Apple’s iOS 26 is here, and it’s packed with exciting updates that make your iPhone feel brand new. This major redesign introduces a sleek “Liquid Glass” look, smoother animations, and smart features that make everyday tasks easier.
Whether you’re a student, parent, or just love exploring your phone, this guide will walk you through 23 iOS 26 tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your device. From hidden features to time-saving hacks, let’s dive into what makes iOS 26 so special!
For a detailed look at how iOS 26 compares to earlier versions, check out our iOS 26 vs iOS 18.5 comparison.
What’s New in iOS 26?
Before we jump into the tips, let’s talk about why iOS 26 is such a big deal. Apple has completely changed the way your iPhone looks and feels with a glassy, transparent design called Liquid Glass. It’s like looking through a shiny window where icons, menus, and notifications seem to float on your screen.
iOS 26 also drops support for older phones like the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, but works on iPhone 11 and newer models. It’s currently in beta, so some features might be a bit buggy until the official release in September 2025.
Now, let’s explore the hidden features and hacks that will make you an iOS 26 pro!
iOS 26 Tips and Tricks
This is the heart of our guide—23 practical tips to help you master iOS 26. Each tip is designed to be clear and useful, so you can try them out right away.
1. Explore the Liquid Glass Design
iOS 26’s Liquid Glass design makes your iPhone look futuristic. Icons, widgets, and menus have a see-through, glassy effect that changes as you tilt your phone. The light on app icon edges moves with your phone’s gyroscope, creating a 3D feel. To see this in action, go to your home screen and tilt your phone slowly. It’s one of the coolest hidden features in iOS 26!
2. Customize Your Lock Screen Clock
You can now make your lock screen clock bigger or smaller. Press and hold your lock screen, tap Customize, then select Lock Screen. Drag the slider under the clock to adjust its size. You can also switch between a glassy or solid style. This hack makes your lock screen fit your style perfectly.
3. Try the Spatial 3D Wallpaper Effect
Turn your lock screen wallpaper into a 3D scene! Press and hold the lock screen, tap Customize, and hit the new spatial effect button (it looks like a crossed-out circle when off). This works best with portrait mode photos or newer iPhones that capture depth data. Tilt your phone to see your wallpaper pop out like it’s alive.
4. Make Your Home Screen Clear
For a super sleek look, make your home screen icons fully transparent. Long press the home screen, tap Edit, then Customize. Choose the Clear option. Your icons and widgets will look like glass panels, showing your wallpaper underneath. You can also pick Light, Dark, or Auto modes to match your vibe.
5. Enjoy Bouncy Animations
iOS 26’s animations are smoother and more playful. When you unlock your phone, open apps, or swipe through menus, icons bounce and flow like water. To see this, open the Photos app and tap the Select button—watch how it pops with a bouncy effect. These animations make using your iPhone fun!
6. Redesign Your Camera App
The Camera app got a big makeover. It now shows only Photo and Video tabs at the bottom to keep things simple. Swipe left or right to switch modes like Portrait or Panorama. Tap the top-left corner to change resolution or enable RAW photos. This hack makes taking photos faster and easier.
7. Fix the Photos App
Apple fixed the messy Photos app from iOS 18. Now, it has two clear tabs: Library for all your photos and Collections for albums and memories. Tap the search button (now bigger and at the bottom) to find photos quickly. You can also turn any 2D photo into a 3D spatial photo—tap a photo, then select the spatial option.
Want to compare this to earlier versions? Read our iOS 18.5 Review for more details.
8. Set Chat Backgrounds in Messages
Make your Messages app more personal with custom backgrounds. Open a conversation, tap the contact’s name at the top, and select Backgrounds. Choose from presets like Aurora or upload your own photo. You can even use AI to create a background with Image Playground. This hidden feature adds flair to your chats.
9. Create Polls in Group Chats
Need to decide something with friends? In a group chat, tap the + button and select Polls. Add options like “Pizza” or “Tacos,” then send. Everyone can vote, and you’ll see real-time results. This hack is perfect for planning group events.
