit, Apple's native iPhone alarm framework.” | App Store page, read November 14, 2026 |
These are statements from the developers. For other apps, read the current App Store page. For a wider view of talking alarms, see alarm apps that talk with you.
Does AlarmKit guarantee that an alarm rings?
No. AlarmKit gives an app the same type of alert as a system alarm. The alarm still depends on the iPhone volume, the alarm sound in the app and the permission. See iPhone alarm has no sound on iOS 26 for the checks, and iPhone alarms on silent and in Focus for the Clock app.
Waker is an iPhone alarm app that schedules its alarms with AlarmKit. When the alarm rings, you tap “Talk to Waker” and start a voice conversation about your day. An alarm that is already scheduled can ring without internet. The conversation needs an internet connection.
Common questions
Is AlarmKit available on older iPhones?
AlarmKit needs iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 or later. An iPhone that cannot install iOS 26 cannot run apps that depend on it.
Does an AlarmKit alarm ring in Do Not Disturb?
Yes. Apple's documentation says that the alarm overrides Focus and Silent mode. Do Not Disturb is a Focus.
Do I need to allow notifications for an AlarmKit alarm?
AlarmKit has its own permission. Apple's documentation says that the app must be authorized to schedule alarms and create alerts.
Where can developers learn about AlarmKit?
Apple introduced AlarmKit at WWDC25 in session 230, “Wake up to the AlarmKit API”, and documents it on the Apple Developer website.
Sources
- AlarmKit. Apple Developer Documentation.
- Scheduling an alarm with AlarmKit. Apple Developer Documentation.
- Wake up to the AlarmKit API. Apple, WWDC25, session 230.
- How to set and change alarms on your iPhone. Apple Support, April 2026.