The New Year is almost here, and for millions iPhone users it's time to meet iOS 26. Whether you discovered a shiny new gadget during the holidays, or you update of old modelthis new operating system has a lot of bells and whistles that take some getting used to compared to a brand new one Apple Intelligence features for a sleek new Liquid glass design. However, in my opinion, the best traits are those that are hidden beneath the surface.
I picked it up iOS 26 It's been a while and believe me, I have discovered the 18 best hidden features that you definitely need to know about. Forget about those who make headlines; These are subtle and smart additions that truly make life with your iPhone better.
With just a few quick taps, you can customize your iPhone to fit your needs perfectly. These aren't just minor changes; these little ingenious updates are what actually make using your phone easier, more convenient, and, frankly, a lot more enjoyable every day. Here's how you too can unlock these hidden iOS 26 features.
Check this out: iOS 26.1 update fixes alarms and allows you to change liquid glass
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1. Change the default alarm snooze duration.
If you've ever wondered about the seemingly arbitrary 9-minute snooze option on the iPhone, there's a story behind it. This is a relic of analogue design, when early mechanical alarm clocks couldn't be easily set to 10-minute intervals, so engineers stuck with a minute less. Digital watches do not have this limitation, but the tradition remains.
In iOS 26 you can finally change the repeat duration. All you have to do is go to Watch app, tap on the alarm you have and tap Repeat duration down. You can set the snooze from 1 to 15 minutes, but this setting only applies to each alarm individually. This means you'll either have to keep reusing the same alarm or set it to repeat every time you create a new one.
You need to change the snooze duration for each alarm you set.
2. Create your own ringtone.
You no longer need GarageBand (or a Mac) to create your own ringtone. In Files, tap MP3 or M4A less than 30 seconds long, tap Share button and touch Use as ringtone. iOS 26 adds it to Settings > Sounds and haptics > Ringtonewhere you can set it system wide or assign it to a contact. The same option appears for voice notes.through a common sheet.
Note: Apple Music tracks cannot be used as your own ringtones.
3. Copy only the selected text message.
Messages now lets you select and copy just part of a text bubble instead of capturing the whole thing, which is useful if you're trying to copy a password or code that isn't highlighted. Long press a message, tap Choose and then use selection handles to grab only the section you need. This is especially useful when a long message contains only one fragment that you want to paste somewhere else.
4. Places visited on Maps
Perhaps you want to remember a Thai food spot you tried on vacation or retrace your weekend trip itinerary. Instead of scrolling through photos or text to refresh your memory, the answer is already in Maps. Apple Maps now records the places you've visited with dates and details. Open Maps > Profile Icon > Places > Visited Places to see the list. It's private and stored locally on your iPhone, so only you can see it.
This feature is still in beta, which means it may have bugs and other issues at the moment.
5. Estimation of battery charging time
When you connect your iPhone to a power source, the lock screen now displays how long it will take your battery to reach 80% and 100%. You'll see “13 minutes to 80%” or “1 hour 8 minutes to 100%” right above the time and below the battery indicator. You can also go to Settings > Battery to verify this information. It's a simple addition, but it takes the guesswork out of planning quick top-ups before you hit the road.
If you don't see the battery percentage at the top of the lock screen, press the Home button.
6. Adaptive power mode
New option in Settings > Battery > Power Mode represents Adaptive Power. Instead of choosing between low power and standard, Adaptive mode adjusts performance and background activity on the fly. If you listen to music at home, this saves battery power. Whether you're gaming or recording videos, it improves productivity. You don't have to think about it – your phone adapts automatically.
7. Turn photos into spatial 3D scenes
In the “Photo” section you will now find Spatial scenes a feature that turns photos into immersive 3D images with subtle movement. Open a photo in the Photos app and find Spatial switch top right. With compatible devices, you can tilt and move your iPhone to explore depth and perspective as if you were still standing there.
