All the Powerful New iPhone Tricks You Will Not Want to Miss
Apple has officially introduced iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, and it comes packed with new tools, upgrades, and thoughtful design changes that will significantly improve how Nigerians use their iPhones. The new update affects core applications such as Messages, Phone, Maps, Music, and more. Most importantly, it introduces a fresh design called Liquid Glass and unifies Apple’s operating systems under version number 26. Here is everything you need to know about the most exciting iOS 26 features and the smaller updates Apple did not talk about on stage.
A New Design Language: Liquid Glass
Apple has rolled out a bold new design language called Liquid Glass. This design refresh affects icons, navigation elements, and overall app layouts. It is smoother, more reflective, and feels more dynamic in motion. This redesign aligns with Apple’s plan to offer visual consistency across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
Smarter Phone App
iOS 26 introduces several enhancements to the Phone app. Users can now separate between the call list by All Calls, Missed, Voicemails, Unknown Callers, or Spam. Focus modes can be tied to specific SIM cards, making it easier to manage work and personal numbers. Also, a new overflow menu that allows quick access to Call Assist, Recording, and Live Translation. The updated Call History lets users view detailed call logs per contact.
A More Intelligent Battery Menu
The battery section has received a major overhaul. It now displays a combined day and week view for battery usage, complete with comparative indicators showing whether battery use is higher or lower than usual. The update also provides more insights into app-specific battery consumption, especially background activity. Users will also see estimated charging time and can override the charging limit for individual sessions. A new Adaptive Power Mode helps conserve battery by reducing brightness and slowing down background activities during high-consumption periods.
Customizable Alarms and Snooze Duration
The Clock app now allows users to choose their preferred snooze duration, ranging from one to fifteen minutes. This simple yet powerful feature gives users greater control over their morning routines.
Enhanced Shortcuts and Safari Bookmarks
Apple has embedded AI in the Shortcuts app, letting users pick between local and cloud-based models for tasks like summarizing content. Safari users can now double-tap the three-dot menu to quickly bookmark a page. The screenshot menu also includes the latest features powered by visual intelligence, such as summarizing the articles or reading it aloud.
Camera and Audio Intelligence
iOS 26 improves the camera with a new feature that tells users when the lens is dirty. This alert can be toggled off in settings. Users can also manage display indicators for features like Flash, Live Photos, and Action Mode. Through AirPods with the H2 chip, users can trigger the camera remotely to start video recording. Audio recording during calls is now clearer, with high-quality options enabled when using compatible AirPods.
Smarter Reminders with AI
The Reminders app has been improved with the help of Apple Intelligence. It now categorizes tasks automatically and can generate reminders based on shared content like emails or text. For example, sharing a recipe into the app will suggest ingredients as to-do items. You can also create reminders directly from phone call entries or use shortcuts from the Control Center.
Apple Music Gets Organised and Smooth
In iOS 26, Apple Music introduces folders for playlists, allowing better organization. Users can now choose between crossfade and automix effects to smoothen transitions between songs. A new album animation style has been added to the Lock Screen for a more vibrant listening experience.
Improved Camera Control and Accessibility
Beyond reminders and music, the Camera app has its own “Camera Adjustments” menu to fine-tune various settings. For those with accessibility needs, iOS 26 offers a redesigned Braille experience, more flexible Vehicle Motion Cues, and customizable reading options. These changes aim to make the iPhone more inclusive and easier to use for everyone.
Expanded Language and Keyboard Options
Apple is making the iPhone more multilingual. When users consume or send content in languages different from their primary language, iOS 26 suggests adding the relevant keyboard and delivers content recommendations in that language. The system now supports bilingual suggestions for ten languages. A native Arabic transliteration keyboard and a 24-key Thai keyboard have also been added.
Upgraded Podcasts and Journal Experience
The Podcasts app now allows playback speeds from 0.5x to 3x. A new dialog enhancement boosts voice clarity, which can be enabled per episode. The Journal app has also evolved to support multiple journals, include inline images, and display entries on a map. This makes journaling more flexible and interactive.
Other Hidden Features You Should Know
Several features did not get airtime during the keynote but are just as valuable. These include:
- AirPods Camera Remote, which lets users start video recording with a long press on an AirPod
- High-definition recording support using AirPods Pro in the Camera app
- Improved parental controls with updates across Communication Limits, Safety, and App Store settings
Final Thoughts
iOS 26 is not just another annual update. It represents a shift toward a more intelligent, user-focused iPhone experience. From small changes like customizable snooze durations to major updates in design and AI integration, Apple is making the iPhone feel newer, smarter, and more useful than ever. For Nigerian users, these updates will enhance productivity, simplify everyday tasks, and personalize mobile interactions in meaningful ways.
Now is the time to explore the beta or prepare for the public release of iOS 26. As always, back up your data before updating, and stay tuned for more in-depth guides as Apple rolls out additional features in future updates.
