Every year, Apple’s new iOS software update gets one or two splashy additions. With iOS 26, which is now released to the general public, the focus is on the new Liquid Glass design and Apple Intelligence features that power translations, summaries, and custom emojis. Those changes are big and impossible to miss.
What’s easier to overlook are the quieter tweaks Apple doesn’t spend much time talking about. They don’t dominate the stage at WWDC, but they can quietly reshape the way your iPhone feels in daily use.
If you spend a little time digging through your settings or trying out the stock apps, you’ll notice them: tools that shave seconds off routine tasks, customization options that make your phone feel more personal, and subtle reminders that your iPhone is still evolving in small but meaningful ways.
Here are 18 of my favorite hidden features in iOS 26, and why you should care about them.
1. Change the Default Snooze Duration for Your Alarm
If you’ve ever wondered about the seemingly arbitrary 9-minute snooze option on the iPhone, there’s history behind it. It’s a relic of analog design, when early mechanical alarm clocks couldn’t easily be set to 10-minute intervals, so engineers went with a minute less. On iOS 26, you can finally change your snooze length. Go to the Clock app, tap on an alarm you have, and hit Snooze Duration at the bottom. You can set snooze between 1 and 15 minutes, but the setting only applies to each alarm individually.
2. Create a Custom Ringtone
You no longer need GarageBand (or a Mac) to make your own ringtone. In Files, tap an MP3 or M4A that’s under 30 seconds, hit the Share button, and tap Use as Ringtone. iOS 26 drops it into Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone, allowing you to set it system-wide or assign it to a contact.
3. Copy Only a Selection of a Text Message
Messages now lets you highlight and copy just part of a text bubble instead of grabbing the entire thing, which is helpful for copying a password or code. Press and hold on the message, hit Select, and use the selection handles to capture only the needed section.
4. Visited Places in Maps
Apple Maps now keeps a record of the places you’ve visited, complete 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.
5. Battery Charge Time Estimates
When you plug in your iPhone to power, the lock screen now tells you how long it will take your battery to reach 80% and 100%. You’ll see “13m to 80%” or “1h 8m to 100%” right above the time. It’s a simple addition but takes the guesswork out of planning quick top-offs before heading out.
6. Adaptive Power Mode
A new option in Settings > Battery > Power Mode introduces Adaptive Power. Instead of choosing between Low Power and Standard, Adaptive adjusts performance and background activity on the fly. Your phone adapts automatically based on what you’re doing.
7. Turn Photos into 3D Spatial Scenes
The Spatial Scenes feature turns photos into immersive, 3D-like views with subtle motion. Open a photo in the Photos application and look for the Spatial toggle. With compatible devices, you can tilt and move your iPhone to explore depth and perspective.
8. Search Screenshots with Visual Intelligence
Visual Intelligence kicks in whenever you take a screenshot. Tap the thumbnail to open the editor, and you’ll see buttons to Ask a question or use Image Search. Detection happens on-device, making it easier to act on what you capture.
9. Apple Music Lyric Translations
If you listen to songs in other languages, Apple Music can now translate lyrics in real time. Tap the Lyrics view, then hit Translate These Lyrics to see the translated lyrics alongside the original.
10. Screen Incoming Calls
The Phone app now supports live call screening. When an unknown number comes in, tap Screen Call and watch a real-time transcript of what the caller says, helping you decide whether to answer.
11. Take a Photo with Your AirPods
With the Camera app open, double-tap on an AirPod to snap a photo. It’s perfect for group shots or when your phone is on a tripod across the room.
12. Add Backgrounds to Your Text Messages
You can now set a custom conversation background in Messages. Open a chat, tap the name/title, choose Backgrounds, and select a color or photo.
13. Edit PDFs with Preview
The Preview app is now integrated into iOS for PDFs. Open a PDF in Files or Mail, tap Markup, and you can highlight text and add notes or signatures.
14. Swipe from the Middle of the Screen to Go Back
Apple has added a new gesture for smoother navigation. You can now swipe right from the middle of the screen, enhancing the back navigation experience in various apps.
15. Check the Weather Even When You Don’t Have Service
iOS 26 brings satellite connectivity to the Weather app, allowing you to check conditions even off the grid. You’ll see a satellite icon when it’s in use for basic forecasts.
16. Get Notified to Clean the Camera Lens
When the Camera app detects glare or smudges, it’ll remind you to wipe it clean. You’ll receive a gentle alert before taking a shot.
17. HDR Screenshots
Screenshots now capture in HDR on iOS 26, preserving vivid highlights and contrast, making your saved images look closer to what you see on your display.
18. Passport in Wallet
Wallet will soon support digital passports in some regions. Add it like a driver’s license via Wallet > + > Add Passport, enabling you to use it at supported airports.
iOS 26’s biggest features may get the spotlight, but it’s these smaller touches that make using the iPhone feel smoother and more personal. From smarter alarms to immersive photos to practical call screening, the update is filled with small wins you’ll notice every day.