
Beyond the Surface: 30 iOS 26 Tips & Hidden Gems to Explore
Apple's iOS 26 delivers a comprehensive update packed with features that enhance usability, personalization, and functionality. With a refreshed user interface, smarter battery management, and expanded accessibility tools, this update is designed to cater to a wide range of users, from casual individuals to tech enthusiasts. Below is an in-depth look at the most notable features and updates, along with tips to help you maximize your experience with iOS 26 in a new video from ZONEofTECH.
Watch this video on YouTube. Enhanced User Interface
iOS 26 introduces the Liquid Glass UI, a visually captivating design that adds a shimmering effect to icons and the dock, creating a sleek and modern aesthetic. This update also brings several other interface improvements: 3D Lock Screen: Adds depth and interactivity, making your device more engaging and visually dynamic.
Adds depth and interactivity, making your device more engaging and visually dynamic. Safari Customization: Offers the flexibility to choose between Compact, Bottom, or Top navigation bars, allowing you to tailor your browsing experience.
Offers the flexibility to choose between Compact, Bottom, or Top navigation bars, allowing you to tailor your browsing experience. Full-Screen App Mode: Removes navigation indicators for a distraction-free experience, ideal for immersive activities like gaming or reading.
These updates not only enhance the visual appeal of your device but also provide greater adaptability to suit individual preferences. Smarter Battery and Charging Features
Battery management in iOS 26 has been significantly improved with tools designed to optimize efficiency and extend usage. Key features include: Charging Estimates: The lock screen now displays the estimated time required to charge your device to 80%, helping you plan your day more effectively.
The lock screen now displays the estimated time required to charge your device to 80%, helping you plan your day more effectively. Adaptive Power Mode: Automatically adjusts performance and background activity based on your usage patterns to conserve battery during critical moments.
These enhancements ensure that your device remains powered when you need it most, offering both convenience and peace of mind. Accessibility Upgrades
Apple continues to prioritize inclusivity with iOS 26, introducing several new accessibility tools that make the operating system more user-friendly for everyone: Customizable Accessibility Reader: Allows you to adjust text size, font, and audio playback for a personalized reading experience.
Allows you to adjust text size, font, and audio playback for a personalized reading experience. Personal Voice Setup: Enables users to quickly create a voice profile for text-to-speech applications, enhancing communication options.
Enables users to quickly create a voice profile for text-to-speech applications, enhancing communication options. Expanded Background Sounds: Includes equalizer settings and timers, making it easier to focus or relax with ambient audio.
Includes equalizer settings and timers, making it easier to focus or relax with ambient audio. Improved Braille Support: Offers enhanced compatibility with external Braille displays, making sure seamless integration for visually impaired users.
These updates underscore Apple's commitment to creating a more inclusive digital environment. App Improvements
Core apps in iOS 26 have been upgraded to improve functionality and organization, making daily tasks more efficient: Apple Music: Introduces playlist folders, allowing you to organize your music library more effectively.
Introduces playlist folders, allowing you to organize your music library more effectively. Wallet App: Provides real-time flight information through live activities, keeping you updated on travel plans.
Provides real-time flight information through live activities, keeping you updated on travel plans. Phone App: Features a unified interface that consolidates calls, voicemails, and recents for easier navigation.
Features a unified interface that consolidates calls, voicemails, and recents for easier navigation. Files App: Lets you expand folders without fully opening them, streamlining file management.
Lets you expand folders without fully opening them, streamlining file management. Podcasts: Offers playback speed control ranging from 0.5x to 3x, giving you more flexibility in how you listen.
These updates are designed to simplify your workflow and enhance productivity across various aspects of your daily life. Expanded Customization Options
Personalization is a key focus in iOS 26, with new features that allow you to make your device truly your own: Adjustable Snooze Durations: Customize snooze times for alarms to better align with your routine.
Customize snooze times for alarms to better align with your routine. Custom Ringtones: Create unique ringtones directly from audio files stored in the Files app.
Create unique ringtones directly from audio files stored in the Files app. Enhanced Contact Monograms: Add a personal touch to your communication with customizable visuals for your contacts.
These options empower you to tailor your device to your preferences, enhancing both functionality and individuality. New Functionalities
iOS 26 introduces a range of innovative tools that enhance convenience and expand the capabilities of your device: Satellite Weather Updates: Provides accurate weather forecasts even in areas without cellular coverage, making sure you stay informed wherever you are.
