So everyone, we’ve had iOS 26 on the 16 Pro Max for a little over a week now. Of course, we’ve tested the big headlining features like the Liquid Glass UI, the new home screen, and the lock screen. But I want to talk about the features Apple didn’t mention — those hidden gems you find only after deep diving through the system. So without further ado, here are some of the best hidden features in iOS 26 Beta 1.
Updated Battery Settings and UI
The first hidden feature is in the Battery Settings.
There’s a complete overhaul of the battery menu. You get a cleaner UI with a bar graph, day-by-day breakdowns of app usage, and battery health insights. A standout new tool is the charging estimate: when charging while locked, it tells you how long it’ll take to hit 80%. Simple but useful.
Custom Snooze Duration in Clock App
In the Clock app, Apple finally lets users adjust the snooze duration.
Previously stuck at nine minutes, you can now choose anywhere between 1 and 15 minutes. Plus, developers now have API access to alarms, meaning we may soon see some powerful third-party alarm apps.
Improved AirPods Audio Control
There’s a new setting in AirPlay & Continuity under general settings:
“Keep Audio in Headphones.”
It ensures your audio doesn’t jump to a speaker or your car’s Bluetooth if your AirPods are connected. This quality-of-life improvement keeps your audio private when you want it.
Expanded Background Sounds Library
In the Control Center, if you long-press the ear icon, you’ll find Background Sounds.
While this feature existed before, iOS 26 brings a huge new library of ambient noises, including fire, steam, airplane, and more. This update is for you if you enjoy nature sounds or white noise.
New Screen Capture & Screenshot Settings
There’s now a dedicated Screen Capture section in the Settings app.
It includes new controls for HDR screenshots, CarPlay screen capture, and automatic visual lookup.
More impressively, the screenshot UI has been revamped: it can summarize text, perform visual searches, or let Siri analyze what’s in the shot. Saving, copying, or deleting screenshots is now more intuitive as well.
Camera Lens Cleaning Suggestions
In the Camera settings, Apple added Lens Cleaning Hints.
If your lens is dirty or smudged, your iPhone will now prompt you to clean it to improve image quality — a handy fix especially for parents or older users who often forget.
Spatial Photos Now on iPhone
Spatial Photos, which was previously only available in Vision Pro, is now available in the Photos app. Tap the special rainbow-highlighted icon, and your photo transforms with depth and slight movement, creating a 3D-like effect. It even works with older portrait photos and can be used as a live lock screen.
Advanced Accessory Controls in Control Center
The Control Center now has an updated System Control panel for external devices.
Plug in a mic or accessory, and you can manage input, switch between voice isolation, standard, or wide spectrum modes, and confirm mic connectivity without guessing.
Math Notes with 3D Graphing
The Notes app now includes Math Notes with 3D graphing capabilities.
Enter an equation with three variables, tap the dropdown, and you can insert a fully interactive 3D graph. It’s perfect for students, and the real-time rendering is impressive — now available on both iPad and iPhone.
Final Thoughts: Hidden Gems That Shine
That concludes our discussion of a few of iOS 26’s many lesser-known features. My favorite? The updated screenshot interface is robust, tidy, and full of features. For more updates on tech, Visit “TechWave Alerts”
