Updates

A reliability update focused on Bluetooth and AirPods.

• FixBluetooth audio is more reliable across the board. AirPods, Bluetooth headphones, and speakers connect cleanly and recording starts instantly on every route
• ImprovementRecording with AirPods is now full 48kHz quality, a clear step up from the older Bluetooth mic path
• FixMono and single-channel USB interfaces now record correctly

A quick fix for a recording edge case.

• FixRecordings stopped with Record or Play now appear in your library right away, without needing an app restart

The biggest release since launch. Dark mode, a reworked mixer, redesigned meters, smarter sharing, and a stack of smaller polish.

• FeatureDark mode. The whole app now has a full dark theme
• FeatureReworked mixer. Double-tap a channel to reset. Volume, pan, mute, and solo now save with each project and stay put. Solo overrides mute, like a real desk
• FeatureRedesigned level meters. Accurate across the full range, with a clear clipping indicator. The input meter is stereo now, follows the tracks you're monitoring, and stays live while you scrub, fast-forward, and rewind
• FeatureMulti-track projects share as a single .zip file. Bounced or shared audio includes your mix
• FeatureLarge Buttons. A new accessibility option in Settings that makes the smaller round controls, like the modes (Cue, Loop, Pitch) and menus (In/Out, Library, Settings), bigger and easier to tap
• ImprovementMetronome is now called Tempo. Inputs is now called In/Out
• FixUSB-C instruments and audio interfaces work better, including a fix for silent recordings on some devices
• FixMic switching with EarPods is smoother. The playhead no longer jumps to the end while scrubbing. Plus general stability improvements

Major UI pass. The full Reel interface now fits every iPhone and iPad without scrolling.

• ImprovementThe full interface fits every iPhone and iPad screen without scrolling. Verified across iPhone SE 3rd gen, iPhone 11 through iPhone 17e, iPhone Air, and the iPad mini and iPad Pro 11" / 13" lineup
• ImprovementTransport labels are now consistent across every device: Rec, Play, Stop, Rewind, FForward

Thanks for the reports.

• FixBluetooth headphones now have proper input monitoring control. Monitoring stays off by default on Bluetooth
• FixFixed a brief audio glitch when unplugging USB audio interfaces

Quick fix following launch week.

• FixRecording is now more reliable when wired headphones are connected before you start a take

Reel is here. The first public release after a year of building and a few months of beta with the community. Thanks to everyone who tested and helped shape the app.

• Feature32-bit float recording at up to 96 kHz
• FeatureMulti-track recording with overdub and punch-in
• FeatureUSB audio interface support. Auto-routing for OP-1, Focusrite, Tascam, and more
• FeatureTape-style jog wheel scrubbing with haptic feedback
• FeatureLive input monitoring with Auto, On, and Off modes
• FeaturePer-track input monitor buttons
• FeatureLoop recording that survives device hot-swap
• FeatureBackground recording with safe auto-finalize on phone calls, Siri, and alarms
• FeatureTape effects and variable speed playback

• ImprovementThe orange mic indicator now drops when you switch away from the app while idle. No more battery drain from the background
• FeatureBackground audio playback. Listen to your reels with the screen locked or while using other apps, just like a music player
• FixPhone calls, Siri, and alarms during recording now auto-finalize your take. No more lost recordings from interruptions
• FeatureNew per-track input monitor buttons in the Mixer. Hear specific tracks independently of which tracks are armed to record
• FeatureNew Auto, On, and Off monitoring modes in the Inputs sheet. Auto mutes monitoring during playback so you only hear the mix
• ImprovementAll USB devices now auto-route stereo pairs the moment you plug them in. Your input meter lights up straight away
• ImprovementPer-device routing preferences are remembered for next time you connect the same interface
• FixLoop mode now survives USB hot-plug. Unplug and replug your interface and your loop keeps playing
• ImprovementFast-forward and rewind reworked for precise positioning. Quick taps give a brief tape-style wobble, longer holds wind down smoothly so you can land exactly where you want
• FeaturePAUSED text now shows on the display when playback is paused
• FeatureNew recording status display shows exactly what mode you're in and which track is recording
• ImprovementRecord arm buttons adapt to your workflow. Multi-track arming on a fresh reel, single-track overdub on existing recordings

