- iOS 26 has arrived with a massive selection of new features for iPhones
- Some of the most interesting updates flew under the radar
- This is five of the best iOS 26 features you may have missed
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) So that the company announces a massive series of new features in iOS 26. But apart from all the best iOS 26 features that were highlighted, there is a lot more that flew under the radar.
Here we have chosen five of our favorite new iOS addances that you may not have seen on WWDC. Each of them will bring exciting new options to your iPhone so they are worth a look – and if you install iOS 26 beta, try them.
1. Battery increases
Taking care of your iPhone’s battery is very important to make sure it chugs with as long as possible. The good news is that just a few small adjustments here and can make a big difference, and iOS 26 will help you do exactly that.
Apple’s software update comes with a lot of practical features that are all dedicated to maintaining and extending your battery life. For example, there is a new adaptive effect setting in your iPhone battery settings, the purpose of which is to intelligently make small changes that can prevent your battery from draining too quickly. It includes lowering your screen lighting and allows some tasks to “take a little longer”, according to Apple. It also enables low power mode when your battery hits 20%.
Elsewhere, the battery section in the setting app now comes with much more in -depth information, including how much usage time you have left based on your current charging level, a more detailed division of which apps use significant battery power and more. And when you charge your phone, you now see how long you have to wait until you hit 100%.
2. Message filtration
If you are tired of aiming through a barrier of spam texts, there are some good news in iOS 26: Apple brings message filtration to your phone. This is found in the app updated messages.
Now, messages from unknown senders are automatically filtered out of your inbox and stored in a separate area. These texts cannot enter your inbox until you approve their senders.
You can allow time-sensitive messages through, for example, to track warnings for packages or food delivery updates. There are different categories for filtered messages, including personal messages from companies, transactions, campaigns and more. Each group can be changed individually.
3. Background sounds
Background sounds have been shown on iPhones for a while now, but the number and type of sounds have been expanded in iOS 26. There are now opportunities for rain on roof roofs, aircraft, crackling fire, quiet nights and more.
These can provide a soothing ambient environment to help you work, sleep or concentrate. You can enable them in the Settings app or add them to your control center for easy access.
4. Dirty Lens Reminders
The more you use your iPhone, the greater the chances of accidentally smudging its camera lenses – given that they are such great projections on the back of your phone, they are pretty hard to avoid. But greasy fingerprints can ruin your photos in subtle ways that you may not even notice until the moment has long gone.
To avoid this scenario, iOS 26 can warn you when it thinks your lenses have been dirty up and tell you it’s time to give them a gentle clean.
5. Improved aircraft functions
Whether you are a frequent flyer or someone who just takes an occasional airline trip, you can take advantage of iOS 26’s boarding passport. This makes it much easier to get your passport ready and track flights in real time.
While you could previously store boarding passes in Apple’s wallet app, this update now brings even more functionality to your iPhone. You can see Apple Maps directions to get you to the right terminal, track your luggage with find my app and more.
There is also a new live activity that shows relevant flight tracking info, such as arrival terminal, luggage survey number, flight-forward plus other useful details. This was previously available in apps like Flighty, but this is the first time Apple has offered it as a native iOS feature.
