Hidden iOS 26 Features You Need to Try

Every year, Apple launches a new iOS update filled with flashy headline features. With iOS 26, the spotlight is on the sleek Liquid Glass design and the much-talked-about Apple Intelligence—AI that powers translations, summaries, and custom emoji. Those are big and impossible to miss.

But beyond the stage at WWDC, Apple always sneaks in dozens of smaller changes. They don’t get the spotlight, but they quietly reshape how your iPhone feels day to day. Spend a little time digging through your settings or stock apps, and you’ll find them: tweaks that save time, improve productivity, or simply make your iPhone feel smarter and more personal.

Here are 15 of the best hidden iOS 26 features you need to try right now.

1. Change Your Snooze Duration

That odd 9-minute snooze? It’s finally history. In iOS 26, you can set snooze durations between 1 and 15 minutes. Just open the Clock app, tap your alarm, and scroll to Snooze Duration. Each alarm has its own setting, so you’ll need to adjust per alarm. Small feature, big quality-of-life win.

2. Make Custom Ringtones Easily

No GarageBand needed. With iOS 26, you can use an MP3, M4A, or Voice Memo under 30 seconds as a ringtone. Open the file, hit Share, and tap Use as Ringtone. It drops straight into Settings > Sounds & Haptics. (Apple Music tracks aren’t eligible.)

3. Copy Part of a Text Message

In Messages, you can now highlight and copy just a snippet of a text bubble instead of grabbing the whole thing. Super handy when you only need a code or single line from a longer message.

4. See Visited Places in Maps

Apple Maps now keeps a private log of places you’ve visited, complete with dates. Find it in Maps > Profile > Places > Visited Places. It’s private and stored locally on your device, so only you can see it.

5. Battery Charge Time Estimates

Plug in your iPhone, and the Lock Screen now shows ’13m to 80%’ or ’1h 8m to 100%.’ You’ll also see estimates in Settings > Battery. No more guesswork before heading out.

6. Adaptive Power Mode

Instead of toggling between Low Power and Standard, iOS 26 introduces Adaptive Power. It automatically adjusts performance and background activity—saving energy when you’re scrolling, boosting when you’re gaming or filming.

7. Turn Photos Into Spatial Scenes

In the Photos app, you’ll now see a Spatial toggle. Tap it, and your photo transforms into an immersive, 3D-like view with subtle motion. Move your iPhone to explore depth and perspective.

8. Smarter Screenshots With Visual Intelligence

Take a screenshot and open it, and iOS 26 offers contextual actions like Add to Calendar if it detects an event or Shopping results for products. You can even highlight parts of the screenshot to search with Siri, Google, or ChatGPT. On-device detection keeps sensitive images private.

9. Real-Time Lyric Translations in Apple Music

Tap the Translate Lyrics button in Apple Music to see translations line up under the original lyrics in real time. Perfect for enjoying global music without missing the meaning.

10. Live Call Screening

When an unknown number rings, tap Screen Call to view a live transcript of what the caller says. You can decide to answer, decline, or let it go to voicemail—similar to Google’s Pixel feature, but polished for iOS.

11. Snap Photos With AirPods

Your AirPods now double as a remote shutter. With the Camera app open, double-tap an AirPod to take a picture—ideal for group shots or tripod setups.

12. Add Backgrounds to Text Threads

iOS 26 lets you set custom backgrounds for message threads. Tap the chat name > Backgrounds, then pick a color, gradient, photo, or AI-generated design. Adds personality to group chats or special conversations.

13. Edit PDFs With Preview

The Preview app—a macOS staple—comes to iOS. Open a PDF in Files or Mail, tap Markup, and you can annotate, highlight, sign, or rearrange pages without third-party apps.

14. Swipe From Anywhere to Go Back

Navigation is smoother now: instead of swiping from the screen edge, you can swipe right from anywhere on the display to go back. Works in Safari, Settings, Mail, and more.

15. Offline Weather via Satellite

Even off-grid, the Weather app can now show basic forecasts using satellite connectivity. Look for the satellite icon when you’re in a dead zone—great for hikers and travelers.

Conclusion

Sure, iOS 26’s big-ticket items like Apple Intelligence get all the buzz, but it’s these hidden features that make your iPhone feel fresher every day. From smarter alarms and adaptive battery to immersive Spatial Photos and live call screening, these small touches add up to one of Apple’s most polished updates yet.