The marimba-style tone became widely recognised as a default ringtone on early iPhones, when smartphones were still new and that bright, plucky sound was heard everywhere in public. As iPhones spread, the tone became a cultural shorthand for an incoming call, appearing in videos, memes and comedy sketches long after newer ringtones replaced it. Creators still reach for it because almost everyone recognises it instantly, even without seeing a phone on screen.