• FixLoop mode is now rock solid. Stopping, rewinding, and reversing all work reliably during loop playback
• FixPlayback auto-resumes after a phone call. USB interface monitoring reconnects automatically when you return
• FixFast-forward and rewind no longer get stuck at high speed when switching between screens
• FeatureFull support for high-channel USB interfaces like the Tascam Model 12. All inputs are now accessible and metered
• FeatureLive pitch display shows the exact value as you adjust, updating smoothly in real time
• ImprovementCue mode now shows clear labels so you always know what the controls will do
• FixPitch lock is preserved when plugging or unplugging USB devices
• ImprovementVarious stability and threading improvements under the hood

• ImprovementNear-zero latency input monitoring. Hear yourself in real time as you record with no perceptible delay
• FeatureNew Monitor Input toggle that remembers your preference for each interface you connect
• FeaturePlug in your headphones and input monitoring turns on automatically
• FeatureBuilt-in feedback protection. Monitoring switches off when it would cause feedback through your iPhone speaker
• Improvement32-bit float audio throughout recording, playback, and export for maximum dynamic range and headroom
• FixPlayback now resumes cleanly after a phone call, with no crashes or interruptions
• FixOverdubs always play the latest take, never stale audio from a previous session
• FixInput level meter now works correctly with USB-C headphones and earbuds
• ImprovementSmoother monitor audio when returning from phone calls or switching between apps

• FeatureiCloud recordings now show download status with a progress indicator
• ImprovementFaster library loading and instant playback for local recordings
• ImprovementDefault storage set to On My iPhone for immediate access
• FeatureLoop recording. Record overdubs while your loop keeps playing
• FixPunch-in recording starts exactly where you expect it to
• ImprovementImproved stability when recording long sessions and multi-track projects
• FeatureTouch the disc to stop playback instantly. Lift your finger to resume, just like a real tape machine
• ImprovementImproved scrubbing reliability
• FixFast-forward and rewind stay perfectly in sync across all tracks
• FixAll buttons now respond on first tap, every time
• FixSettings controls respond to single tap
• FeatureHaptic feedback added throughout for a more tactile experience
• FeatureFull VoiceOver support added across all controls
• ImprovementFaster app performance with reduced memory usage

• ImprovementFaster library loading. No more lag when browsing recordings
• ImprovementSmoother recording timer display
• FixPunch-in recording now starts from your current position, not the beginning
• FixOverdub works seamlessly when switching between USB interface and built-in mic
• ImprovementImproved layout for iPhone SE and smaller screens
• ImprovementVarious stability and reliability improvements

• ImprovementMore reliable multi-track recording with USB audio interfaces
• FeatureBackground audio. Audio now keeps playing when you switch to other apps
• ImprovementNow requires iOS 18 and above
• ImprovementImproved audio session handling for USB and Bluetooth devices

• FeatureRecordings are now automatically saved if a USB device is plugged in or unplugged mid-session. No more lost takes
• ImprovementGeneral stability improvements when switching between audio devices

• FixFixed mic input not switching correctly when using USB headphones with a built-in microphone
• FixFixed Bluetooth devices overriding mic selection. Reel now defaults to the built-in mic when Bluetooth is connected
• FixFixed mic selection resetting unexpectedly after switching devices
• ImprovementVU meter now responds correctly when recording through a USB headphone mic

• FixFixed crashes and audio crackling when using multi-channel USB devices like OP-1 and Focusrite interfaces
• FixFixed audio glitches when scrubbing with a USB device connected
• ImprovementPlugging and unplugging USB audio devices is now seamless. No more interruptions or dropouts

• FixFixed buttons sometimes not responding to taps
• FixFixed audio glitch when dismissing Mixer with a USB device connected
• FixTrack arm now syncs between Mixer and main display
• ImprovementVU meter and input monitoring now reflect armed tracks
• ImprovementScreen stays on when a USB device is connected
• ImprovementRenamed TAPE to TRACK. Long names are now truncated to fit

• FixFixed transport controls being cut off at the bottom across all devices, including iPhone Air, 17, Pro, and 16e
• FixFixed UI not centring correctly across all device sizes

• FixFixed monitoring volume being extremely low during recording. Input monitoring now works as expected
• ImprovementImproved stability when plugging and unplugging USB audio devices during use
• ImprovementConfirmed compatibility with Yamaha Seqtrak and Roland J-6