10. See Who’s Typing in Group Chats
iOS 26 now shows typing indicators in group chats. When someone’s typing, you’ll see their face or initials pop up. This makes group conversations feel more lively and helps you know when to expect a reply.
11. Filter Spam Messages
Tired of junk texts? iOS 26 automatically sends texts from unknown numbers to a Spam folder. Open Messages, tap the top-right menu, and select Spam to review them. You can also enable Screen Unknown Senders in Settings > Messages to hide notifications from strangers.
12. Translate Messages in Real Time
If you’re texting in another language, iOS 26 can translate it instantly. In a conversation, tap the contact’s name, select Translate, and choose a language like Spanish or French. Your iPhone will show both the original and translated text. This feature is great for chatting with friends who speak different languages.
13. Screen Calls with AI
The Phone app now screens unknown calls for you. If someone not in your contacts calls, an AI voice (like Siri) answers and asks for their name. Your phone only rings once it knows who’s calling. Turn this on in Settings > Phone > Call Screening. This hack keeps spam calls away.
14. Let Your iPhone Wait on Hold
Hate hold music? With Hold Assist, your iPhone can wait on hold for you. When you’re put on hold, a button appears in the dialer. Tap it, and your phone listens for a human voice, then alerts you when someone picks up. This hidden feature saves you time.
15. Pin Your Favorite Songs
In the Music app, you can pin songs or albums to keep them at the top. Long press an album or song, then tap Pin. They’ll stay in your Library for quick access. This hack is perfect for your go-to playlists.
16. Try Automix for Smooth Song Transitions
The Music app’s Automix feature uses AI to blend songs like a DJ. When one song ends, it fades into the next with a cool artwork transition. Turn this on in Settings > Music > Automix. It’s a fun way to listen to music without gaps.
17. Translate Song Lyrics
Love songs in other languages? iOS 26 translates lyrics in real time. Open the Music app, play a song, and tap the lyrics view. If the song’s in another language, you’ll see the translated words below the original. This feature helps you understand your favorite tunes.
18. Go Full-Screen Music on Lock Screen
When playing music, tap the album art on your lock screen to make it full-screen. The glassy design makes the artwork pop, and you still have playback controls. This hack turns your lock screen into a music player.
19. Use Floating Tab Bars
iOS 26 replaces old tab bars with floating ones that hover above your screen. You’ll see them in apps like Music, Safari, and Settings. They shrink when you scroll and show more options when you tap. This hidden feature makes apps feel modern and uncluttered.
20. Save Battery with Adaptive Power Mode
Running low on battery? Turn on Adaptive Power Mode in Settings > Battery > Power Mode. It lowers brightness and slows some tasks when your battery drains faster than usual. This hack helps your phone last longer on busy days.
21. Edit PDFs with the Preview App
The new Preview app lets you edit images, PDFs, and documents. Open a PDF, tap the markup tools to add notes or signatures, then share it. This feature is great for school projects or signing forms on the go.
22. Play Games with the Games App
The new Games app organizes all your games in one place. It has tabs for Home, Arcade, Play Together, and Library. You can challenge friends, track achievements, and discover new games. This hack makes gaming more social.
23. Search Screenshots with Visual Intelligence
Take a screenshot, then tap it to use Visual Intelligence. You can circle something to search it on Google, ask ChatGPT about it, or add event details to your calendar. For example, screenshot an event invite, and iOS 26 will offer to save it as a calendar event. This hidden feature is super smart!
iOS 26 Compatibility and Installation Tips
iOS 26 works on iPhone 11 and newer models, but not on iPhone XR, XS, or XS Max. Since it’s in beta, it can be buggy and may make your phone warm. Avoid installing it on your main phone until the final release. To try it, sign up as a developer or wait for the public beta. Always back up your phone first!
For more tips on earlier iOS versions, check out our 20 Tips and Tricks for iOS 18.5.
