Just got a new iPhone? You’re in for a treat—but there’s a catch. The iPhone 17 lineup has been a massive hit for Apple, boasting some of the most impressive features in years. From powerhouse cameras to stunning displays, these devices are a dream come true. But here’s the kicker: their user-friendly design is so intuitive that many users never scratch the surface of what iOS 26 can truly do. And this is the part most people miss: hidden within this sleek operating system are countless features waiting to be discovered, features that could transform your iPhone experience. Let’s dive into the 10 iOS 26 gems you need to try first—and trust me, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
1. Never Forget a Callback Again
Missed a call? Swipe left on the notification, and you’ll spot a blue clock icon. Tap it, and voilà—a quick menu lets you set a reminder to call back later. This small but mighty feature ensures you stay on top of your communication without cluttering your to-do list.
2. The Hidden Camera Menu Shortcut
Struggling to reach the camera app’s menu with one hand? Here’s a game-changer: swipe up on the black area around the shutter button. This hidden gesture instantly reveals the menu, making it a breeze to adjust settings on the fly.
3. Disable the Annoying Swipe-to-Camera Feature
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the swipe-to-open camera feature on the lock screen. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some find it handy, many (including me) find it infuriating, especially when trying to clear notifications. To turn it off, head to Settings > Camera, scroll down, and toggle off Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera. Problem solved.
4. Dive into Call History for a Single Contact
Ever needed to review your call history with just one person? iOS 26 makes it effortless. Open your Contacts, select a name, and tap the new Call History tab. It’s a simple yet powerful way to track your conversations.
5. Stop Saving Unnecessary Photos in iMessage
We’ve all snapped quick photos in iMessage—think grocery lists or outfit approvals—only to have them clutter our gallery. Here’s the fix: go to Settings > Camera, scroll to the bottom, and toggle off Save Captures to Photo Library. Your camera roll will thank you.
6. Master Safari’s Hidden Tab Shortcut
Safari’s new layout has left some users scratching their heads. To quickly view all open tabs, swipe up on the search bar. It’s a slick shortcut that beats digging through menus.
7. Assign Reminders to the Action Button
The Action Button is more versatile than you think. In iOS 26, you can assign it to launch the Reminders app. Perfect for the forgetful among us! Head to Settings > Action Button > Controls, and set it up in seconds.
8. Record Your Side of Video Calls
Need to capture your side of a video chat? iOS 26’s Local Capture feature has you covered. Add it to your Control Center, and you’re ready to record audio or video—ideal for content creators or anyone needing a quick reference.
9. Let Apple Intelligence Identify Concerts in Your Photos
Apple Intelligence takes your Photos app to the next level. Search for “concert,” and it’ll pull up all your live music memories. But here’s the cool part: swipe up on a concert photo, and it’ll identify the artist and even play their music on Apple Music. Talk about a trip down memory lane!
10. Keep Your Audio Locked to Your Headphones
Tired of your audio jumping between devices? Go to Settings > General > Airplay & Handoff, and toggle on Keep Audio with Headphones. This ensures your music stays put, no matter how many Bluetooth devices are nearby.
Now, over to you: Which of these iOS 26 features are you most excited to try? And do you think Apple’s user-friendly design sometimes hides its most powerful tools? Let’s debate in the comments!**
