Apple today updated its GarageBand for iOS app to version 2.3, bringing support for the Super Retina OLED display of the iPhone X and introducing a new Sound Library designed to let users download additional free instruments, loops, and sound packs.

Apple highlighted the new update in a Newsroom press release that goes over all of the new features.

garagebandsoundlibrary

With the GarageBand Sound Library users can now preview and download new Apple-designed sounds and instruments right within the app. These free, downloadable sound packs contain a variety of Touch Instruments, Apple loops, Live Loops templates, guitar and instrument presets and more. Users can access the Sound Library from multiple places within GarageBand and will receive alerts when new sound packs are available. Initial sound packs include Future Bass, Reggaeton, Beat Sequencer kits, guitar amp tones and more. New sound packs will be released periodically by Apple.

There are three new Drummers in Pop, Songwriter, and Latin styles, along with support for new traditional instruments from China and Japan like the Guzheng, Koto, and Taiko drums. GarageBand users can also use the Beat Sequencer to create music inspired by classic drum machines, and there is an iMessage sticker pack with GarageBand instrument icons.

Along with support for the iPhone's display, the update allows GarageBand to work with the Files app in iOS 11 for expanded sharing and storage, plus there's a new larger Audio Unit Extensions view for use with compatible third-party instruments. Full release notes for the update are below:

- Updated for Super Retina display on iPhone X
- Use the new Sound Library to download additional free instruments, loops and sound packs
- Adds 3 Drummers who play percussion in the styles of Pop, Songwriter, and Latin*
- Play and record using traditional instruments from China and Japan, including the Guzheng, Koto and Taiko drums*
- Build grooves inspired by classic electronic drum machines with the Beat Sequencer
- Support for expanded sharing and storage options with the Files app in iOS 11
- Enables a larger Audio Unit Extensions view for compatible third-party instruments and effects
- Recording, mixing and exporting a song can be done at 24-bit audio resolution
- Includes iMessage sticker pack that adds GarageBand instrument icons
- Provides stability improvements and bug fixes

Apple has also updated its Logic Remote app for iOS devices with support for the iPhone X's display and touch instrument controls like guitar, bass, drums, and chord strips.

GarageBand can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Logic Remote, which works with Logic Pro X, MainStage, and GarageBand on Mac can also be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

Fzang Avatar
108 months ago
So... does it come with a notch filter?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dennisbrekke Avatar
108 months ago
So... does it come with a notch filter?
You ABSOLUTELY killed it with that comment! Well done.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
Apple Logo Black

Apple Just Made Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever After Beats

Thursday January 29, 2026 10:07 am PST by
Apple today confirmed to Reuters that it has acquired Q.ai, an Israeli startup that is working on artificial intelligence technology for audio. Apple paid close to $2 billion for Q.ai, according to sources cited by the Financial Times. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone and audio brand Beats in 2014. Q.ai has...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
14 inch MacBook Pro Keyboard

Apple Changes How You Order a Mac

Saturday January 31, 2026 10:51 am PST by
Apple recently updated its online store with a new ordering process for Macs, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro. There used to be a handful of standard configurations available for each Mac, but now you must configure a Mac entirely from scratch on a feature-by-feature basis. In other words, ordering a new Mac now works much like ordering an...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...