Brief Summary
This video presents ten lesser-known iPhone features that can enhance user experience and productivity. It covers a range of functionalities from creating custom ringtones and copying text from images to using the iPhone as a measuring tool and leveraging accessibility features like background sounds and Live Listen.
- Create custom ringtones from any recorded audio.
- Copy text directly from images using Visual Intelligence or the Magnifier app.
- Utilize Spotlight Search for quick access to apps, contacts, files, and settings.
- Drag and drop content between apps using a two-finger gesture.
- Extract subjects from photos and use them in other apps.
- Transform the keyboard into a trackpad for precise cursor control.
- Play background sounds for concentration or relaxation.
- Assign actions to double or triple taps on the back of the iPhone.
- Use Live Listen to amplify sound and transcribe audio.
- Employ the Measure app for measuring distances and leveling surfaces.
1. Create a Ringtone From Anything
You can create custom ringtones from any audio you can record using the Voice Memos app. Simply record the desired sound, access the recording's options, and select "Share," then "Use As Ringtone." This adds the recording to your ringtone list in Settings, allowing you to assign it as a main ringtone, text tone, or custom ringtone for specific contacts.
2. Copy Text With Your iPhone’s Camera
The iPhone allows you to copy text directly from images using Visual Intelligence or the Magnifier app. With Visual Intelligence, activate the feature via the Action button or Control Center, freeze the shot, and then tap and hold to select and copy the text. Alternatively, the Magnifier app can be used by capturing the text in view, then tapping and holding to adjust the selection and copy.
3. Use Spotlight Search To Get Things Done
Spotlight Search on the iPhone serves as a versatile interface for various tasks. By dragging down from the middle of the screen, you can access Search and quickly launch apps, find contacts, initiate calls or messages, and search for files within the Files app. Additionally, Spotlight Search allows you to access specific settings and Safari results, streamlining navigation and saving time.
4. Drag And Drop Content Between Apps
The iPhone supports drag-and-drop functionality between apps using a two-finger gesture. You can drag content, such as photos or files, from one app to another by tapping and holding with one finger to initiate the drag, while using another finger to switch between apps. This allows you to seamlessly insert content into emails, notes, or other applications.
5. Lift Photo Subjects Out And Use Them Elsewhere
You can easily lift the subject out of any photo and drag it into another app. By tapping and holding on the subject within a photo, you can isolate it from the background and then drag and drop it into apps like Mail, Notes, or Messages. This feature allows you to quickly share specific elements from photos without including the entire image.
6. Use the iPhone’s Hidden Trackpad
The iPhone's keyboard can be transformed into a trackpad for precise cursor control. By tapping and holding the spacebar, the keyboard turns blank, allowing you to drag the cursor with trackpad-like precision. This feature is useful for positioning the cursor within a word or selecting text. You can also use a second finger to tap and hold on the blank keyboard to make a selection.
7. Play White Noise Or Background Sounds
The iPhone has a built-in feature to play white noise or background sounds to aid concentration or relaxation. This can be accessed in Settings under Accessibility, then Hearing, then Audio & Visual, and finally Background Sounds. You can select from various sounds, adjust the volume, and set a timer to automatically turn off the sounds.
8. Trigger Actions With Back Taps
You can assign actions to double or triple taps on the back of your iPhone through the Back Tap feature in Accessibility settings. By navigating to Accessibility, then Touch, and then Back Tap, you can customize the actions triggered by double or triple taps. This allows you to quickly access system functions, accessibility settings, gestures, or custom shortcuts.
9. Boost Your Hearing With Live Listen
Live Listen is an accessibility feature that uses the iPhone's microphone to amplify sound and transmit it to connected AirPods or compatible hearing aids. This feature can be found in Accessibility under Audio & Visual. By placing the iPhone near a sound source, such as a TV, you can enhance the audio clarity and volume in your AirPods. Live Listen also offers a transcription feature and voice isolation mode.
10. Use Your iPhone As a Tape Measure or Level
The iPhone includes a Measure app that functions as both a measuring tape and a level. By opening the Measure app, you can point your iPhone at two points to measure the distance between them. Additionally, the app has a Level function that allows you to use your iPhone to ensure surfaces are level, which is useful for hanging pictures or other tasks requiring precise alignment.
