Brief Summary
This video highlights hidden features in iOS 26, focusing on enhancements that Apple didn't emphasize during the main announcements. It covers improvements to battery settings, customizable alarm snooze durations, AirPods connectivity management, an expanded library of background sounds, a revamped screenshot UI with smart actions, camera lens cleaning hints, spatial photo capabilities, external microphone controls, and 3D graphing in Math Notes.
- New battery settings and charging estimates
- Customizable alarm snooze duration
- Enhanced screenshot UI with smart actions
- Spatial photos on any iPhone
- 3D graphing in Math Notes
Intro: iOS 26 Hidden Features Overview
The video introduces a collection of hidden features found in iOS 26, beyond the major updates. The presenter has been exploring the new OS to uncover useful features that Apple may not have highlighted. The focus is on sharing these lesser-known features with viewers.
New Battery Settings & Charging Estimate
iOS 26 includes a redesigned battery settings menu with a more user-friendly interface. The new UI allows users to compare battery usage across different days and see the percentage of battery consumed by each application. Additionally, when the iPhone is plugged in and charging while locked, it now provides an estimated time for the battery to reach 80%.
Custom Alarm Snooze Duration + API
The clock app in iOS 26 now allows users to customize the snooze duration for alarms, a feature that has been set at nine minutes for many years. Users can now choose a snooze duration between 1 and 15 minutes. Apple has also opened up an alarm API for third-party developers, allowing them to integrate alarm clock functionality into their apps.
AirPods Stay in Headphones Setting
A new setting in iOS 26 helps manage AirPods connectivity when using multiple Apple devices. Located in the AirPlay and Continuity settings, the "Keep audio in headphones" option ensures that audio remains in the AirPods even when other playback devices, such as car stereos, connect to the iPhone. This prevents the audio from unexpectedly switching to another device.
Expanded Background Sounds Library
The background sounds feature in the Control Center has been expanded with many new options. Previously offering only a few choices, iOS 26 now includes around 20 different ambient sounds like fire, babble, steam, airplane, and boat.
New Screenshot UI & Smart Actions
iOS 26 introduces a redesigned screenshot UI and new settings for screen captures. A dedicated settings category allows users to enable full-screen previews, disable automatic visual lookup, enable CarPlay screenshots, and choose high-quality (HDR) screenshots. The new UI includes visual intelligence options at the bottom, such as "summarize" and "image search," which intelligently recommend actions based on the screenshot's content. Pressing the X on the top left deletes the screenshot, while the check mark on the top right provides options to save or delete it.
Camera Lens Cleaning Hints
The camera settings in iOS 26 include a new "lens cleaning hints" feature. When enabled, the camera will display a suggestion to clean the lens if it detects blur or smudges that could affect image quality.
Spatial Photos on Any iPhone
iOS 26 brings spatial photo capabilities to any iPhone, allowing users to view photos with a 3D effect. This feature works with new photos, portrait mode photos, and even older photos with a clear subject and background. By tapping the new button below the ellipses in the top right corner of a photo, users can create a spatial effect, which can also be used on the lock screen.
External Mic & Voice Isolation Control
iOS 26 provides better management of external audio accessories through a new system control setting in the Control Center. When an external microphone is connected, users can select the microphone they want to use and choose between automatic, standard, voice isolation, and wide spectrum modes for sound quality.
Math Notes 3D Graphing
Math Notes in the Notes application now supports 3D graphing. Users can input equations with multiple variables, and the application will generate a 3D graph that can be manipulated in real time. This feature allows users to visualize and solve math problems, and it is available on both iPhone and iPad.
Final Thoughts & Favorite Feature
The video concludes by encouraging viewers to share their favorite iOS 26 features in the comments. The presenter's favorite feature is the new screenshot UI due to its enhanced functionality and potential for future growth.
