iOS 26 brings a long list of updates you might have missed, here’s the full rundown.
While iOS 26 was packed with flashy updates like Apple Intelligence and Genmoji, Apple quietly revealed dozens of smaller useful features during WWDC 2025. These weren’t front and center, but they’re the kind of everyday improvements that make iOS more powerful and personal.
Here’s a Breakdown of All Those Hidden iOS 26 Features You’ll Want to Know About
Communication & Messaging
- Copy part of a message: You can now select and copy just part of a text bubble.
- Add Contact button in groups: Easily save people from group chats.
- Natural language search in Messages: Search chats like you’re talking to Siri.
- Photo previews in Messages: Better previews for shared images.
- Typing indicator and custom backgrounds: Group chats get more personality.
Audio & AirPods
- AirPods pause media when asleep: Media stops when you nod off.
- AirPods automatic switching with CarPlay: Seamless audio handoff in your car.
- Enhance Dialogue: Boost voices in podcasts, reduce background noise.
- More playback speeds in Podcasts: New listening speeds beyond the usual.
Related: iOS 26 Beta 1 Release Notes: All the Changes and Known Issues You Need to Know
Alarms, Reminders & Focus
- Custom snooze length for alarms: Finally, control your snooze time.
- Suggested reminders: Smart suggestions based on your activity.
- Auto-categorize in Reminders: Tasks sort themselves.
- Create reminders from Action button: Add tasks instantly.
- Use Focus to silence a SIM: Silence one number, keep the other active.
Privacy, Security & Accessibility
- Safety Check while blocking contacts: Auto prompts when cutting someone off.
- Communication requests in Screen Time: Parental controls for messages.
- Accessibility Reader: Zoom in on tiny text in any app.
- Braille Access: Use a braille note-taker with iPhone.
- Block list in Settings: A cleaner way to manage blocked contacts.
Related: iOS 26 Beta 1, iPadOS 26 Beta 1 OTA Update: How to Download and Install
Notes, Journal & Dictation
- Export Notes to Markdown: Great for devs and writers.
- Rich entry layout in Journal: Improved UI for journaling.
- Create multiple journals: Separate work and personal entries.
- See entries on a map: Visualize your journals by location.
- Specify spelling with Dictation: Avoid typos when speaking.
Photos, Camera & Media
- Events in Photos app: Organize pics around specific events.
- Relevant video thumbnails in search: Search inside videos visually.
- Lens cleaning hint: Get a prompt if your camera is dirty.
Wallet, Passwords & Battery
- Manage AutoFill cards in Wallet: All your saved cards, now in one place.
- Password history in Apple Passwords: See your old saved logins.
- Estimated time to full charge: Know when your iPhone will be ready.
- Adaptive power: Saves battery by tweaking brightness and more.
Maps, Games & More
- New incident types in Maps: Report more accurate road issues.
- New monogram styles in Phone app: Fresh ways to personalize.
- Multiscript keyboard (Arabic/English): Type and switch more easily.
- Arabic calculator mode: New regional mode in the Calculator app.
- Easier game controller pairing: Faster setup for gaming accessories.
- Screen sharing and SharePlay in phone calls: Now beyond FaceTime.
- New Apple Games app: Central hub for all your Apple Arcade titles.
Final Thoughts
Apple didn’t shout about these features on stage, but they make a big difference in how you use your iPhone every day. Whether it’s smarter reminders, better privacy, cleaner battery info, or subtle design tweaks. iOS 26 is packed with thoughtful improvements.
Stay tuned as we explore these features deeper with hands-on coverage in upcoming posts.
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