Apple’s iOS 26 software update is finally here, and while the big headline changes usually steal the spotlight, this version tucks away plenty of small, genuinely useful additions. Some of them are the kind of tools you may not notice at first, but once you stumble upon them, they quietly make daily use of your iPhone more personal and more practical. From subtle camera tricks to fresh privacy safeguards and even deeper customization, these little tweaks do add up.
Key Takeaways
- Live Text for Video: Copy text directly from any paused video.
- Secure Folder: A locked space for apps, photos, and files, protected by Face ID or your passcode.
- Control Center Customization: Rearrange and resize the layout however you want.
- Smarter Siri Suggestions: More relevant actions suggested depending on where you are and what you do.
So yes, iOS 26 might feel like a bundle of small adjustments rather than one giant leap, but together they really shift the experience. Below are 18 features you probably haven’t heard much about yet.
One of the standout additions is Live Text for Video. Just as you can already do with photos, you can now pause a video and lift out any text visible in the frame, whether that means copying it, pasting it somewhere else, or even translating it on the spot. Imagine watching a recorded lecture or presentation and being able to grab the important details without retyping a thing. The camera also gets ProRAW for All, meaning even iPhones that aren’t Pro models can shoot in ProRAW, giving everyday users more editing control. Pair that with AI Photo Search, where you can type something as casual as “show me pictures from my Goa trip where I am on the beach,” and the Photos app now feels a lot smarter at finding what you need.
On the privacy side, Apple has tucked in a few thoughtful upgrades. The new Secure Folder is perhaps the most noticeable. It creates an encrypted space on your phone where you can hide apps, photos, or files that need an extra layer of security. Access requires Face ID or a separate passcode, so it’s not just sitting behind your regular unlock screen. Then there’s App Tracker Alert, which now delivers a summary of which apps have tapped into your location, microphone, or camera over the past week. It’s the kind of detail that makes you more aware of what’s happening in the background.
Customization is another area that feels fresher in iOS 26. For years people have wanted more control over Control Center, and now you finally get it. You can move things around, change the layout entirely, and even resize buttons to suit how you actually use them. Lock Screen personalization continues too, with Custom Clock Fonts that let you tweak the look and color of the time display so it blends better with your wallpaper.
Messages also gets some quality-of-life upgrades. A feature called iMessage Nudge can send a soft, secondary notification to someone who may have overlooked your first text. It’s subtle, but it might save you from waiting hours for a reply that never comes. For international conversations, Live Message Translation automatically converts incoming texts into your own language, directly inside the Messages app, which feels both seamless and overdue.
Daily convenience plays a big role in this update. Siri, for instance, is learning to be more contextual. With new Shortcuts suggestions, you might get a prompt like “Open Music” the moment your AirPods connect, which cuts out the extra steps. Cross-App Reminders are another neat touch: you can set a reminder inside Safari, and it will link straight back to the exact webpage you were looking at. Apple also sneaks in a Built-in Wi-Fi Speed Test right inside Wi-Fi settings, so you don’t need to download a separate app just to check your internet performance.
There are also plenty of smaller but surprisingly handy additions:
- Per-App Language Settings, which let you assign a different language to each app.
- Haptic Keyboard Customization, giving you control over the vibration strength of key presses.
- Dynamic Island Widgets, adding small interactive widgets to the Dynamic Island on newer iPhones.
- Shared App Timers for SharePlay sessions, so everyone can keep track of a timer inside an app at the same time.
- QuickNote from Corner, which lets you swipe up from the bottom-right corner of the Lock Screen to instantly jot down a note.
- Advanced Battery Details, now showing not only battery health but also the estimated cost of a replacement, plus the ability to schedule a service appointment directly.
Individually, these features might not seem groundbreaking. But together they create a smoother, more thoughtful iPhone experience. It’s the kind of update where the more you explore, the more you find yourself saying, “Oh, that’s handy.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 26?
A. iOS 26 is available for the iPhone 11 and all newer models. Some features, like those related to the Dynamic Island, are exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro and newer Pro models.
Q. How do I update my iPhone to iOS 26?
A. You can update your iPhone by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has at least 50% battery.
Q. How do I use the new Secure Folder feature?
A. After updating, you can set up the Secure Folder from the Settings app. Once enabled, you can move apps, photos from the Photos app, or files from the Files app into it by selecting them and choosing the “Move to Secure Folder” option.
Q. Is the Live Text for Video feature available for all videos?
A. Yes, Live Text for Video works on any video you can pause on your screen, including those in your Photos library, in Safari, and within third-party apps like YouTube.
Q. Can I completely change the Control Center layout?
A. Yes, iOS 26 allows you to move any control to any position. You can also add, remove, and resize the modules to create a layout that works best for you.
