Unveiling Hidden iPhone Features: Get More Out of Your Device
Over the years, the iPhone’s operating system has evolved significantly. With each iOS update, Apple introduces new features that enhance user experience. However, not all of these features are immediately apparent, leading to hidden capabilities that even seasoned iPhone users might not be aware of.
The tips below assume that you have iOS 26 or later installed.
Transform App Icons into Widgets
One of the most versatile features in iOS 26 is the ability to turn app icons into widgets directly from the Home Screen. This feature is particularly useful for users who prefer a more dynamic interface. To convert an app icon into a widget, simply long press on the app and select a widget size from the options provided. This works with any Apple or third-party app that supports widgets. To revert the widget back into a standard app icon, long press again and select the top left icon with four squares.
See Where You’ve Been
With the Maps app, users can now access their location history to recall places they’ve visited. This feature is invaluable for travelers wishing to remember a great restaurant or location. To access this, open the Maps app, tap your profile, select Places, and then choose Visited Places. These are organized by category and city for easy navigation.
To clear your history, scroll to the bottom of the interface, or opt to keep visits for a specific period. You can turn off this feature entirely by navigating to Settings > Maps > Location > Visited Places.
Set Custom Vibrations
Did you know you can set custom vibration patterns for your contacts? This is ideal for those who keep their iPhone on silent. By assigning different vibration patterns to important contacts, you can identify who’s reaching out without checking your phone. To set a custom vibration, open the Contacts app, select a contact, tap Edit, then Text Tone or Ringtone, and choose Haptics. Here, you can create a new vibration using taps and presses.
Customize Your Lock Screen Buttons
Your iPhone’s Lock Screen buttons can be customized to open apps of your choice. Instead of the default Flashlight and Camera apps, you can select any option from the Control Center, including those from third-party apps. To modify, long press on the Lock Screen, tap Customize, and adjust the settings as desired.
Back Tap Gestures
Back Tap is a feature that allows you to assign a function to a double or triple tap on the back of your iPhone. You can use it for tasks such as taking a screenshot or activating the flashlight. To set it up, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch and select Back Tap. Assign your desired actions for each gesture.
Screenshot a Webpage
When taking a screenshot, you can capture an entire webpage rather than just the visible portion. After taking the screenshot, tap it and select “Full Page” at the top. This allows you to save an extended screenshot, ideal for capturing full articles or lengthy documents.
Hide Apps
If you prefer a cleaner Home Screen, you can hide individual apps or entire app pages. To hide an app, long press and select the Face ID option. For app pages, enter jiggle mode, tap the dots at the bottom, and deselect the pages you wish to hide. Hidden apps remain accessible via Spotlight Search and the App Library.
Quick Set a Timer
For quick timer settings, add the Timer option to your Control Center. Long press on the Timer icon to reveal a slider, allowing you to set a timer ranging from one minute to two hours swiftly. This feature is particularly handy for timing short tasks or workouts.
Remove Photos Location Data
When sharing photos, privacy-conscious users might want to remove location metadata. In the Photos app, select an image, swipe up, and tap Adjust Location to choose No Location. Alternatively, toggle off metadata when sharing a photo by selecting Options and disabling Location.
Additionally, you can control how long media plays using timers, which is helpful if you prefer listening to music or podcasts for a short duration at night.
In the Clock app, tap on Timers, set a period, then tap on the When Timer Ends option to select Stop Playing. This feature ensures any playing media stops when the timer goes off.
More Tips
Have a favorite iPhone tip that most people don’t know about? Let us know in the comments below.
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