Apple’s iOS 26 has gotten a lot of attention for its stylish appearance upgrades and polished new features. But there are many missed gems waiting to be found that go above the flashy features that were shown off at launch. Just like discovering the Pusoy Dos ranking in a card game lets players come up with better strategies, finding these lesser-known tools can change how you use your iPhone every day, from saving battery life to making you more productive and even improving your music experience.

You might still be getting used to iOS 26 if you just updated. We’ll look at some of the hidden iOS 26 features you should try in this guide, along with useful advice on how to incorporate them into your daily life.

Why Look for Hidden Features?

Apple often adds minor yet powerful features that don’t get much attention at the big keynote events. You can usually find these features hidden in Settings, Safari, the Music app, or in gestures. They might not get a lot of attention, but they make iPhones easier to use, more personalized, and more fun.

1. Swipe-Back Gesture Anywhere on Screen

It’s no longer necessary to delicately swipe from the edge of your screen to go back to apps. You can go back to the previous page by swiping from any point on the left side of your screen in iOS 26.

Why it’s useful:

  • Makes it much easier to use with one hand, especially on bigger iPhones.
  • Lessens missed swipes and annoyance.
  • Works with most native and external apps.

To try it, just swipe from the middle or left side of the screen while you are using Safari, Messages, or Instagram.

2. Keep Audio in Headphones

This feature is great if you’ve ever had the iPhone’s audio suddenly switch from your own AirPods to a speaker with Bluetooth or car system. The “Keep Audio in Headphones” toggle in iOS 26 lets you lock audio to the device you want.

Why it’s useful:

  • Stop awkward moments when you’re on the phone or listening to music.
  • Good for keeping your privacy when you’re out in public.
  • Make sure you can listen without interruption.

Find it under: Settings > Bluetooth > Your Device > Audio Options.

3. Callback Reminders for Missed Calls

How many instances have you missed a call and said you’d call back, but then forgot? You can now swipe left on the call that was missed in the Phone app on iOS 26 and set a reminder to call back.

Why it’s useful:

  • Keeps you in touch with important people.
  • You can set an alert for later on that date or at a certain time.
  • Great for calls at work and at home.

This feature works directly with the Reminders app to keep everything neat and tidy.

4. Customizable Alarm Snooze Durations

The strange 9-minute snooze has served as a standard feature on iPhones for a long time, but you can now change it. You can choose how long you want to snooze in iOS 26 when you set or change an alarm.

Why it’s useful:

  • If you’re looking for a quick nap, pick a shorter snooze (5 minutes).
  • For more rest, take longer naps (15 to 20 minutes).
  • Works with different morning schedules.

A small change that gives you more control over how you wake up.

5. Translate Lyrics in Apple Music

You can now translate Apple Music lyrics in real time, not just show them live. This is a must-try if you like K-Pop, Latin music, or J-Pop but don’t know what the songs mean.

Why it’s useful:

  • Makes it easier to find foreign songs.
  • It helps people learn a language by letting them have fun.
  • Works with both iPads and iPhones.

To see the lyrics of a song, just tap on them and then click the translate button.

6. Call-Log Filters

Unwanted calls and voicemails can quickly fill up your call history. With iOS 26, you can use filters in the Phone app to sort calls that are missed, spam, voicemails, and furthermore.

Why it’s useful:

  • It’s quicker to identify important calls.
  • It keeps spam from filling up your log.
  • Useful for people who have to keep track of both work and personal numbers.

7. SIM-Based Focus Modes

In iOS 26, focus modes are stronger. You can now choose different Focus modes based on which SIM is in use.

Why it’s useful:

  • Great for people who use two SIM cards to balance their professional and private lives.
  • For instance, if your work SIM is on, your phone will automatically switch to “Work Focus.”
  • Keeps you from having to change settings by hand.

Check it under: Settings > Focus > SIM Options.

8. Lens Cleaning Hints in Camera

Have you ever taken a blurry picture and then realized your lens was dirty? If the iOS 26 camera application sees smudges, it will now show a hint that says, “Clean your lens.”

Why it’s useful:

  • Stops photos and videos from being ruined.
  • Very useful in bright sunlight or low light.
  • Keep the picture quality of your iPhone camera sharp all the time.

9. Adaptive Power Mode

Low Power Mode gets smarter with iOS 26. Adaptive Power Mode doesn’t just lower activity; it changes performance depending on what you’re doing.

Why it’s useful:

  • Saves energy when doing simple things like reading.
  • Automatically speeds up performance for apps that need it.
  • Adds time to the battery life without making big sacrifices.

Enable it under: Settings > Battery > Adaptive Power Mode.

10. Spatial Scenes in Photos & Lock Screen

Apple’s design improvements involve spatial scenes that make flat photos look like real backgrounds. They make the Lock Screen look like it has depth in 3D.

Why it’s useful:

  • Gives your Lock Screen a new look.
  • Works great with pictures of people.
  • Adds a little bit of animation that makes it feel high-end.

It’s a small change, but it makes unlocking the device feel brand new.

Final Thoughts

The best thing about every new iOS update isn’t always the features that Apple shows off on stage; it’s the hidden features that change the way we use our devices without us even knowing it. iOS 26 has a lot of small improvements which can make a major impact, like smarter reminders, better battery life, and more immersive visuals.

Spend some time looking through your iPhone’s settings and trying out these cool features. You’ll see that iOS 26 isn’t just about how it looks; it’s also about making daily activities easier, better, and more fun.