8. Finding Screenshots Using Visual Intelligence
In iOS 26, visual intelligence kicks in the moment you take a screenshot. Once you've taken a screenshot, tap the thumbnail to open the editor and you'll see two new buttons: Ask (send a screenshot of your typed question to ChatGPT) and Image Search (send it to Google to get visually similar results).
You can also draw a specific area with your finger to indicate what you are asking about. Even without these buttons, iOS will show contextual actions, such as “Add to Calendar” if there is an event in your screenshot, or shopping results if a product is visible in it. Detection happens on the device, but Ask or image searches share the image with the appropriate services, so skip those when taking sensitive screenshots.
To find something in a screenshot, simply paint over it with your finger.
9. Translations of Apple Music lyrics
If you listen to songs in other languages, Apple Music Now you can translate song lyrics in real time. Click on Lyrics browse and then select new Translate these texts button in the lower left corner to see how the translated lyrics match the music, right below the original lyrics. This allows you to enjoy the meaning of the song without losing the rhythm, and is ideal for discovering new genres.
This won't work for every song.
10. Filter incoming calls
The Phone app now supports real-time call checking. When an unknown number arrives, press Screen call and see a real-time transcript of what the caller is saying. You can decide whether to answer, reject, or leave the message on voicemail. It feels like the iPhone took one of Android's best ideas and polished it up.
11. Take a photo using AirPods.
AirPods have a new trick: act as a remote shutter button. With the Camera app open, double-tap your AirPod to take a photo. This is great for group shots or when your phone is on a tripod across the room.
12. Add a background to your text messages
Now you can give your text message thread its own vibe. In iOS 26 you can set your own conversation background in Messages. All you have to do is open the chat, click on the icon name/title at the top select Backgrounds and then choose a color, gradient, photo or create them using Image Playground.
You can remove the background the same way, just select “No”.
13. Edit PDFs with Preview
The Preview app, long a macOS staple, is now integrated into iOS for working with PDF files. Open a PDF in Files or Mail, tap Markingand you can highlight text, add notes, sign documents, or rearrange pages. No third party apps required.
Preview is a standalone application that you can use to edit PDF files.
14. Swipe from the middle of the screen to go back.
Apple has added a new gesture for smoother navigation. Instead of only swiping right from the left edge of the screen, you can now swipe right from the middle of the screen to go back. It works in Safari, Settings, Mail and other standard apps. Try swiping from left to right from anywhere in the app window, and you'll get back without getting pressed to the edge.
15. Check the weather even when you have no connection.
iOS 26 provides connectivity to the satellite Weather app, so you can check the weather even when you're offline. Whether you're hiking in the mountains or driving through a dead zone, the app will use Apple's satellite system to provide basic forecasts like temperature, rain chances, and severe weather warnings. When you use the Weather app, you will see a small satellite icon at the top of the Weather app. Obviously, it won't replace a full connection, but it makes the iPhone much more useful when there's no service.
16. Receive a notification to clean your camera lens.
When the Camera app detects lens flare, haze, or smudges, it carefully I remind you to wipe it clean. Before you take a photo, you'll see a quick warning on the screen. It's not intrusive, but it can save you from realizing later that your once-in-a-lifetime photo came out blurry.
17. HDR screenshots
Screenshots are now saved in HDR format on iOS 26, meaning what you save looks much closer to what you actually see on the display. Open a bright photo, take a screenshot, and you'll notice that your photo library still has the same bright highlights and contrast.
18. Passport in wallet
Wallet will soon support digital passports in some regions. Add it just like you would a driver's license: Wallet > + > Add passport. Once set up, you can use it at supported airports and security checkpoints. This isn't universal yet, but it's the clearest sign that your physical wallet is busy.
iOS 26's biggest features may take center stage, but it's these little details that make the iPhone experience smoother and more personal. From smarter alarms to captivating photos and practical call checking, the update is full of little benefits you'll notice every day. And that's why it's worth installing.
