Discover 18 Hidden Features in iOS 26 for Your iPhone
Apple’s latest iPhone operating system, iOS 26, was released recently and comes with a host of new features that enhance user experience. While major updates are often highlighted during announcements, it’s the smaller tweaks that can significantly improve daily usage. Below are 18 hidden features in iOS 26 that users should explore.
18 Hidden Features in iOS 26 for Your iPhone
1. Change Your Snooze Duration
iOS 26 allows users to customize the snooze duration for their alarms. Adjust the snooze time between 1 and 15 minutes through the Clock app. However, this setting must be changed for each alarm individually.
2. Create Custom Ringtones Easily
No longer do you need specialized software to create custom ringtones. Simply select an MP3 or M4A file under 30 seconds in the Files app, share it, and choose “Use as Ringtone.” This feature is also available for Voice Memos.
3. Highlight and Copy Text Messages
You can now select and copy individual parts of a text message. This is especially convenient for extracting passwords or codes without copying the entire message.
4. Access Visited Places in Maps
Apple Maps now keeps a local record of places you’ve visited, making it easier to recall locations from past trips. This feature can be found under your profile in the Maps app.
5. Battery Charge Time Estimates
Your iPhone will now display how long it will take to charge your battery to 80% and 100% while it’s plugged in. This helps you manage your time more efficiently.
6. Adaptive Power Mode
The new Adaptive Power feature automatically adjusts performance based on your current activity, helping to save battery life or enhance performance as needed.
7. Transform Photos into 3D Spatial Scenes
The Photos app now includes a Spatial Scenes feature, which adds a 3D-like effect to your images. You can explore depth and perspective when viewing compatible photos.
8. Screenshot with Visual Intelligence
When you take a screenshot, iOS 26 uses Visual Intelligence to provide contextual options. You can also ask questions about the screenshot or search for similar images online.
9. Real-Time Lyric Translations in Apple Music
If you listen to foreign songs, Apple Music now allows you to translate lyrics instantly, enabling you to enjoy the music while understanding the lyrics.
10. Live Call Screening
The Phone app introduces live call screening for unknown numbers. Users can see a real-time transcript of the caller’s voice, helping them decide whether to answer or decline the call.
11. Capture Photos Using AirPods
Your AirPods can now act as a remote shutter button for taking photos, making it easier to capture group shots from a distance.
12. Customize Text Message Backgrounds
Enhance personal communication by setting custom backgrounds for message threads. You can choose from various colors and images for a unique chat experience.
13. Edit PDFs with Preview
The Preview app is now available on iOS, allowing users to highlight text, add notes, and sign documents directly from PDF files in the Files or Mail apps.
14. New Navigation Gesture
iOS 26 introduces a new navigation gesture, allowing users to swipe from the middle of the screen to go back, enhancing navigation fluidity across various apps.
15. Weather App Access Without Service
The Weather app now connects via satellite, enabling users to access basic weather information even in areas without cellular service.
16. Camera Lens Cleanliness Notifications
Your Camera app will now gently remind you to clean the lens if it detects any obstruction, ensuring you capture clearer photos.
17. HDR Screenshots
Screenshots in iOS 26 capture images in HDR quality, preserving the vivid colors and contrasts seen on display, making saved screenshots look true to life.
18. Digital Passports in Wallet
Wallet will support the addition of digital passports in specific regions, facilitating easier airport and checkpoint processing in the future.
These features, while small, greatly enhance the overall experience of using an iPhone. From customizable alarms to innovative photo transformations, iOS 26 offers many improvements worth checking out.
