Game-changing 'hidden' features in iOS 26 update you've probably missed
Apple's iOS 26 rollout has been pretty bumpy since its launch just a few days ago.
Many iPhone users have been left so frustrated that they've been searching for ways to roll back to iOS 18. One of the biggest doubts with the launch of iOS 26 is the introduction of what Apple is calling 'Liquid Glass', which some users described as a regression.
That said, iOS 26 isn't all bad news. The software update brought a major visual overhaul and tonnes of changes that many users have not yet discovered.
Here are five hidden tricks in iOS 26 that are definitely worth checking out.
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Add reminders from the Control Centre
The new update added a handy new Reminders shortcut that you can add to either your lock screen or Control Centre. Just press and hold your lock screen, then tap 'customise' to modify your current setup or hit the '+' button to create a new one.
From there, tap on one of the circles at the bottom corners of your screen and search for the 'Reminders' option.
Once it's set up, you can tap that icon at any time to quickly add something to your Reminders app without having to dig through your phone.
Change the snooze duration of alarms
This one feels like it should have existed forever, but somehow Apple only just added the ability to customise your alarm snooze duration in iOS 26.
Now, if you open the Clock app and create a new alarm or edit an existing one, you’ll see a ‘Snooze Duration’ option. You can set it anywhere from one minute to 15 minutes, which is a game-changer for heavy sleepers.
Create polls in the Messages app
iOS 26 quietly added polls to the Messages app, which is perfect for those endless group chats about where to eat or what movie to watch.
Just open any chat, tap the '+' button next to the text field, select 'Polls', and fill in your options.
Everyone in the group can then vote, and hopefully you'll spend less time going back and forth about dinner plans.
Turn your AirPods into a video microphone
iOS 26 has made it so your AirPods can act as a microphone when you're recording videos. And it only needs to be set up once.
First, ensure your AirPods are connected. Then, go to Settings and tap the name of your AirPods near the top. Hit 'Camera Remote', then choose either 'Press Once' or 'Press and Hold'.
After that, when you're in the Camera app's video mode, swipe down to Control Centre and tap 'Camera Controls'.
Select your AirPods in the 'input' section, pick your preferred mic mode (Automatic, Standard, Voice Isolation, or Wide Spectrum), and you're ready to go.
Add 3D effects to photos
For photography lovers, iOS 26 introduced a 3D effect feature that can make any photo look more dynamic. To add 3D to your images, simply tap the ‘Spatial Scene’ button in the top right corner of any image.
Moreover, when editing your lock screen image, you'll also see a Spatial Scene button near the bottom of the editor.
Selecting this will make your wallpaper shift slightly as you move your phone around, creating a neat depth effect that somewhat brings your photo to life.