Uncovered Secrets: 15 iPhone Functionalities Beyond the Surface You Ought to Explore
Your iPhone is packed with features that can significantly improve your productivity and user experience, many of which are hidden away in the depths of the settings. Here are 15 hidden iPhone features that are worth exploring to make your device even smarter and your daily tasks faster.
1. Back Tap Shortcut
Double or triple tap the back of your iPhone to trigger custom actions like taking screenshots, opening Control Center, or locking the screen. This feature can be found in Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
2. Keyboard Trackpad
Press and hold the spacebar on the keyboard to convert it into a trackpad for precise cursor control, making text editing much easier.
3. Drag and Drop Between Apps
Easily drag photos, links, or text from one app and drop them into another, such as dragging an image from Safari into Notes or Messages.
4. Swipe to Delete Last Number in Calculator
In the Calculator app, swipe left or right on the display to delete the last entered digit without clearing the whole calculation.
5. Hide and Lock Photos
Select photos, choose Hide from the three-dot menu in Photos app, and then lock the Hidden album with Face ID or Touch ID under Settings > Photos to protect private images.
6. Live Voicemail Transcriptions
See real-time transcripts of voicemail messages as they are being left, so you can decide whether to pick up immediately. This feature is available with iOS 17 and later.
7. Battery Charge Limit Setting
Customize your charging limit (80-100%) in Settings > Battery > Charging to extend battery lifespan by reducing full-charge time. This feature is available on iPhone 15 and later.
8. Adaptive Power and Battery Estimates
iOS now shows estimated charge time and adapts power use based on your routine to optimize battery life on busy days.
9. Context-Aware Visual Intelligence
iOS 26 recognizes actionable elements in your screen content—like meeting details in messages—and suggests one-tap actions such as adding events to your calendar.
10. Safety Check for Blocked Contacts
Instantly revoke shared information access from blocked contacts across your device to improve privacy and security.
11. Enhanced Podcasts Controls
Adjust playback speed from 0.5x to 3x per show and use “Enhance Dialogue” for clearer audio, boosting listening productivity.
12. Charge Time Estimates
See exactly how long your iPhone will take to reach a certain charge level, helping you plan charging breaks better.
13. Arabic Language Support in Calculator and Keyboard
The new layout supports Eastern Arabic numerals and a multiscript keyboard switching seamlessly between Arabic and English.
14. Saved Locations in Apple Maps
Quickly bookmark and access frequently visited places for smoother navigation planning.
15. Music Automix
Enjoy continuous, smooth music transitions without manual adjustments, maintaining focus and a steady workflow or relaxation.
These features leverage iOS's evolving accessibility, contextual intelligence, and battery management capabilities to provide a smoother, more efficient user experience. Trying them out can make your iPhone noticeably smarter and your daily tasks faster.
According to a study by the Nielsen Norman Group, users who utilized Safari's Reader Mode experienced a 25% increase in reading speed and comprehension. Hidden Battery Usage Insights allow users to monitor and manage their iPhone's battery life more effectively, potentially leading to a 20% improvement in battery longevity, as suggested by a study by Battery University.
Exploring these hidden features can transform your iPhone into a more powerful productivity tool, enhancing your user experience in unexpected ways.
Balancing life and busy daily routines can be challenging, but with the right tools, it becomes easier. Exploring the hidden iPhone features, such as the double tap shortcut, keyboard trackpad, and drag and drop between apps, can significantly enhance your productivity and daily lifestyle. Furthermore, technology advancements in entertainment, like Music Automix, can help maintain focus and a steady workflow, providing an overall improved user experience.
