After we reviewed in Part 1: The most prominent hidden secrets in iOS 26 Many iPhone users might overlook these features. In this second part, we'll unveil a new set of smart features that work silently in the background, yet make a tangible difference to your user experience and how you interact with your device. They also give your iPhone a new level of smoothness and intelligence. Let's explore some of the hidden features in iOS 26 that many users are unaware of.
The magnifying lens when taking a screenshot
With iOS 26, when taking a screenshot and selecting "Select," tap the (+) button at the bottom. The "Add Ring" option will appear. Tap it, and an adjustable magnifying glass will be added to the screenshot to help focus on specific details.
Improvements when recording audio
In the Voice Memos app, tap the three dots to the right of any recording to find a new option called “Studio Voice.” This option will use artificial intelligence to isolate background noise and make your voice sound as if you were in a soundproof recording room.
New feature in Always-On Display
In the Always On Display settings, you'll find a new option that dims and blurs the background image, allowing you to maintain privacy while still enjoying the colors on your device's screen.
Organizing blocked contacts
In the Messages app on iOS 26, Apple enhanced privacy controls with a visual indicator that appears next to blocked contacts, and the message input box disappears within any blocked conversation. A new “Blocked Contacts” section was also added under Settings > Privacy & Security, which consolidates all blocked accounts in one place. This makes managing blocks easier and clearer, giving users greater control over their communication experience.
Selecting specific text in messages
Through the operating system iOS 26You will now be able to select a specific part of the text in messages and conversations and copy it with ease.
Creating Ginmoji icons
When creating Ginmoji icons, you no longer need to describe the type of emoji you want in words. Instead, you can select multiple emojis and combine them into a new one. You can also add people's faces to change the emoji's appearance.
Improved camera experience
In the camera settings, there's a new option to save captured photos to your photo library. This option automatically saves all photos you send directly through the messaging app.
Cleaning the iPhone camera
There's also a new camera feature called "Lens Cleaning Tips" that automatically detects smudges. When you take a photo or video, an alert will appear saying "Clean the rear camera" so you know when to wipe it and get the best possible lens performance.
Remote camera control
You can also use AirPods to remotely control the camera, but this feature only works with certain models such as AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 and 3.
Music application
You can pin your favorite playlists, albums, or artists to the top of the library with the option to choose a custom action when you click on them, such as shuffle or jump to a specific album.
When a song is playing, there's a new translation button for lyrics not written in your language. There's also another button to show how to pronounce words in languages that use different scripts or writing systems, such as Japanese, Korean, or Chinese, helping you follow along, understand, and pronounce the song correctly without any problems.
Enlarge the text for translation or pronunciation
You can view the album cover in full screen with the ability to switch between full and minimized views.
New audio features
The new feature, found in the settings under AirPlay and Continuity, prevents automatic audio switching to other Bluetooth devices. It also allows for the addition of various background sounds with control over timing and audio properties.
Improvements to images and video
In the Photos app, you can now convert photos to 3D by tapping the small hexagon icon in the top right corner. The app will analyze the image and add a 3D parallax effect when you move your phone, making the photo appear three-dimensional.
The Photos app also includes an event recognition feature. If you've previously taken photos or videos at a concert or sporting event, you'll now see a ticket icon at the bottom, indicating that the event has been recognized. Tap it, and you'll find information such as the final score, the teams that played, and the stadium where it was held.
Podcast improvements
You can precisely adjust the podcast playback speeds from 0.5 to 2.9, with the ability to adjust and customize the sound for each podcast individually.
Vehicle traffic signals
Instead of using black dots on the screen to reduce motion sickness, iOS 26 introduces a new customization page where you can change the color and size of these indicators and add more of them.
background sounds
Previously, there were eight sound options. In iOS 26, Apple added eight more. You can also choose to keep the sound playing while listening to other media, and adjust the volume level.
Furthermore, there's an option to mute the sound when the device is locked. If you want to quickly access these sounds without having to navigate through settings, you can add a background sound shortcut to Control Center.
Features of the Files app
In the Files app, folders can now be customized just like in macOS Tahoe. You can choose from a long list of icons or tap the emoji icon to select one from the emoji keyboard. There's also a "Tags" option that changes the folder's color. Additionally, there's an option to set "Quick Preview" as the default action when you tap a file.
Call log
All calls with any contact can now be viewed separately from the public log.
Using Siri during calls
A keyboard can be opened and Siri commands can be typed without using voice during calls.
Password log
The password application now displays all previous passwords for each site in order to make them easier to manage without any problem.
In concluding the second part of our journey through iOS 26, we realize that Apple's new philosophy is no longer limited to providing beautiful interfaces, but has radically focused on empowering the user through simple, intelligent details that save time and effort. These hidden features we've explored today are prime examples of how the operating system now understands your habits and meets your needs better than ever before.
Were you aware of those features in iOS 26? Let us know in the comments!
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