Provides accurate weather forecasts even in areas without cellular coverage, making sure you stay informed wherever you are. eSIM Transfer Compatibility: Simplifies the process of switching between iOS and Android devices, offering greater flexibility.
Simplifies the process of switching between iOS and Android devices, offering greater flexibility. HDR Screenshots: Captures higher-quality images with improved clarity and detail, perfect for sharing or archiving important moments.
Captures higher-quality images with improved clarity and detail, perfect for sharing or archiving important moments. Selective Text Copying in iMessage: Allows you to extract specific information from conversations with ease, saving time and effort.
These additions are designed to streamline everyday tasks and improve cross-platform compatibility, making your device more versatile. Subtle Haptic Feedback
iOS 26 enhances the tactile experience with subtle haptic feedback during calls. Vibrations now indicate when a call connects or disconnects, providing an intuitive layer of interaction that improves usability and user awareness. Additional Features
Several smaller yet impactful features round out the iOS 26 update, further enhancing usability and security: Late-Night Audio Compression: Balances sound levels for comfortable listening during quiet hours, making sure a better audio experience.
Balances sound levels for comfortable listening during quiet hours, making sure a better audio experience. Password Change History: Tracks changes in the Passwords app, helping you maintain better account security.
Tracks changes in the Passwords app, helping you maintain better account security. Vision Pro Compatibility: Unlocks your iPhone using Apple's advanced mixed-reality headset, showcasing the integration of innovative technology.
These features contribute to a well-rounded and secure user experience, making sure that iOS 26 meets the diverse needs of its users.
Here are more detailed guides and articles that you may find helpful on iOS 26 features.
Source & Image Credit: ZONEofTECH Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
32 minutes ago
- The Sun
WhatsApp introduces major change after a decade – but users are saying it ‘hurts their eyes'
WHATSAPP'S new update has been slammed by fans who say it is 'hurting their eyes'. The update has radically changed the app's appearance, bringing it closer to other versions of WhatsApp. 2 2 WhatsApp's new look is a sleek all-black design, with redesigned tabs. Previously, the user interface had a blue-grey colour and lines to separate various chats. The huge overhaul was intended to make it easier for users to swap between chats and applies to the web version of WhatsApp. The change brings the desktop version closer to the mobile app. Upon opening Whatsapp after the update, users are greeted with a message which reads: 'Starting today, we're introducing a brand new design for WhatsApp Web. 'You'll notice that some things look completely different but everything works the same as before.' However, the huge redesign has divided fans. Some have praised the app's new look, saying that it is 'beautiful'. Another gushed: 'I love this new WhatsApp look and feel.' Others were much more upset. WhatsApp reveals exacty how to block one of your contacts One complained that the redesign was "hurting my eyes' and another wrote 'what the f*** is the new WhatsApp web look'. Users aren't able to change their WhatsApp background on their desktop, unlike on their mobile. It is also impossible for fans to update their status on their desktop. The news comes after Facebook users were warned to make an important change to stop their chats becoming public. Like WhatsApp, Facebook is owned by Meta who have developed the highly advanced MetaAI. When users click 'share' or 'post to feed' when using the AI, they are actually sharing this with thousands of strangers. Meta has now implemented a new pop-up warning which asks users to agree to their chats landing on the app's discovery page.


