---
name: "SDL_HINT_AUDIO_CATEGORY"
section: "3"
platform: "linux"
package: "libsdl3-doc"
version: "3.2.10+ds-1"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/SDL_HINT_AUDIO_CATEGORY"
---

# SDL\_HINT\_AUDIO\_CATEGORY(3)

A variable controlling the audio category on iOS and macOS.

## NAME

SDL\_HINT\_AUDIO\_CATEGORY - A variable controlling the audio category on iOS and macOS.

## HEADER FILE

Defined in SDL3/SDL\_hints.h

## SYNOPSIS

```
#include "SDL3/SDL.h"
```

**#define SDL\_HINT\_AUDIO\_CATEGORY** *SDL\_AUDIO\_CATEGORY"*

## DESCRIPTION

The variable can be set to the following values:

• "ambient": Use the AVAudioSessionCategoryAmbient audio category, will be\
   muted by the phone mute switch (default)

• "playback": Use the AVAudioSessionCategoryPlayback category.

For more information, see Apple's documentation: https://developer.apple.com/library/content/documentation/Audio/Conceptual/AudioSessionProgrammingGuide/AudioSessionCategoriesandModes/AudioSessionCategoriesandModes.html

This hint should be set before an audio device is opened.

## AVAILABILITY

This hint is available since SDL 3.2.0.