For better or for worse, smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, and with each new release, they continue to amaze – and infuriate – us with their innovative features. iPhones, in particular, are known for their sleek design, advanced capabilities and ability to heat up to temperatures hotter than the sun every time you try to read one of Rolling Stone’s listicles.
But did you know that there are some hidden gems within your iPhone? Of course you did; you read the title of this very piece. Anyway, prepare to either be amazed or to mutter ‘’everybody knew that’’, as we tackle these 21 cool things you may not know your iPhone can do.
Shake It Off – Undo Typing Errors
Made a typo while texting? Hey, who ducking hasn’t? No worries! Just give your iPhone a quick shake, and it will prompt you to undo the typing error. This handy feature saves time and frustration when correcting mistakes. And, when correcting autocorrect’s annoying assumptions…
Custom Vibrations For Contacts
Tired of generic vibrations for incoming calls or messages? Assign custom vibrations to specific contacts, so you know who’s trying to reach you without even looking at your phone. Head to the contact’s details, tap ‘Edit,’ and select ‘Vibration’ to customise.
Siri, Read My Messages
When you’re busy or driving, Siri can read your text messages aloud. Just say, “Hey Siri, read my messages,” and she’ll gladly oblige. Remember to stay safe on the road! And more importantly still, remember to use this one with caution; you’ve got company in the car and you’ve just been messaged something raunchy. Just sayin’.
Measure Real-World Objects
Because size does matter…
With the Measure app, your iPhone becomes a virtual measuring tape. Using augmented reality, you can measure objects around you with impressive accuracy. Say goodbye to carrying a bulky measuring tape in your toolbox or, you know, really overestimating the size of things.
Instantly Share Wi-Fi Passwords
Sharing Wi-Fi passwords has never been easier. When a friend tries to connect to your network, bring their iPhone close to yours, and a prompt will appear to share the password. No more crouching behind the sofa to read yours out, multiple times… ‘’I said it was a capital Y!’’.
Read: 10 essential cyber security measures
Sleep Better With Bedtime Mode
Talk about the cause of – and solution to – all of life’s problems…
The Clock app’s Bedtime feature helps you maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Set your wake-up time, and the app will remind you when it’s time for bed. It even tracks your sleep history to ensure you’re getting enough rest (and to let Big Data know all about the best sleep product ads to send your way).
Set A Sleep Timer
Speaking of those all important Zzzeds, if you like to fall asleep listening to music (or, in our case, Nigel Slater audiobooks), you can set a sleep timer in the clock app. This will automatically turn off your music after a set amount of time, so you don’t have to worry about leaving it playing all night.
Quickly Find Your Misplaced iPhone
We’ve got the tech experts at NextGenPhone to thank for this next tip; you can save time looking for your misplaced phone by using the ‘Find My iPhone’ feature. Just go to your iCloud account settings and turn on ‘Find My iPhone.’ You can then use another device to locate your phone by logging into your iCloud account. Complicated, yes, but also very useful.
Now, where did I put my car keys?
Create Shortcuts With Siri
Siri can make your life a lot easier and save you time by creating shortcuts for commonly used phrases or actions. For example, you can set up a shortcut to play your favorite playlist on Apple Music, or send a message to your partner telling them you’re on your way home.
Get Directions Towards Stars With The Night Sky App
This app allows you to view constellations, planets, and stars simply by pointing your iPhone at the sky. It also has an augmented reality feature that lets you hold the heavens in your palm, making you feel really rather small and insignificant. Which is a reality check we all need from time to time, don’t you think?
Scan Documents With Your Camera
The Notes app now allows you to scan documents using your iPhone camera. Just tap the camera icon in the Notes app and select ‘Scan Documents.’ It’s that easy!
Silence Unknown Calls
There’s nothing more annoying than spam calls. You can now silence unknown calls by turning on the ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ feature in Settings. This ensures only calls from known contacts will ring through to your iPhone, which is a useful feature if you’re one of those mad folk who actually answers their calls.
Schedule Text Messages
Did you know that you can schedule text messages on your iPhone? Just press and hold the send button to reveal the option to schedule a message for later.
Teach Siri How To Pronounce Names
If Siri keeps butchering your friends’ names – the ol’ racist – you can teach ‘her’ the correct pronunciation. Just say, “Hey Siri, learn how to pronounce [name].” She’ll offer a few options, and you can pick the right one.
Use Your iPhone As A Spirit Level
No need to carry a separate level tool anymore (as if you just lug one of those around in your pocket). Open the Measure app, swipe left, and voilà! You have a digital spirit level at your fingertips, perfect for hanging pictures or assembling furniture.
Sign Documents On The Go
Need to sign a document urgently? No problem! With the Markup feature in the Mail app, you can sign documents using your finger or an Apple Pencil. Who needs a pen and paper?
Schedule Do Not Disturb Mode
Keep distractions at bay by scheduling Do Not Disturb mode. In the Settings app, set specific times when you don’t want to be disturbed, ensuring uninterrupted focus during work or relaxation. And then, leave it on all the time…
Turn Off App Notifications Temporarily
For a quick break from app notifications, use the Deliver Quietly feature. Swipe left on a notification, tap “Manage,” and select “Deliver Quietly.” You’ll still receive notifications, but without any sound or vibration. A real lifesaver when you’ve got deadlines on and you don’t need the distraction, this one.
Make Live Photos Come To Life
Breathe life into your photos by turning them into GIF-like animations. Press and hold a Live Photo to watch it come alive. Share your mini-masterpieces with friends for a good laugh.
Use The Hidden Trackpad
Struggling to place the cursor accurately while typing? M.e t,o,oo.
Anyway, press and hold the spacebar to activate a hidden trackpad, making text editing a breeze.
Take A Screenshot With Screen Record
We all know how to take a screenshot of our iPhone screen and, guess what, you can record your screen too now. Just go to Control Center and tap the Screen Recording icon to capture the whole screen or parts of it.
The Bottom Line
Your iPhone is a treasure trove of hidden features waiting to be discovered. We hope this list of 21 cool things has piqued your curiosity and helped you unlock your iPhone’s full potential.