Geeky Gadgets
34 minutes ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Meta Launches Oakley AI Glasses for $399
What if your everyday eyewear could do more than just help you see? Imagine glasses that not only frame your face but also frame your world with innovative technology—seamlessly blending style, practicality, and innovation. That's exactly what Meta is promising with its latest launch: the $399 Oakley AI glasses. In a bold pivot from its VR-heavy strategy, Meta is stepping into the competitive smart glasses arena, aiming to make wearable tech more accessible and functional for everyday users. This announcement signals a new chapter for the tech giant, one where AI-powered convenience takes center stage, offering a glimpse into a future where your glasses are as smart as your smartphone. But what makes the Oakley AI glasses stand out in a market already buzzing with competitors like Apple? In this unveiling, you'll discover how Meta is tackling some of the biggest challenges in wearable tech—like usability, ecosystem integration, and affordability. From their sleek design to their practical features, these glasses are designed to appeal to a broader audience, moving beyond niche tech enthusiasts to everyday consumers. As Meta sets its sights on scaling production and redefining its role in the wearable tech landscape, the Oakley AI glasses could mark a turning point—not just for the company, but for how we interact with technology in our daily lives. Could this be the moment when smart glasses finally go mainstream? Meta's Oakley AI Glasses Why the Shift from VR to AI? Meta's decision to pivot from VR headsets to AI-powered smart glasses reflects a deliberate strategy to enhance user adoption and improve financial outcomes. While VR has been a cornerstone of Meta's Reality Labs division, its adoption has fallen short of expectations. The immersive nature of VR, while innovative, has limited its appeal to niche markets rather than the mainstream consumer base. The Oakley Meta HSTN AI glasses represent a shift toward practicality and everyday functionality. By targeting a broader market, Meta aims to offer a product that integrates seamlessly into daily life. This approach builds on the foundation laid by the Ray-Ban Stories, which sold approximately one million units. With the Oakley AI glasses, Meta is setting more ambitious goals, aiming for annual sales of 1–2 million units. This signals the company's intent to scale up its wearable technology offerings and capture a larger share of the market. Watch this video on YouTube. Challenges in Building a Connected Ecosystem One of the most significant hurdles Meta faces is the creation of a cohesive and integrated ecosystem for its devices. Unlike Apple, which has successfully developed a seamless network of interconnected products like the Apple Watch and AirPods, Meta's ecosystem remains fragmented. The Oakley AI glasses, while innovative, currently lack the deep content and app integration that Apple users have come to expect. This lack of ecosystem connectivity could hinder Meta's ability to foster strong customer loyalty. A well-integrated ecosystem not only enhances the user experience but also encourages repeat purchases and long-term brand engagement. Without addressing this gap, the Oakley glasses may struggle to achieve widespread adoption and retention. Meta must prioritize the development of a unified ecosystem to ensure its wearable devices can compete effectively in the market. Meta Launches 399 Oakley AI Glasses Watch this video on YouTube. Expand your understanding of AI glasses with additional resources from our extensive library of articles. Balancing Scalability and Profitability Scaling the production and distribution of the Oakley AI glasses presents both opportunities and challenges for Meta. The company's Reality Labs division is projected to incur a $20 billion loss this year, raising concerns about the financial sustainability of its innovation efforts. This underscores the importance of balancing scalability with profitability. At a price point of $399, the Oakley Meta HSTN glasses are positioned as a competitively priced alternative to premium offerings from competitors like Apple. However, achieving profitability will require Meta to streamline its supply chains, reduce production costs, and improve gross margins. These efforts will be critical in offsetting losses and making sure the long-term viability of its wearable AI technology. Meta's ability to scale production efficiently while maintaining quality will play a pivotal role in determining the success of the Oakley glasses. Competing in a Crowded Market The smart glasses market is becoming increasingly competitive, with Meta and Apple emerging as key players. Apple's well-established ecosystem and reputation for high-quality, user-friendly products give it a significant advantage. However, Meta is positioning the Oakley AI glasses as a more affordable and practical alternative to Apple's premium offerings. By focusing on accessibility and functionality, Meta aims to carve out a distinct niche in the market. The Oakley glasses are designed to appeal to consumers who prioritize convenience and everyday usability over luxury and exclusivity. This strategy reflects Meta's broader goal of providing widespread access to wearable technology and making it accessible to a wider audience. While the competition remains fierce, Meta's emphasis on affordability and practicality could help it gain traction in the market. The Road Ahead for Wearable AI The launch of the Oakley Meta HSTN AI glasses underscores Meta's commitment to advancing wearable technology. However, the company faces several challenges that could impact the success of this product. From building a cohesive ecosystem to achieving financial sustainability, Meta must address these issues to solidify its position in the market. To succeed, Meta will need to deliver a compelling user experience that meets the evolving demands of consumers. This includes making sure seamless integration with other devices, offering robust app support, and maintaining competitive pricing. The Oakley glasses represent a significant step forward in Meta's efforts to establish itself as a leader in wearable technology. However, their ultimate success will depend on the company's ability to innovate, adapt, and compete effectively in a rapidly evolving industry. Media Credit: Meta & Bloomberg Filed Under: Gadgets News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.


Reuters
an hour ago
- Reuters
Healthcare startup Abridge raises $300 million, led by VC firm Andreessen Horowitz
June 24 (Reuters) - Healthcare firm Abridge, which uses artificial intelligence to build medical documents, has raised $300 million in a funding round, it said on Tuesday. The funding round was led by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz with participation from Khosla Ventures. Founded in 2018, Pittsburgh-based Abridge automates clinical notes and medical conversations for doctors using artificial intelligence. The latest fundraise comes after the firm raised $250 million earlier this year.