Apple’s iOS 26 has garnered significant attention for its sleek visual enhancements and polished new features. But many hidden gems await discovery beyond the flashy features showcased at launch. Just as understanding the ranking of cards in a game of Pusoy Dos allows players to devise better strategies, finding these lesser-known tools can transform how you use your iPhone every day, from saving battery life to boosting productivity and even enhancing your music experience.
If you’ve recently updated, you might still be getting used to iOS 26. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the hidden features of iOS 26 that you should try, along with helpful tips for incorporating them into your daily life.
Why look for hidden features?
Apple often adds small but powerful features that go unnoticed during major presentations. These features are typically hidden in Settings, Safari, the Music app, or within gestures. They may not get much attention, but they make iPhones easier to use, more personalised, and more enjoyable.
1. Swipe Back Gesture from Anywhere on the Screen
No more swiping back only from the edge of the Screen. You can now go back to the previous page by swiping from anywhere on the left side of the Screen in iOS 26.
Why it’s useful:
- Makes one-handed use easier, especially on larger iPhones.
- Reduces missed swipes and distractions.
- Works with most native and third-party apps.
To try it, swipe from the centre or left side of the Screen while using Safari, Messages, or Instagram.
2. Keep Audio on Headphones
This feature is ideal if your iPhone’s audio has ever suddenly switched from your AirPods to a Bluetooth speaker or your car’s audio system. The “Keep Audio on Headphones” switch in iOS 26 lets you lock the audio to your chosen device.
Why it’s useful:
- Avoids awkward moments when you’re on a phone call or listening to music.
- It helps maintain your privacy in public.
- Ensures you can listen without interruptions.
Find it in: Settings > Bluetooth > Your device > Audio Options.
3. Reminders for Missed Calls
How many times have you missed a call, said you’d call back, and then forgotten? Now you can swipe left in the iOS 26 Phone app to set a reminder to return the call.
Why it’s useful:
- It keeps you in touch with important people.
- You can set an alert for later, on a specific date, or at a particular time.
- Ideal for calls at work and at home.
This feature works directly with the Reminders app to keep everything organised and up to date.
4. Customizable Alarm Snooze Duration
The standard 9-minute snooze has been a feature on iPhones for a long time, but now you can change it. In iOS 26, you can choose how long you want the snooze to be when setting or editing an alarm.
Why it’s useful:
- If you’re looking for a quick nap, choose a shorter snooze (5 minutes).
- For a more extended rest, take a longer nap (15 to 20 minutes).
- Accommodates different morning schedules.
A small change that gives you more control over how you wake up.
5. Translate Lyrics in Apple Music
Now you can translate Apple Music lyrics in real time, not just see them displayed live. You should try this if you like K-pop, Latin music, or J-pop, but don’t know the meaning of the songs.
Why it’s useful:
- Makes it easier to discover foreign songs.
- Helps you learn a language while having fun.
- Works on both iPad and iPhone.
To see the lyrics of a song, tap on it and then click the translate button.
6. Call Log Filters
Your call history can quickly become cluttered with unwanted calls and voicemails. With iOS 26, you can use filters in the Phone app to filter out missed calls, spam, voicemails, and more.
Why it’s useful:
- Identify important calls faster.
- This prevents spam from filling up your call log.
- Useful for those who need to manage both work and personal numbers.
7. SIM-Based Focus Modes
In iOS 26, Focus modes are more powerful. You can now choose different Focus modes based on the SIM card you’re using.
Why it’s useful:
- Ideal for those who use two SIM cards to balance their work and personal lives.
- For example, if your work SIM is active, your phone will automatically switch to “Work Focus.”
- This eliminates the need to change settings manually.
Find it in: Settings > Focus > SIM Options.
8. Tips for Cleaning Your Camera Lens
Have you ever taken a blurry photo only to realise the lens was dirty? If the iOS 26 camera app detects smudges, it will now display a message that says “Clean the lens.”
Why this is useful:
- Avoids blurry photos and videos.
- Extremely helpful in bright sunlight or low light.
- Keep your iPhone camera’s image quality sharp at all times.
9. Low Power Mode
iOS 26. Low Power Mode gets smarter with. Low Power Mode not only reduces activity but also adjusts performance based on what you’re doing.
Why it’s useful:
- Saves power when performing simple tasks, such as reading.
- Automatically speeds up performance for apps that need it.
- Adds hours of battery life without sacrificing quality.
Enable it in Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode.
10. Spatial Scenes in Photos and Lock Screen
Apple’s design improvements include spatial scenes that make flat photos look like real backgrounds. This adds a 3D depth effect to the Lock Screen.
Why it’s useful:
- It gives your Lock Screen a fresh new look.
- It works wonderfully with photos of people.
- It adds a subtle animation that gives it a premium feel.
It’s a small change, but it makes unlocking your device feel brand new.
Final Thoughts
The best part of every new iOS update isn’t always the features Apple showcases on stage; it’s the hidden features that subtly change how we use our devices without us even realising it. iOS 26 includes many minor improvements that can have a significant impact, such as more innovative reminders, longer battery life, and more immersive visual effects.
Take some time to explore your iPhone’s settings and try out these fantastic features. You’ll see that iOS 26 isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about making everyday tasks easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable.