10+ Hidden Features in iOS 26

[owidhh]

Swiping to the right from anywhere doesn’t seem to be working for me. Testing on Safari. I’m using 17 Pro. Is it something I need to activate in settings somewhere?

Works in Settings and telegram for me but not Safari or Siskin. Haven’t tested other apps yet.

 

[timeislove]

Thought problem solved when seeing the article mentioned setting default app to open diff file type in File app, but disappointed!

The Preview app is the best of all new features found in Ios26. However, it replaces the default action of “clicking to open” in File app. While Preview app is of better features set, it does not support swiping to view the next file. The user has to close it and click to open the next file, which is too clumsy thus browsing through doc/pic files in File app no longer possible.

One work around is to long click a file and select “quick view”. But that is only one time setting (Apple should add an option in File app settting!)

The said hidden settings of default app to open certain file type is too “hidden” (in file info), and the worst of all, the “quick view” of File app is not one of the option here!

 

[ignatius345]

It doesn't work seamlessly with all recipes, but it can be used with recipes that you find on the web, in Apple News, and in other apps.

I’ll tell you what can pull in recipes perfectly almost every time: Paprika.

 

[svish]

Very happy to see that it is easy to set custom ringtones now. Swiping back anywhere on the screen to go back is another fantastic change this year. Have to see whether it is better to take panoramas now.

 

[Hank001]

it works only in Settings

Works in:	Doesn't work in:
App Store Contacts Files Magnifier Mail Passwords Voice Memos​	Books FaceTime Freeform Messages Playground Preview Remote Shortcuts Stocks Translate​

 

[Sputman99]

The best hidden feature not existing is the ability to remove the silly ugly lines all over the UI - Have you seen CarPlay!!

 

[ScubaCinci]

So tired of the "secret", "hidden", and "features they don't want you to know" headlines because it's never the case. It wouldn't be a feature if they try to obfuscate it and it doesn't take special elevated privileges or inside information to access them. Lesser known or deeply nested is a better descriptor. Be better.

 

[JosephAW]

Oh thought you meant replace the default Files app with a different app to receive files to manage files, never mind

 

[MacMediaNet]

"In ‌iOS 26‌, you can copy just part of a text message..." - Great feature in 2025. It shoud have been right away in the iOS version when the copy/paste was introduced.

 

[3goldens]

Dan, it would be nice if you showed us how to change the swipe back function in the video.

 

[Reimulo]

"In ‌iOS 26‌, you can copy just part of a text message..." - Great feature in 2025. It shoud have been right away in the iOS version when the copy/paste was introduced.

The copy/paste technology just wasn’t there yet.
Apple might be not the first to implement features, but it is the best.
Apple can’t wait to see how the all new copy/paste feature improved your iPhone experience.

 

[dannyyankou]

Copy Just Part of a Text Message

Finally! I had no idea this was a new thing. My workaround has always been taking a screenshot and copying using live text, lol

 

[gwang73]

Swipe right is one of my favorites but it needs to be implemented in more apps, including Apple's own apps.

 

[an-other]

One new feature I haven't seen discussed: You can read your iPhone whilst wearing Apple Vision Pros. It's a bit distorted with a quasi 3d look.

 

[ignatius345]

The best hidden feature not existing is the ability to remove the silly ugly lines all over the UI - Have you seen CarPlay!!

My CarPlay has looked like ass ever since installing iOS 26. Specifically, Apple Maps is now all blown out so you can't see the details in the lighter parts anymore.