# defaultRate A default rate at which to begin playback. ``` nonisolated var defaultRate: Float { get set } ``` ## Discussion This value represents the default playback rate the player uses when you call its [`play()`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVPlayer/play()) method. After playback begins, the rate may differ from the default if you modify the player’s [`rate`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVPlayer/rate) value, such as by calling [`pause()`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVPlayer/pause()). > Important: > Begin playback by calling the ``doc://com.apple.avfoundation/documentation/AVFoundation/AVPlayer/play()`` method. Don’t start playback by setting the ``doc://com.apple.avfoundation/documentation/AVFoundation/AVPlayer/rate`` property value to `1.0`. Instead, use ``doc://com.apple.avfoundation/documentation/AVFoundation/AVPlayer/rate`` to make immediate, temporary changes to the playback rate. The next time you call the ``doc://com.apple.avfoundation/documentation/AVFoundation/AVPlayer/play()`` method, the player restores the rate to the value of ``doc://com.apple.avfoundation/documentation/AVFoundation/AVPlayer/defaultRate``. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)