Dive into our detailed exploration of 10 lesser-known iPhone features that can enhance your user experience, streamline tasks, and unlock new functionalities.
The iPhone is renowned for its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and a multitude of features. While many of its functions are front and center, several helpful features are not as well-publicized.
These hidden gems can improve your productivity, customize your experience, or just make your iPhone use more enjoyable. Here, we reveal ten lesser-known iPhone features that could change the way you interact with your device.
1. Customizable Control Center
The Control Center on your iPhone is a hub for quick settings and controls. Many users don’t realize you can customize this to fit your needs.
Go to “Settings” > “Control Center” > “Customize Controls,” then tap the “+” icon next to any item you want to add. This can include controls for low power mode, text size, and even accessibility shortcuts.
2. Back Tap Feature
Introduced in iOS 14, the Back Tap feature allows you to perform actions just by double or triple tapping the back of your iPhone.
You can set it up to take a screenshot, lock your screen, or even open an app. To enable this, go to “Settings” > “Accessibility” > “Touch” > “Back Tap” and choose your preferred actions.
3. Text Replacement Shortcuts
The Text Replacement feature is a boon for those who type a lot and want to save time. You can create shortcuts for your frequently used phrases.
For example, typing “omw” can automatically expand to “on my way.” Set this up in “Settings” > “General” > “Keyboard” > “Text Replacement.”
4. Hide Photos Without Deleting
Sometimes you have photos that you prefer to keep private. Instead of using a third-party app to hide them, you can do this directly within the Photos app.
Select the photos, tap the “Share” button, and choose “Hide.” These photos will move to a hidden album, which you can see in the Albums tab under “Utilities.”
5. LED Flash for Alerts
If you prefer visual alerts over sound or vibrations, the iPhone’s LED flash for alerts can be helpful.
This feature uses the camera’s flash to give you visual cues for incoming notifications. Enable it by going to “Settings” > “Accessibility” > “Audio/Visual” > “LED Flash for Alerts.”
6. Custom Vibration Patterns
You can create custom vibration patterns for specific contacts so that you know who’s calling without looking at your phone.
Go to “Contacts,” select a contact, tap “Edit,” then “Ringtone” or “Text Tone,” and “Vibration.” Here you can choose “Create New Vibration” and tap out your own pattern.
7. Magnifier Tool
The iPhone’s Magnifier function turns your device into a digital magnifying glass, which can be useful for reading small print or examining small details.
Activate it by going to “Settings” > “Accessibility” > “Magnifier,” and toggle it on. You can then access it from the Control Center.
8. Medical ID
In case of an emergency, having your medical information accessible from your lock screen can be a lifesaver.
Set up your Medical ID in the Health app by tapping your profile picture > “Medical ID.” After setting it up, it can be accessed by emergency personnel even without your passcode.
9. Siri Shortcuts
Siri Shortcuts allow you to automate tasks and create personal quick actions. You can set up shortcuts to send a message, play a podcast, or get directions with just a tap or by asking Siri.
Create and manage these in the “Shortcuts” app, where you can find a gallery of existing shortcuts or create your own.
10. Optimize Battery Charging
To help extend your battery’s lifespan, iOS includes an option to reduce battery aging by learning your charging habits and waiting to finish charging past 80% until you need to use your phone.
Enable this feature in “Settings” > “Battery” > “Battery Health” > “Optimize Battery Charging.”
These ten hidden features of the iPhone can help you get more out of your device, whether through improving accessibility, enhancing privacy, or simply making daily tasks more convenient.
By exploring these options, you can tailor your iPhone’s functionality to better suit your lifestyle and needs, ensuring that you make the most of what this powerful device has to offer.