Nowadays, iPhones can do lots. And we imply lots. From images and navigation to gaming and AI, it’s sufficient to make you overlook they’ll additionally, you already know, make cellphone calls and ship textual content messages.
With all these intelligent options on provide, it’s inevitable that a number of will probably be missed. Whether or not you’re an influence consumer or an iOS newbie, we guess there are scores of attention-grabbing and helpful features that you simply by no means knew existed–and which might aid you get much more out of that costly system.
On this article, up to date for 2026, we spherical up a few of the greatest iPhone options and settings you’re in all probability not utilizing. (For every one we record the model of iOS you’ll should be working; should you’re undecided, you’ll be able to examine this by opening the Settings app and going to Basic > About and checking the iOS Model area.) With our assist, you’ll be an iPhone grasp very quickly.
Works on iOS 17 and later
NameDrop, which helps you to contact two iPhones collectively to trade contact particulars, is a good instance of Apple’s seamless and clever integration between {hardware} and software program, and it’s one thing that few different cellphone makers might pull off.
Simply convey the highest ends of two iPhones shut to one another and maintain them there till you see a bubble-like animation present on their shows. As soon as that occurs, NameDrop will hyperlink the 2 customers like magic, and you’ll then select the fields you need to share earlier than exchanging your particulars or faucet Obtain Solely to get their data with out sending your individual.
And right here’s a bonus: The function additionally works for sending Apple Money to a different iPhone consumer.
Why you must use this function: It’s an enormous time-saver. As an alternative of laboriously dictating your quantity, or opening the proper app to textual content your particulars, do it simply in a flash.
2. Again Faucet: Add a button to the again of your iPhone
Works on iOS 14 and later
Some iPhone options really feel so pure that you simply marvel why you didn’t find out about them earlier than, and Again Faucet actually qualifies. With a fast double or triple faucet on the again of your cellphone, you’ll be able to open your digicam app, activate the flashlight, swap apps, and extra.
To get began, open the Settings app in your iPhone and head to Accessibility > Contact > Again Faucet. Choose both Double Faucet or Triple Faucet, then choose an possibility from the intensive record. You’ll be able to run system features, activate accessibility controls, and even launch a shortcut, which is a intelligent strategy to kickstart a robust workflow with minimal effort.
Why you must use this function: What could possibly be extra handy than having instantaneous entry to your mostly used motion? Having instantaneous entry to 2 of them.
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3. Visible Look Up: Use the digicam to study nature
Works on iOS 15 and later, though newer software program (and {hardware}) will unlock extra options
What number of instances have you ever seen an animal or plant and located your self scratching your head over what it was? Together with your iPhone, there’s no should be left doubtful. Simply use Visible Look Up.
Merely snap a photograph of the animal or plant in query, open the picture within the Photographs app, then swipe up. You’ll see an choice to Look Up Plant or Look Up Animal, which is able to present doubtless matches and comparable photos. For the reason that function debuted in 2022, Apple has expanded its scope, and swiping up on different images could provide the choice to Look Up Meals, Look Up Art work and so forth, whereas dwelling creatures achieve extra particular searches comparable to Look Up Mammal. Who is aware of what Apple will add in iOS 27?
If in case you have an AI-compatible iPhone, you should utilize the Visible Intelligence function to faucet into Apple Intelligence or ChatGPT to get comparable help. By default this function is activated by tapping and holding the Digicam Management for a few seconds till a brand new digicam window bursts onto your display screen. (In the event you haven’t received a Digicam Management you’ll be able to open Management Middle and add it there.) Level your digicam on the object in query, and an animal or plant title will seem on the prime.
If it says “Perhaps,” faucet the title to see a number of theories. If ChatGPT is extra sure, it should present the title of what it thinks it’s, and you’ll faucet it to get some info.
Why you must use this function: Information is energy. And studying is enjoyable!
