iPhone Tips and Tricks 2026: 15 Hidden Features
Even iPhone power users miss features. We compiled 15 hidden tricks for iOS 18 in 2026 — quick wins that save time daily once you know them.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This costs you nothing extra and helps keep this site free.
⚡ Power-User Accessories
These let you actually USE the advanced iOS features.
Use Find My + Precision Finding to locate things
For Quick Note + Scribble features
Use StandBy mode at night
Unlocks Quick Reply, Siri handoff
Cost Breakdown — All Options
| Where | Cost | Wait | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action Button (iPhone 15 Pro+) | Customizable | Settings → Action Button | Map to Camera, Flashlight, Shortcut |
| Live Voicemail | iOS 17+ | Settings → Phone | Real-time transcription of voicemails |
| Standby Mode | iOS 17+ | Charger + landscape | Turns iPhone into smart display |
| NameDrop | iOS 17+, iPhone 11+ | Touch tops together | Share contacts instantly |
| Focus Filters | iOS 16+ | Settings → Focus | Hide distracting content per Focus |
| Visual Lookup | iOS 16+ | Photos app | Identify pets, plants, landmarks |
| Translate via Camera | iOS 16+ | Camera app | Live translate signs/menus |
1. Customize the Action Button (iPhone 15 Pro+)
Replace the mute switch with anything: Camera, Flashlight, Voice Memo, Shortcut, Translate. Settings → Action Button → swipe through options. Press and hold to trigger.
Power tip: Map it to a custom Shortcut for any complex action you do daily — like 'Open Maps + start navigation home + play Pandora.'
2. Live Voicemail (iOS 17+)
iOS now transcribes voicemails in REAL TIME so you can see what's being said and decide whether to pick up. Settings → Phone → Live Voicemail. Game-changer for screening unknown callers.
3. Standby Mode — Turn iPhone into Smart Display
Charge iPhone on its side (landscape) — Standby Mode activates. Shows clock, calendar, photos, weather. Customizable widgets. Great bedside experience.
4. NameDrop — Share Contacts in 1 Second
Hold the tops of two iPhones together. NameDrop pops up — pick what to share (your contact info or just phone). No more typing names at networking events.
5. Focus Filters Hide Specific Content
Setup a Work Focus that hides specific home screens, only allows certain notifications. Plus filters within apps — only show work emails in Mail, only work projects in Calendar. Settings → Focus → Work → add filters.
6. Visual Lookup — Identify Anything
Open any photo in Photos app. Look for the (i) icon with stars. Tap it. iPhone identifies plants, animals, landmarks, and more. Works offline for many objects.
7. Live Camera Translation
Open Camera app, point at a sign or menu in foreign language. Tap the icon at bottom-right (translate). On-screen text translates in real time. Works for 10+ languages.
8. Lock Specific App Behind Face ID
Long-press any app icon → Require Face ID. App can't open without authentication. Great for apps with sensitive content (banking, health, dating).
9. Customize Lock Screen by Focus
Different Lock Screens for Work, Personal, Sleep. Each Focus auto-switches to its dedicated Lock Screen. Long-press lock screen to add new ones.
10. Precision Finding for AirTags (iPhone 11+)
If you're within ~30 feet of an AirTag, the Find My app uses ultra-wideband to give you arrow + distance. Like a treasure hunt — much faster than just hearing the chirp.
11. Quick Note from Anywhere
Swipe up from bottom-right with Apple Pencil (or Cmd+Shift+N on Mac with iPad-Mac integration). Instant note that links back to whatever app you were in.
12. Photos App Hidden Album
Settings → Photos → toggle 'Show Hidden Album' off. Now your Hidden album doesn't appear in the album list — extra privacy.
13. iPhone as Trackpad for Mac
If you have a Mac and iPhone signed into same Apple ID, you can use iPhone as a Mac trackpad in some apps. Useful for presentations.
14. Stop iPhone from Auto-Joining Bad WiFi
Settings → Wi-Fi → tap (i) next to network → toggle 'Auto-Join' off for any WiFi you don't want to auto-connect (e.g., flaky coffee shop networks).
15. Move Multiple Apps at Once
Long-press an app icon to enter wiggle mode. While holding the first icon, tap others with another finger to add them to the stack. Drag the whole stack to new pages.
Mail-In Repair Service
Don't have time to wait for Apple? We offer mail-in repair with overnight return shipping.