Apple iOS 26 Update: 10 Surprising Tricks You Haven’t Tried Yet
From Siri-powered reminders to custom ringtones and 3D wallpapers, iOS 26 adds hidden tools that boost iPhone performance and personalization.
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Apple’s iOS 26 may have drawn attention with its Liquid Glass interface and redesigned icons, but less visible updates in the software are turning out to be more significant for everyday use.
One of the small but functional changes appears in Messages. Instead of copying entire texts, users can now select only the needed portion—such as an address or link—by long-pressing and choosing “Choose.” Messages also introduces a Drafts view, preventing unsent texts from being lost and letting users resume them later.
Siri’s role in Reminders expands with new suggestions. Information saved from Apple News or Safari, including recipes and checklists, can be converted into tasks automatically, reducing manual input.
File management has also been streamlined. For the first time, the Files app allows default app settings for specific file types. By selecting “Get Info,” users can opt for “Always Open With” to assign a permanent preference or choose “Open With” for single use.
The Camera and Photos apps add practical tools as well. Panorama clarity has been improved, and iPhones can now warn users if the camera lens is smudged. Search inside videos is sharper, moving directly to the point where the term is spoken. Photos also detects event-related details, such as song titles or concert schedules, tied to specific images.
Personalisation is expanding. Ringtones can be created directly from MP3 or M4A files under 30 seconds without using iTunes. Selecting “Quick Look,” then sharing and setting “Use as Ringtone,” makes it possible to assign custom tones instantly. The home screen can also be colour-matched with MagSafe cases for a coordinated look. Safari adds another layer of flexibility, letting users cut audio from online sources and apply them as ringtones.
Battery control is evolving with Adaptive Power Mode. Unlike Low Power Mode, this option reduces background activity intelligently while maintaining consistent device performance.
Accessibility updates include Face Gesture Control and Head Tracking. Expressions like a smile or eyebrow raise can now be used to navigate an iPhone, providing hands-free operation and new ways to interact with the device.
Photos can also be transformed into “spatial” images, giving them a 3D tilt effect when used as wallpapers. In Accessibility, users who prefer less distraction can turn on “Reduce Transparency” to make Liquid Glass visuals appear sharper.
Other system refinements include the ability to swipe back from anywhere on the screen, set reminders to return missed calls, and keep AirPods audio fixed to a single device to avoid accidental switching.
