Everything you don't know about iOS 26: Hidden features that make the iPhone smarter (Part 1)

With each new iOS release, we hear a lot about the standout features Apple announces, but the truth is there's always a huge and diverse array of hidden features that most users aren't aware of, which make the iPhone experience faster and more efficient. iOS 26Apple didn't just add obvious improvements; it also introduced a range of small but very useful changes, from gesture enhancements and photo management tools to enhanced security and data control. Let's explore the first part of our article, "All the Hidden Features in iOS 26 That Many iPhone Users Don't Know About."

Pull back feature

You can now start swiping back from the middle of the screen instead of just the edge. This small feature makes navigation faster, but it won't work in some apps like email because it conflicts with other functions.

Quick access to tabs

You can quickly access tabs in Safari in several ways, including:

• Pull up directly from the title bar.
• Double-tap the three-dot button at the bottom.
• To duplicate any tab, press and hold on it and select “Duplicate”.
• Sort the tabs alphabetically by title or location to make browsing easier.

Quick reminder of missed calls

Swiping left on missed calls reveals a new button to set a redial reminder, which is the same way calls are reminded when they are answered.

Customize the colors of the home screen icons

When choosing a color for your home screen icons, you now have two new options:

• Match the color to the phone's color.
• Color matching with phone case (available for Apple cases only).

Add full credit card details

You can now save all your card details within the Wallet app. This includes the full card number, expiration date, and security code. This feature makes it easier to make payments outside of Apple Pay without needing the physical card.

Amendment to the classification of financial transactions

You can change the classification of any financial transaction individually or for a group of transactions from the same merchant, instead of relying on Apple's automatic classification.

Track the places you visited

The “Visited Places” feature in the Maps app allows you to keep a record of all the places you have visited, with the option to delete any location individually to maintain privacy.

Enhanced protection when connecting wired accessories

A new window will appear asking if you want to connect a new wired accessory. This feature is new to the iPhone but has been available on Macs for some time. It's a security measure to prevent data theft via USB ports. Specifically, it protects you from "juice jacking," a type of attack that exploits public charging ports in airports, hotels, and cafes to steal data or install malware on a victim's device.

Customize ringtones

Previously, creating a ringtone was a complex, multi-step process requiring the use of GarageBand. Now, you can simply open the Files app, long-press on an MP3 file shorter than 30 seconds, tap Share, then More, and finally select Use as Ringtone.

Easily share your IMEI number

You can now share your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) or EID (Embedded Identity Document) number with an Apple Store or Apple Support instead of entering it manually. Go to Settings, then General, then About, then scroll down to find your device's IMEI number. Tap and hold the number, then choose to share it via QR code or NFC.

 In conclusion to this first part, where we explored the hidden features of iOS 26, it's clear that Apple has become increasingly attentive to its users' needs, focusing heavily on subtle details that subtly and intelligently transform the daily user experience. While many of these features may seem minor and go unnoticed, over time they make a real difference in terms of smoothness, privacy, and overall system interaction. What we've revealed here is just the beginning, as iOS 26 still holds many more secrets and profound improvements worth exploring. Stay tuned for part two, coming soon, where we'll delve deeper into other hidden features that might make you see your iPhone in a completely new light.

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