Apple Never Told You About These 20 iOS 26 Features (Do This Now)

iOS 26 and 26.1 added hundreds of new tweaks and under-the-radar improvements that Apple never talks about. In this video, I walk through 20 hidden iOS 26 features you should be using right now — from powerful Message tools to AirPods microphone tricks, new alarm controls, performance settings, and security options. If you enjoy videos like this covering Apple software, hardware, and hidden settings, be sure to subscribe and comment below with your favorite iOS 26 feature! 🛒 TOP DEALS: 🔊 BlueAnt Soundblade – https://amzn.to/3KyLnnB ($89) 👶 Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor – https://amzn.to/3KprLCg ($193) 🔋 Kuxiu K1 Ultra – https://kuxiu.co/products/kuxiu-k1-ultra-power-bank?ref=bjyfkxdn ($79) ⌚ Spigen Classic C1 Stand (Apple Watch) – https://amzn.to/4pC1krZ ($10) 💳 Puncube Wallet – https://puncube.com/products/mech-wallet?ref=FERNANDOSILVA ($69) 🖱️ Logitech MX Master 3S – https://amzn.to/4peGvmO ($79) 💡 Shiftcam Ring Light – https://amzn.to/3Y1whtS ($71) 💻 Mac Mini Pro Case – https://amzn.to/4p4ZiRm ($39) 👜 Foldie Foldable Crossbody – https://amzn.to/4rw41NG ($39) 🍼 MomCosy Bottle Warmer – https://amzn.to/4iBhpMy ($63) 🏡 ecobee Smart Thermostat – https://amzn.to/44BiyxF ($104) ✨ Govee Wall Pixel Lights – https://amzn.to/4iw84VX ($79) Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChjRM_qQAaOAiLNbOGbYcRA/join ## Subscribe to our Podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP3DOW_eX2AwO_whrINOi-TuAdgsSR83i https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-overtime/id1727206360 ## Follow Fernando https://www.twitter.com/nandoprince93 ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Why iOS 26 / 26.1 is more than Liquid Glass 00:39 – Messages got a huge upgrade 01:10 – Polls in group chats (real decision making right in Messages) 01:30 – Create and vote on custom poll options 01:45 – Add custom chat backgrounds in Messages 02:09 – Partial text selection in iMessage (copy only what you want) 02:39 – Live translation in Messages (send + receive in different languages) 03:10 – AirPods upgrades: Use AirPods as a mic in the Camera app 03:32 – Turn on Voice Isolation while recording video 03:52 – Use external USB-C microphones directly in Camera 04:25 – Disable “swipe to open camera” on the Lock Screen 05:13 – Prevent accidental camera launches 05:26 – Liquid Glass settings: Clear vs. Tinted 05:58 – NEW: Liquid Glass translucency slider on the Lock Screen (26.2) 06:39 – Clock app: Custom snooze duration (1–15 minutes!) 07:35 – Slide to stop alarms (and why some people hate it) 07:56 – Return to “tap to stop” via Accessibility 08:12 – Adaptive Power: Why it makes scrolling laggy 08:43 – Turn off Adaptive Power for smoother performance 09:13 – “Background Security Improvements” explained 09:30 – Silent security patches installed automatically 10:04 – Phone app gets powerful new tools 10:19 – Type to Siri during a phone call 10:32 – Call recording / live translation / Hold Assist 11:02 – Auto-detect hold status in Settings 11:35 – Camera: Lens cleaning suggestions to prevent blurry shots 12:16 – Outro: Which hidden feature is your favorite? 12:37 – iOS 26.2 preview + customization commentary 12:50 – Thanks for watching! #PrimeDay2025 #AppleDeals #MacBookAir #iPadPro #iPadMini #AppleWatchUltra #AirPodsPro #TechDeals ## Affiliate disclaimer FTC: We use income-earning affiliate links and participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. For more details, visit: https://9to5mac.com/about/#affiliate