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4. Music Recognition: Determine music
Works on iOS 14.2 and later
Shazam is a improbable strategy to uncover a brand new music or establish these earworms whose names you’ll be able to’t fairly bear in mind—however you don’t have to open the Shazam app every time, and even set up it. Shazam Music Recognition is now constructed into iOS, and you’ll put a useful Shazam button proper into the Management Middle for fast entry.
Open the Management Middle by swiping down out of your iPhone’s top-right nook. From right here, faucet the + within the top-left nook, faucet Add a Management, then faucet the Acknowledge Music button (or use the search bar should you can’t spot it). The following time you hear a music you’ll be able to’t establish, open the Management Middle and hit the Shazam button, and it’ll establish the music inside seconds.
Why you must use this function: There’s no time to waste when a thriller music is enjoying.
David Value / Foundry
5. Timer Management: Begin a countdown very quickly
Works on iOS 11 and later
You in all probability know you’ll be able to set a timer with out having to hunt for the Clock app, proper? Merely open Management Middle by swiping down from the top-right, then faucet the Timer button (a clock face with a single hand pointing at eleven o’clock). If the button isn’t there, hit the plus signal and add it.
However you may not know there’s a fair shorter shortcut. Faucet and maintain the Timer button in Management Middle, and a slider will seem on the display screen. Transfer your finger up and down the slider to regulate the period (the increments range from a minute to an hour as you progress up the dimensions) and faucet Begin to start.
Why you must use this function: It’s the quickest strategy to set a timer. Or joint-quickest, together with “Hey Siri, set a timer for 3 minutes.”
David Value / Foundry
6. Flashlight: Modify the width of your beam
Works on iOS 18 and later. You’ll additionally want a Professional mannequin iPhone
Everybody is aware of your iPhone can present a useful flashlight to information you thru the darkness. However do you know you’ll be able to alter each the width and distance of its beam with only a few faucets?
Faucet the icon on the Lock display screen to show in your cellphone’s flashlight (or ask Siri), and also you’ll discover {that a} flashlight icon seems within the Dynamic Island. This isn’t only a reminder that it’s on. Faucet it and also you’ll be capable to alter the sunshine beam to your necessities.
Swipe left to make the beam narrower and extra intense, or proper, to make it wider and extra diffuse. You too can transfer your finger up and down to regulate the sunshine’s energy as typical. (Word that non-Professional iPhones solely get the up and down motion. Sorry.)
Why you must use this function: As a result of your iPhone is the flashlight you carry on a regular basis, so that you may as properly make it a superb flashlight.
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7. Measure: Use the iPhone’s hidden digital ruler
Works on iOS 12 and later
Most individuals don’t stroll round with a tape measure of their pocket, however there are occasions while you want one. To not fear: your iPhone really has a hidden Measure app that may assist.
Open the Search bar (swipe downwards from the center of your iPhone’s House display screen) and kind “Measure” to search out the app. As soon as opened, it’ll flip in your rear digicam. To measure one thing, goal your cellphone at one level–such because the nook of an object–faucet the plus (+) image, then transfer your digicam to a different level and faucet the plus image once more. The space between the factors will seem in your display screen. You’ll be able to calculate a number of lengths by tapping + once more after you’ve taken the primary measurement.
On iPhone 12 Professional or later, due to the LiDAR sensor, you’ll be able to transfer your cellphone close to the topic and the road will remodel right into a ruler that shows incremental items of size. Professional telephones may also gauge the peak of an individual who seems within the Measure app’s viewfinder.
Why you must use this function: It provides yet one more great tool to the iPhone’s toolbox.
Foundry
Works on iOS 16 and later
Widgets aren’t only for the House display screen—you’ll be able to add a number of to your Lock display screen as properly to view knowledge at a look.
To add widgets to your Lock display screen, faucet and maintain the display screen till the Customise button seems on the backside of the display screen. Faucet it. Search for a field labeled Add Widgets. Faucet this, then choose widgets from the record so as to add them to this field.
