iOS 26 Hidden Features: A Complete List

iOS 26: A Comprehensive Look at Apple’s WWDC 2025 Announcements

During the WWDC 2025 event, Apple formally introduced its latest iteration of iOS. A significant aspect of this update is the debut of a novel design philosophy termed “Liquid Glass.”

Furthermore, the version number has been advanced to 26, representing a strategic move by Apple to standardize numbering across its entire operating system portfolio.

Key New Features

The unveiling included several noteworthy additions to the iOS ecosystem. These encompass a dedicated gaming application and a preview application designed for early access to content.

AI-driven translation capabilities have been integrated directly into the messaging application, facilitating seamless communication. A virtual health coach was also presented as a new feature.

Usability Enhancements in iOS 26

Beyond the headline features, iOS 26 incorporates a range of refinements aimed at improving the overall user experience on the iPhone.

The following is a list, derived from the initial developer beta release, detailing some of these enhancements. It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive.

• Improved system responsiveness.
• Enhanced privacy controls for app permissions.
• Refined notification management system.
• Optimized battery usage across various applications.
• Accessibility improvements for users with disabilities.

iOS 26: Notable Updates and Features

The latest iOS 26 update introduces a range of enhancements, including several subtle yet impactful features designed to improve the user experience.

Enhanced Alarm Functionality

• Customizable Snooze Duration: A significant improvement allows users to personalize their alarm snooze intervals.

Previously fixed, snooze times can now be adjusted to suit individual preferences. Users can modify the snooze timing by selecting any alarm and accessing the “Snooze Duration” setting. Options range from 1 minute to a maximum of 15 minutes.

Artificial Intelligence Integrations

• AI-Powered Shortcuts: The Shortcuts app now leverages AI capabilities.

When constructing a shortcut, users can choose between utilizing a locally processed or cloud-based AI model. This selection determines the power source for features such as text summarization.

• Safari Bookmarking Gesture: A new gesture streamlines the bookmarking process within Safari.

The updated Safari browser allows users to quickly bookmark a page by simply double-tapping the three-dot menu icon.

• Redesigned Screenshot Menu: The screenshot interface has been revamped with intelligent features.

Visual intelligence is now integrated into the screenshot menu, enabling users to pose questions about the captured image. The system intelligently suggests actions like summarizing or reading aloud any text present on the screen.

Audio Control Improvements

• Direct Volume Adjustment: Volume control is now more accessible.

Users can now directly adjust the volume levels from within the output source picker, providing a more streamlined audio management experience.

Phone

Several enhancements have been implemented within the Phone application to improve usability and functionality.

Call List Filtering

The call list now offers advanced filtering options. Users can categorize calls based on type, including Calls, Missed calls, Voicemails, calls from Unknown callers, and identified Spam calls.

SIM-Specific Focus Modes

It remains possible to utilize distinct focus modes to selectively silence notifications from a specific SIM card. This allows for customized interruption management.

Updated Call Interface

The call interface has been redesigned with a new overflow menu. This menu provides quick access to features such as call assist, call recording, and real-time live translation.

Detailed Call History

A more comprehensive call history view is now available. By selecting a contact’s name and then choosing the “Call History” option, users can review all past interactions with that individual.

Battery

A revised performance view has been implemented within the battery menu. Previously, users navigated between 24-hour and 10-day performance displays using a toggle. Now, both daily and weekly views are presented simultaneously on a single screen.

Furthermore, a comparative indicator has been added. This feature informs users whether their current day's battery usage is higher or lower when compared to their typical usage patterns over time.

App Battery Consumption

The battery menu has undergone a significant overhaul to deliver more detailed insights into application-specific power consumption. Indicators are now present to highlight instances where an app has been operating in the background for an extended duration.

Charging Information

iOS 26 now displays an estimated time remaining until the battery is fully charged. Users also have the capability to temporarily override the established charging limit for a specific charging session.

Adaptive Power Mode

An adaptive power mode has been introduced within the battery settings. When activated, the iPhone may dynamically adjust screen brightness or throttle the performance of certain applications to conserve power during periods of increased battery drain.

This feature aims to extend battery life by intelligently managing system resources based on current usage patterns.

Reminders App Enhancements

The Reminders application now features automated categorization of various reminder types.

Items can be directly shared to the Reminders app, which then automatically generates corresponding to-do list entries.

Sharing and Quick Actions

For example, sharing a recipe from a website will prompt the Reminders app to list the necessary ingredients.

New reminders can be created quickly using either the action button or a customized shortcut accessible through Control Center.

Phone and Messages Integration

A convenient feature allows users to create reminders for call backs by swiping on entries within the Phone app.

The Messages app has been updated to enable the selection of specific text portions from individual messages.

This allows for the creation of reminders directly related to the selected message content.

Key benefits include streamlined task management and improved organization.

Apple Music

The latest iOS 26 update introduces a new feature for Apple Music users: the ability to organize playlists into custom folders.

This enhancement allows for improved playlist management and a more streamlined listening experience.

Enhanced Playback Options

Users now have greater control over how songs transition between tracks. The Settings menu provides options to select either crossfade or automix as the preferred song transition effect.

Automix intelligently blends songs together based on their tempo, creating a seamless flow of music.

Lock Screen Visuals

A new album animation style has been implemented for the Lock Screen.

This visual update provides a dynamic and engaging display of currently playing music directly on the iPhone’s Lock Screen.

These updates collectively enhance the Apple Music experience on iOS 26, offering users more customization and visual appeal.

Camera Enhancements in iOS 26

A new feature in iOS 26 provides a prompt if a smudge is detected on your camera lens. This notification encourages users to ensure optimal image clarity.

Users now have the ability to customize the camera interface. Specifically, indicators for features like Flash, Live Photo, video formats, and Action Mode can be displayed or hidden via the new Indicators settings.

Customizing Camera Controls

A new Camera Adjustments menu has been introduced. This allows for personalized control over the camera’s functions.

Through this menu, users can modify or completely disable specific camera controls to suit their preferences.

The implementation of these changes aims to provide a more tailored and user-friendly camera experience within iOS 26.

Language Features in iOS

The iPhone now provides language suggestions as you interact with content. This functionality extends to both receiving and sending communications in languages different from your preferred system language.

Language Detection and Suggestions

For example, if you frequently use Arabic for messaging and content consumption while your primary language is set to English, iOS will prompt you to add an Arabic keyboard.

Furthermore, the system will offer content recommendations tailored to the Arabic language.

New Keyboard Options

• A native Arabic transliteration keyboard has been integrated.
• A 24-key Thai keyboard is now available for users.

Bilingual Support

iOS now offers bilingual suggestions for 10 languages. This feature enhances the typing experience by providing alternative input options.

While typing in a language like English, the keyboard will present suggestions in both the Latin alphabet and the corresponding local script.

Podcasts

The recently updated Podcasts app introduces adjustable playback speeds.

Users can now modify the speed of audio playback, selecting from options between 0.5x and 3x.

Enhanced Audio Clarity

A new enhanced dialog feature is included within the Podcasts application.

This feature is designed to amplify vocal clarity, improving the listening experience.

The voice boost can be activated or deactivated individually for each podcast episode.

Further discoveries regarding new functionalities within the iOS 26 update will be added to this compilation as they are identified.