26 Hidden iOS 26 Features: Beyond the WWDC Announcements

iOS 26 Public Beta Discoveries

• 💡 The public beta of iOS 26 has revealed numerous hidden features and settings not covered in Apple's WWDC presentation.
• ⚠️ Users can access the beta at beta.apple.com, but should back up their data and be prepared for potential bugs and crashes as it's not final software.

Battery and Camera Enhancements

• 🔋 When an iPhone is plugged in, the lock screen will display the estimated time to reach 80% battery charge.
• ⚙️ Within battery settings, an 'adaptive power' option allows for small performance adjustments to extend battery life.
• 🧼 The camera app will now prompt users to clean a smudged lens to improve image quality.

Customization and App Updates

• ⏰ Users can now customize the snooze duration for alarms, moving beyond the standard 9-minute interval.
• 🎶 New alarm and ringtone sounds are available, including an alternative to the standard iPhone reflection sound.
• 📝 The Notes app introduces a new broad edge marker tool and a cute animation for completed checklist items; notes can also be exported as markdown files.
• 🖼️ Photos can gain a new 3D spatial effect, applicable to any photo regardless of its original depth information.

Convenience and Accessibility Features

• 📌 Control Center now includes a shortcut for creating reminders and a shortcut to background sounds (white noise, nature sounds) for focus.
• 🎧 Podcast app updates include dialogue enhancement and a scrub-to-adjust speed feature, with settings savable per show.
• 🎵 Music app playlists can now be organized into folders.
• ✈️ When using AirPods, media automatically pauses if you fall asleep, allowing for seamless resumption upon waking.
• 📸 AirPods can function as a camera remote via an accessibility setting.
• 🔊 Settings allow music to remain in headphones when transitioning to a car's audio system.

Safari, Screenshots, and Communication Tools

• 🔖 A new Safari gesture allows users to bookmark a page by double-tapping the three-dot menu.
• 📸 Screenshots can now capture the full webpage or be saved in HDR for more vibrant colors; this setting is found under general screen capture options.
• 💬 Users can now select specific portions of a text message instead of the entire message.
• 🎤 Audio files from Voice Memos or saved files can be easily converted into ringtones.

Wallet and Accessibility Adjustments

• 🔍 The Apple Wallet app now features a search function for passes and past transactions.
• 👓 For improved legibility, users can reduce the transparency of 'liquid glass' effects under accessibility and display settings.