Relying on the Lock display screen format you’ve chosen, the field could already comprise widgets. Faucet the minus signal to take away any you don’t need, then exchange them with higher ones.
Why you must use this function: Wish to minimise doomscrolling? Study to accessing key info with out having to unlock your cellphone.
David Value / Foundry
9. App Monitoring: Cease apps from following your exercise
Works on iOS 15 and later
Once you open an app for the primary time, you may see a pop-up window asking if you wish to let the app monitor you throughout different apps and web sites. If you end up getting bored with repeatedly tapping “Ask App To not Observe,” there’s a easy repair that may reject monitoring makes an attempt as soon as and for all.
Open the Settings app and navigate to Privateness & Safety > Monitoring, then faucet the toggle subsequent to Permit Apps to Request to Observe so it turns grey. Once you do that, you received’t get any extra prompts about being tracked—disabling this toggle tells iOS to routinely reject all app monitoring makes an attempt in your behalf, so you’ll be able to defend your privateness with out all of the annoying pop-ups.
Why you must use this function: As a result of pop-ups are virtually as annoying as intrusive monitoring.
10. Default apps: Open hyperlinks within the apps you need
Works on iOS 18.2 and later
For years, Apple units have been closely locked down, and that’s even prolonged to controlling your default apps for electronic mail, internet shopping, and extra. That’s now not the case, although, so if you wish to swap up your default apps, it’s now simpler than ever.
To start out customizing your app decisions, open the Settings app and go to Apps > Default Apps. You’ll see a number of choices, from electronic mail and messaging to internet shopping and translation. Simply faucet one, then choose an app from the ensuing record. Your choices will probably be restricted to apps put in in your iPhone, so be sure to’ve downloaded your apps of alternative earlier than getting began.
Why you must use this function: As a result of that premium internet browser you put in isn’t a lot use if hyperlinks nonetheless open in Safari.
David Value / Foundry
11. Textual content alternative: Give your thumbs a break
Works on iOS 12 and later
Bored with typing on a regular basis? Use textual content alternative. This routinely fills out phrases and phrases while you enter a shortcut. As an example, you would create a textual content alternative shortcut that enters your electronic mail tackle everytime you kind @@ or one other that routinely capitalizes BBQ (or sorts out barbecue, should you’re feeling fancy) while you kind bbq.
This function will be enabled in Settings. Go to Basic > Keyboard > Textual content Substitute and faucet + so as to add a brand new entry. The Shortcut field is for the condensed phrase or phrase you need to use, whereas the Phrase field is for the total model that will probably be inserted by your cellphone.
However we will be even cleverer than that. If there’s a phrase or phrase that you simply don’t need to be corrected, create a brand new textual content alternative entry and kind it into the identical area, however hold the Shortcut field empty. This could possibly be useful in case you have an uncommon title, or continuously use a bit of jargon that autocorrect insists on altering to one thing else.
Why you must use this function: As a result of typing omw takes much less time than On my manner!
12. Adaptive Energy: Lengthen your battery life
Works on iOS 26. Requires iPhone 15 Professional or later
We’ll end with a function that was added in iOS 26, which got here out in September 2025. And if you wish to make your iPhone’s battery final that little bit longer, that is the one for you.
Open Settings and go to Battery > Energy Mode. Hit the toggle labelled Adaptive Energy so it turns inexperienced. iOS will now do its greatest to preserve energy on high-usage days by dimming the display screen very barely, lowering background processes, and tweaking efficiency.
In the event you’re considering that is simply one other title for Low Energy Mode, assume once more. For a begin, Low Energy Mode nonetheless exists, and Adaptive Energy will flip it on when your cellphone hits 20%. However the principle issue is that Adaptive Energy is designed to be lots subtler. It makes use of AI to foretell your wants and to make changes that you simply received’t discover. You need to discover you get a bit of extra battery life with out having to make noticeable compromises.
Why you must use this function: As a result of your iPhone is barely as helpful as its battery life.
