iOS 26 is Here: These Five Hidden Features All iPhone Users Should Know

Apple launched its completely redesigned iPhone operating system, iOS 26, this week. However, some new and helpful features are well hidden. Here are the most important ones.

A few days ago, Apple released its mobile operating system iOS 26 (and, of course, iPadOS 26). The most striking change is that, with its so-called "Liquid Glass" design, the US company has given the software a completely new look.

But there are also plenty of new features and options under the hood for customizing the operating system to your needs. These five settings are worth knowing.

1. Reduce transparency

As beautiful as the effects of "Liquid Glass" are, the new transparent look isn't to everyone's taste. Especially since it obscures the view in some menus. Furthermore, the effect makes some elements appear washed out and overexposed.

To reduce this effect, Apple added the "Reduce Transparency" option to its operating system. Unfortunately, the switch for this is somewhat hidden. Users can find it in the iOS settings under "Accessibility" and "Display & Text Size." After activating the feature, the windows and menus in iOS appear significantly less transparent.

2. Screenshots in full-screen mode

Apple's ability to take screenshots by pressing two side buttons is a handy feature. Apple has added new features to this feature.

The most useful feature is the ability to view screenshots larger than before, allowing you to edit them immediately after taking them. This option can be found in the settings under "General" and "Screenshot." If you enable the "Full-screen previews" slider, you'll see screenshots as full-screen images instead of thumbnails.

3. Spatial photos

One of the most impressive new features is the ability to give your images a stylish 3D effect. This is also possible with old images from your own photo library.

Here's how it works: After opening an image, a new hexagonal icon appears in the upper right corner. When activated, the text "Spatial Scene" appears on the image, and iOS adds a 3D effect to it.

The effect can also be applied to lock screen images. To do so, users simply select an image, set it as the lock screen background using the "Share" button, and then add the 3D effect using the hexagonal button.

4. Adjust snooze duration

Anyone who previously pressed the snooze button when their iPhone alarm went off in the morning could sleep for exactly nine minutes – without exception. There was no way to adjust the time. Apple has finally changed that with iOS 26.

From now on, iPhone owners can decide for themselves how much time should pass before the alarm rings again. To do so, simply open the Clock app, tap "Alarm" at the bottom of the screen, and open the respective alarm schedule. Under "Snooze Duration," you can set the time between one and 15 minutes.

5. Show remaining battery charging time.

With iOS 26, it's now possible for the first time to see the remaining battery charge time. Previously, users had no idea how long their iPhone would take to fully recharge.

While the indicator is only an estimate, it can show how fast or slow charging is for different devices, for example, when using chargers with different wattages. Apple has integrated the indicator into the settings under the "Battery" menu item.

In addition to these five features, there are many other new features. For example, Apple has tidied up the camera app and removed the switches at the bottom. You can also mute calls from unknown numbers, and a new app now displays all games in one place, rather than having them hidden away in Apple Arcade or the App Store.

How to install iOS 26?

There are two ways to get the system update, which has been available since Monday. You can download it manually via the Settings app and install it as soon as it's available. You can do this under "General" > "Software Update." You can also set the iPhone to automatically install updates as soon as they're available. You can also do this via the Settings app. Here, select "General" > "Software Update" > "Automatic Updates." An internet connection is required, of course.

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