The iPhone is packed with clever features that go unnoticed by many users. Whether you’ve just upgraded or have been using one for years, exploring a few hidden settings and smarter workflows can help you get far more from your device.
Master Focus Modes
Focus modes go beyond simple Do Not Disturb. You can create profiles for work, personal time, or sleep, each with its own notifications, Home Screen layout, and app filters. Go to Settings > Focus and build custom routines. For example, a “Work” Focus can hide social media and show only productivity apps during office hours.
Automate Daily Tasks
Apple’s Shortcuts app can save time by automating repetitive actions. You can set up a bedtime routine that dims the lights, turns on Do Not Disturb, and starts a playlist, all with a single tap. Automations can also trigger based on time, location, or even NFC tags—perfect for smart home control or hands-free tasks.
Use Visual Look Up and Live Text
Your iPhone camera now acts as a real-time researcher. With Visual Look Up, you can identify plants, landmarks, pets, or artwork by tapping the info icon after taking a photo. Live Text lets you copy text directly from pictures—handy for saving phone numbers, addresses, or notes from a whiteboard.
Optimise Battery and Performance
Several settings can extend battery health without sacrificing usability. Enable Optimised Battery Charging and review Background App Refresh to prevent unnecessary energy drain. Also, occasionally closing unused Safari tabs and clearing storage-heavy apps keeps performance smooth.Enhance Privacy and Security
Privacy has become a priority in iOS. Regularly check Settings > Privacy & Security to review which apps access your location, camera, or microphone. The new App Privacy Report also shows how often apps contact external domains, giving you greater control over your data.
Discover Hidden iMessage Tricks
Messages include a surprising range of effects and tools. You can reply inline to specific messages, pin important chats, or send disappearing texts. Shared media also appears collectively in your Photos app, making it easy to revisit your favourite pictures or videos with friends.
Customise Your Home Screen
With widgets and the App Library, you can design a home screen that fits your workflow. Group similar apps together and use Smart Stacks to display widgets that change automatically through the day—like weather in the morning and calendar events in the afternoon.
Getting the most from your iPhone isn’t about finding obscure hacks—it’s about using the small features that quietly enhance your everyday routine. Explore new settings, try automation, and make your iPhone smarter, not just newer.
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Obviously Apple is targeting this for the less tech savvy bunch. After looking through the site most of us already have these applications on the phone. But at least they have heard some of the user cries that it has gotten difficult for beginner users to determine what apps are good .
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