Apple Alarm Glitch Leaves UK Users Stranded: iOS 17’s ‘Attention Aware’ Feature Under Fire

Apple is facing backlash from iPhone users in the UK after a widespread alarm glitch left many late for work, school, and important appointments. The issue, linked to the iOS 17 “Attention Aware” feature, has turned alarms silent for unsuspecting users, causing significant disruptions.

Silent Mornings for iPhone Users

Reports of malfunctioning alarms have surfaced across social media, with platforms like TikTok becoming hubs for frustrated users to share their experiences. @teachmiddleschoolinstyle, a Manchester-based middle school teacher, shared her story of waking up late despite setting her iPhone alarm. Her video, which humorously suggested forming a support group for affected users, garnered over two million views, resonating with countless others.

Comments from users reveal a shared grievance: alarms display on the screen but fail to sound. “I had to explain to my boss why my expensive phone couldn’t do the one basic thing—wake me up,” lamented one user.

The Role of ‘Attention Aware’

The root of the problem appears to be iOS 17’s “Attention Aware” feature, which utilizes the iPhone’s camera to detect if the user is looking at the device. The feature automatically adjusts alarm volume based on perceived user activity. However, it seems to misinterpret sleeping users as awake, rendering alarms silent.

Apple’s Response and Temporary Fixes

Apple has acknowledged the issue and advised users to:

• Turn off “Attention Aware”: Navigate to Settings > Face ID & Attention > Attention Aware Features and disable it.
• Manually check alarm and notification settings to ensure correct functionality.

Despite these measures, many users report inconsistent results. Some have resorted to purchasing traditional alarm clocks to avoid further mishaps. As one TikTok user sarcastically posted, “After 18 years, I had to buy a real alarm clock because my £2,000 phone apparently can’t.”

Broader Implications for Apple

This alarm glitch adds to growing concerns over Apple’s iOS updates and their impact on user experience. With millions relying on their iPhones for daily routines, reliability is paramount. While the company works on a long-term fix, affected users continue to seek alternative solutions to ensure they wake up on time.