Exploring the Lesser-known Yet Powerful Features of Apple's Refreshed iOS 26 Update

With the unveiling of iOS 26 at the WWDC 2025, Apple continues its tradition of creating innovative user experiences, but it’s not just about the conspicuous novelties like the ‘Liquid Glass’ design language or the AI-powered translation for messages. It’s also about numerous smaller tweaks that ensure that using an iPhone feels more fluent and personalised. From customised snoozing duration for alarms to AI-powered shortcuts, these smaller features make iOS 26 a real game-changer. Setting an alarm is a breeze in iOS 26, as users can now decide the duration of their snooze. All it takes is a tap on an alarm and selecting ‘Snooze Duration’, with options ranging from 1 minute to 15 minutes, it’s that simple. Shortcuts have also become more intelligent, giving users the choice of choosing cloud-based or local models to power AI features such as summarization. Navigating through the call list is easy as pie too, thanks to the filter option which allows users to quickly sift through calls, missed calls, voicemails, and spam. The call interface has also been improved with an overflow menu for easy access to call assist, recording, and live translation. Accessing call history for each contact is just a tap away. The battery menu now provides a performance view for the last 24 hours and 10 days on a single screen, along with helpful comparative indicators. This view can help you keep track of anomalous app behaviors and adjust your usage habits accordingly. You can also see the estimated battery charging time and override the charging limit for a specific session. An adaptive power mode allows your iPhone to automatically adjust the brightness and slow down some apps to conserve battery. The updates also extend to individual apps. The Reminders app categorizes different types of reminders automatically, and the Messages app now allows you to select specific portions of a message. Moreover, Apple Music now provides the option to create folders for playlists and the option for crossfade or automix as the transition effect. Clearly, iOS 26 may just be a version number, but with these improvements, it symbolizes a transformative leap forward in usability and personalization, making it far more than just a software upgrade.