Why These Tips Matter
These iOS 26 tips and tricks help you save time, personalize your phone, and discover hidden features that make your iPhone more fun. From organizing your photos to filtering spam calls, iOS 26 is designed to make your life easier. Try these hacks to impress your friends or get more done at school.
iOS 26 Features at a Glance
Here’s a quick table summarizing the top iOS 26 features and how to use them:
| Feature | Description | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid Glass Design | Glassy, transparent UI with dynamic light effects | Tilt your phone on the home screen to see reflections |
| Lock Screen Clock | Resize and style the clock | Press and hold lock screen > Customize > Adjust clock |
| Spatial Wallpaper | 3D effect for wallpapers | Customize lock screen > Tap spatial effect button |
| Clear Home Screen | Transparent icons | Edit home screen > Customize > Select Clear |
| Camera Redesign | Simplified photo/video tabs | Swipe modes or tap top-left for settings |
| Photos App Fix | Library and Collections tabs | Tap Library or Collections; use bottom search |
| Messages Backgrounds | Custom chat backgrounds | Tap contact name > Backgrounds > Choose preset |
| Adaptive Power Mode | Saves battery by adjusting performance | Settings > Battery > Power Mode > Enable Adaptive |
| Visual Intelligence | Search screenshots with AI | Take screenshot > Tap to use search or calendar options |
| Games App | Organizes games and challenges | Open Games app > Explore Home or Play Together |
What’s Next for iOS 26?
Apple will keep improving iOS 26 through beta updates, fixing bugs and adding more features. The final version drops in September 2025, so stay tuned for new hacks and hidden features. Want to dive deeper? Read our full iOS 26 Review for more insights.
FAQ About iOS 26
1. What is the “Liquid Glass” design in iOS 26?
Answer: The “Liquid Glass” design is the new look of iOS 26. It makes your iPhone’s icons, menus, and notifications look like shiny, see-through glass panels. When you tilt your phone, the light on app icons shifts, creating a 3D effect. You can even make your home screen fully transparent with the “Clear” option (go to Edit > Customize on the home screen). This design makes your iPhone feel modern and fun to use!
2. Which iPhones can run iOS 26?
Answer: iOS 26 works on iPhone 11 and newer models, including the iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and their Pro, Max, or Mini versions. Sadly, older phones like the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max are not supported. To check your phone’s model, go to Settings > General > About. If your phone isn’t compatible, you can stick with iOS 18.5—check out our iOS 18.5 Review for tips on that version.
3. Is it safe to install the iOS 26 beta on my phone?
Answer: The iOS 26 beta, available to developers and public beta testers, can be buggy. It might make your phone warm, drain the battery faster, or cause apps to crash. We recommend not installing it on your main phone until the official release in September 2025. If you want to try it, back up your phone first and use a secondary device. For more on iOS 26’s features, see our iOS 26 Review.
4. How can I save battery life with iOS 26?
Answer: iOS 26 has a new Adaptive Power Mode to help your battery last longer. When your phone notices you’re using more battery than usual, it slightly lowers screen brightness and slows some tasks. Turn it on in Settings > Battery > Power Mode. You can also check battery usage stats in Settings > Battery to see which apps are draining power. This is one of the best battery-saving hacks in iOS 26!
5. What are some cool new features in iOS 26?
Answer: iOS 26 is packed with awesome features! You can set custom backgrounds in Messages, create polls in group chats, and use AI to screen unknown calls in the Phone app. The Photos app is now easier to use with separate Library and Collections tabs. Plus, the new Games app lets you challenge friends and track achievements.
Conclusion
iOS 26 is Apple’s biggest iPhone update in years, with a stunning Liquid Glass design and smart features that make your phone easier to use. These 23 iOS 26 tips and tricks show you how to customize your lock screen, save battery, organize photos, and more. Try them out to unlock your iPhone’s full potential!
For a look at how iOS 26 stacks up against older versions, check out iOS 18.5 vs iOS 18.4.