The renewed design of iOS 26 gets by far the most attention, but there are also handy smaller functions that you may have missed.
13 handy functions of iOS 26
You probably missed these 13 handy functions of iOS 26 because they are not mentioned in the keynote of Apple. Yet they are indeed important for daily use. From smart AirPods functions to better estimation of the battery life. We list them for you.
1. Smart AirPods function
One of the most handy updates to iOS 26 that you probably missed is the automatic pausing of AirPods when the system detects that you have fallen asleep. So you no longer suddenly wake up with the next podcast in your queue, or because of loud music after you have fallen asleep.
2. Handoff supports CarPlay
Another nice addition is the extensive Handoff: the automatic switch that now also supports CarPlay. This is useful when you go after shopping or after training, and want to continue where you left with your music or podcast.
3. Expansion diary app
Another function of iOS 26 that you may have missed is in the Diary-App. It now supports several diaries and inline images. Moreover, the app also comes to the iPad and the Mac, with iCloud synchronization between all devices for simple access. If you found the diary app at the launch disappointing, then iOS 26 gives you a good reason to review the app.
4. Passwords app keeps history
The new app passwords will have a history function with which you can view previous changes for each registration. This is especially useful when you want to repair accounts, or when you want to check which passwords you used before.
The most important thing is that this offers an effective solution to the problem that occurs when you transfer the old password and think it is stored in the app or on the website, but then discovers that the old password is still needed.
5. Markdown support for notes
You must also miss that the app notes in iOS 26 are now importing and exporting files into the Markdown-Supports. This makes it easier for users who collaborate with third -party tools or prefer structured writing formats.
6. Words games during dictation
In iOS 26, the dictaphone is better at dealing with unique spellings, especially for names or region-specific words. You can now proactively games what you mean instead of trusting the autocorrect. This is one of those functions that you had expected much earlier, but now the time has finally come.
7. Sluimerfunction is adjustable
Chances are that you have missed that you will get more control over your alarm clocks in iOS 26. You can now finally choose the sleeping time yourself, ranging from 1 to 15 minutes.
8. Improves SIM management
If you use two SIM cards, you will get new options with Focus mode. You can dampen specific SIM cards, depending on the active Focus mode. This makes it easier to separate business and personal contacts without switching off your entire iPhone.
9. Improve ESIM management
You may also have missed that iOS 26 has improved the way in which the iPhone manages Esim’s. You can now automatically switch between travel and home lines, and the travel-sim Switch off when you are back. You can still use the home number for Facetime and Messages when you are abroad, without having to change the settings.
10. Better estimate battery life
The battery settings now show the estimated time to reach a certain loading level. The adaptive power consumption learns from your behavior and adjusts the performance on days when it expects you to use more battery power.
11. More extensive support for Arabic
Apple has redesigned the calculator app so that it now also supports East Arabic figures and a layout from right to left. With a new MultiCript Arabic keyboard, users can type both Arabic and English without having to change from keyboard.
12. Improved audio in the Podcasts app
Also the Podcasts-App has a new function in iOS 26 that you may have missed. The app now contains the ‘Improvement Dialogues’ function that improves speech clearance. Moreover, you can now set the playback speed between 0.5x and 3x, and you can set different speeds for different programs. There is still no function to skip silence.
13. Safety control is being expanded
Safety control Can now remove shared access for blocked contacts. If someone you have previously shared information is blocked, you can now withdraw their access to the entire system with one action.
iOS 26 will be available next month
Apple releases iOS 26 in September, after the release of the iPhone 17. It is expected that iOS 26 Monday, September 15, 2025 is available for all users, provided that the iPhone has support for the update. Read here which iPhones can update to iOS 26!
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