If you’ve ever relied on your iPhone to wake you up and found yourself staring at a clock that’s way past your intended alarm time, you’re not alone. Reports of iPhone alarms misbehaving—either going off late, silently, or not at all—are still trickling in, despite Apple acknowledging the issue almost a year ago.
The company initially addressed concerns last April after a report by NBC’s Today show brought attention to the unreliable alarm behavior. At the time, Apple said it was working on a fix, but fast-forward to 2025, and some users are still having problems.
Alarms That Play by Their Own Rules
Take a recent Reddit post by user bryanlolwut in the r/iPhone subreddit. The post shows an iPhone alarm set for 10:30 AM… which inexplicably went off at 12:42 PM instead. Even stranger, the time displayed on their Apple Watch matched the incorrect alarm timing. The thread quickly gained traction, with other users chiming in about similar experiences.
One commenter, Slawek_Zupa, noted that their alarm appeared to be going off but without making a sound or triggering haptic feedback—for a full 40 minutes. Another user described a particularly baffling scenario where their alarm, set for 7:00 AM, decided it was better suited for 5:00 PM.
These issues don’t seem isolated to older software versions, either. The thread includes reports from users running both iOS 17 and the newer iOS 18, which features Apple Intelligence upgrades.
A Possible Culprit, but No Solution
Some users speculate that Apple’s Attention Awareness Features—a setting that lowers alarm volume when the iPhone detects you looking at it—might be part of the problem. However, even turning off the feature hasn’t resolved the issue for everyone. And disabling it comes with its own trade-offs, like losing access to full lock screen notifications.
Apple has yet to provide an update on the situation. Inquiries from The Verge have gone unanswered, leaving frustrated users to seek alternatives or backups.
When Your Backup Alarm Is… Anything else.
When Your Backup Alarm Is… Anything Else
Personally, I’ve experienced these alarm issues firsthand. On more than one occasion, my iPhone has skipped the usual sounds and vibrations entirely, leaving me with a lifeless notification that might as well be a taunt.
Thankfully, I’ve started experimenting with alternatives—everything from a retro bedside clock to a smart speaker that stubbornly reminds me to “get up” until I tell it to stop. While not ideal, having a backup has saved me from a few close calls with missed meetings and appointments.
For a company known for its focus on reliability, Apple’s alarm quirks feel especially out of place. Alarms are one of those core features that shouldn’t need a workaround. Until Apple addresses the problem, though, it might be wise to have a second—or third—backup alarm system.
Best iPhone Alarm Docking Stations
For those looking to avoid the pitfalls of unreliable alarms, investing in a quality iPhone docking station with alarm clock functionality could be a game-changer. Here are a few top-rated options to consider:
Belkin Magnetic 2-in-1 Lightning Charging Dock
This dock allows simultaneous charging of your iPhone and Apple Watch, featuring a built-in magnetic charging module for the watch and a Lightning connector for the iPhone.
3 in 1 Wireless Charging Station
This wireless charging station supports charging for iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously. Its design allows placing your phone in landscape mode, making it suitable for use as an alarm clock.
Great Useful Stuff Multi-Device Charging Station Dock
This organizer can hold multiple devices, including iPhones, tablets, and laptops, keeping your charging area tidy. While it doesn’t have a built-in alarm clock, its design allows you to keep your devices organized and charged overnight.
Anker PowerWave 4-in-1 Charging Station – Fast-charge up to four devices with this versatile and stylish dock.
