The iPhone 16 is packed with incredible upgrades, but like most Apple devices, it hides a few neat tricks that most users might not even know about. While everyone knows about the obvious features like the improved camera system or the stunning display, there are several hidden gems within iOS that can elevate your experience. In this blog, we’ll reveal five iPhone 16 features you might have missed — but once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
1. Focus Mode for Tailored Notifications
Focus mode has been around for a while, but Apple has refined it even more with the iPhone 16. While many users know Focus mode helps reduce distractions, there are some hidden customization features that you may not be aware of.
You can set up multiple Focus modes, such as “Work,” “Sleep,” or “Personal,” and assign them to specific times, locations, or activities. But here’s the cool part: you can customize which apps and people can send you notifications for each Focus mode. For instance, during your “Work” Focus, only Slack, Email, and Messages from your team can ping you, while all other notifications are silenced.
Additionally, Focus mode integrates seamlessly with your Lock Screen, changing its look depending on which Focus mode you have activated. You can also use Focus filters to automatically filter out specific content within apps like Safari, Mail, and Calendar, helping you stay focused on what matters.
2. Live Text in Videos
Live Text has been one of the most useful iOS features for quite some time, but in iPhone 16, it’s been taken to the next level with Live Text in Videos. Previously, Live Text was only available in photos, but now you can pause a video and interact with the text that appears in it.
For example, if you’re watching a video with a phone number on screen or an email address, you can tap on the text and interact with it — just like you would with a photo. This feature can be especially useful when you’re watching tutorial videos, lectures, or even advertisements that display links, addresses, or other important information. Simply pause the video, tap the text, and you can copy, paste, or look it up instantly.
3. QuickNote in Safari
QuickNote isn’t a new feature in the iPhone 16, but it’s more powerful than ever, especially when paired with Safari. If you’re researching something or browsing the web, you can easily create a QuickNote by tapping the Share button in Safari and selecting Add to QuickNote.
This allows you to jot down any ideas, highlight parts of a webpage, or even add links and images directly to a note without leaving your browser. These notes are synced across all your Apple devices, and the best part is you can access them from the Notes app later.
It’s a fantastic way to quickly save web pages, reminders, or anything that catches your eye while browsing, making it incredibly easy to reference or share later on.
4. Advanced Haptic Feedback Settings
One of the less publicized improvements in the iPhone 16 is the enhanced haptic feedback settings. You might already know that haptic feedback is the subtle vibration that occurs when you interact with your phone, but Apple has added more customization options.
Now, you can fine-tune the intensity of the haptic feedback for different functions, such as when you tap on the screen, swipe between apps, or even when you receive notifications. This can be done via Settings > Sounds & Haptics > System Haptics, where you can toggle off or adjust the strength of haptic responses. This level of personalization allows you to tailor your iPhone 16’s tactile feedback to suit your preferences, providing a more enjoyable and intuitive user experience.
5. Hidden App Clips
The App Clips feature was introduced in previous iPhone models, but with iPhone 16, it’s become even more useful. App Clips are essentially small, lightweight versions of apps that let you try them out without committing to a full download.
For example, if you’re shopping in a store and want to quickly pay with an app, but you don’t want to download the entire app, an App Clip can handle the transaction without taking up space on your phone. These mini-apps can also provide quick access to functions like ordering food, renting a bike, or accessing a service without going through the full app setup process.
To access App Clips, just look for a Scan App Clip option in various apps, or use the NFC technology embedded in the iPhone 16. Once you scan the tag, it will load the app or service without a full download. It’s a time-saver and makes your iPhone even more versatile.
Bonus Tip: Custom Lock Screen Widgets
With the latest iPhone 16 update, Apple has made it possible to add widgets to your Lock Screen. While this feature was previously exclusive to the Home Screen, you can now customize your Lock Screen with interactive widgets for things like weather, calendar events, reminders, and more.
You can even customize the widget layout by swiping through different options or creating multiple Lock Screen profiles that show different sets of widgets based on the time of day, location, or activity. This is a great way to keep important information at your fingertips while keeping the Lock Screen clutter-free and efficient.
Conclusion
The iPhone 16 is packed with impressive features, but these hidden tricks are what truly set it apart. From customized Focus modes to advanced haptic feedback and the ability to use Live Text in videos, the iPhone 16 is not just about flashy upgrades — it’s about refining and enhancing the everyday experience. By unlocking these hidden features, you’ll be able to make the most out of your device, saving time, improving productivity, and enhancing your overall iPhone experience. So, go ahead, explore these features and see how they can elevate your daily interactions with your new iPhone.