Apple’s latest iOS update, iOS 26, launched in September, introducing a vibrant redesign and significant features. While many new functionalities have garnered attention, several lesser-known features deserve recognition for enhancing the iPhone experience. In this article, we explore 18 hidden features of iOS 26 that you might not know about.
Key Hidden Features of iOS 26
- Adjust Snooze Duration: Users can change the snooze length of their alarms from the default 9 minutes to a custom time between 1 and 15 minutes in the Clock app.
- Create Custom Ringtones: You can now create personal ringtones directly from the Files app by selecting an MP3 or M4A file under 30 seconds and sharing it as a ringtone.
- Selective Text Copying: The Messages app allows users to select and copy specific parts of a text message, making it easier to extract needed information.
- Visited Places in Maps: Apple Maps now keeps track of places you’ve visited with dates and details, accessible from your profile for easy reference.
- Battery Charge Time Estimates: The lock screen displays the estimated time for your iPhone’s battery to reach 80% and 100% when plugged in.
- Adaptive Power Mode: This new setting helps adjust performance dynamically, enhancing power efficiency during different activities.
- 3D Spatial Scenes: Users can turn photos into immersive 3D visuals that allow depth exploration in the Photos app.
- Visual Intelligence for Screenshots: Instantly enhance your screenshots with options to ask questions or perform image searches via on-device features.
- Live Lyrics Translation in Apple Music: The app can now translate lyrics in real-time, making it easier to follow songs in foreign languages.
- Live Call Screening: The Phone app introduces live call screening, allowing users to see a real-time transcript of unknown callers.
- Camera Control with AirPods: Users can take photos remotely by double-tapping their AirPods while using the Camera app.
- Custom Backgrounds for Text Threads: iOS 26 lets users personalize their text message threads with custom backgrounds.
- Edit PDFs with Preview: The Preview app allows users to annotate, sign, and rearrange PDF documents directly on their device.
- Improved Navigation Gestures: Users can now swipe from the middle of the screen to navigate back, simplifying in-app movements.
- Weather App with Satellite Connectivity: The Weather app can provide basic forecasts using satellite connections, even without cellular service.
- Camera Lens Notifications: Users receive alerts to clean the camera lens when glare or smudges are detected before taking a picture.
- HDR Screenshots: Screenshots can now be taken with High Dynamic Range (HDR), capturing vivid detail and contrast.
- Digital Passports in Wallet: Users can soon add digital passports to their Wallet, streamlining travel processes at airports.
Conclusion
The release of iOS 26 brought more than just aesthetic changes; it introduced multiple hidden features that enhance daily usage. From customizable alerts to improved navigation and innovative multimedia capabilities, these updates make iPhones more versatile. Exploring these features can significantly improve your overall experience with the new operating system.
