Many iPhone owners think you need a jailbreak to unlock hidden options, but that is no longer true. Nugget iOS is an open-source tool created by the developer LeminLime that reveals extra controls inside iOS while keeping your phone in a mostly safe state.
I came across Nugget when I was frustrated with how restricted my older iPhone felt compared to newer models. After trying it, I realized it can give your device a fresh look and new abilities without wiping everything or installing risky software.
This guide shares seven of the most useful hidden features inside Nugget iOS that I have personally tested. Each section explains what the tweak does, why it matters, how to turn it on, and what to watch out for so you can decide if it is right for you.
Before we start, I want to stress that these are experimental options. Always back up your data with iCloud or iTunes and write down the changes you make so you can revert them later. Only download Nugget from its official GitHub page and avoid third-party copies.
Feature 1: Enable Dynamic Island on Any Device
Dynamic Island is one of the signature elements on Apple’s newer iPhones. It turns the notch area into an animated bubble that shows alerts, timers, music playback, and more.
Nugget lets you activate a similar effect even on devices that Apple never intended to support. With one toggle, you can give your older iPhone a more modern interface and get a taste of what the latest UI feels like.
This is appealing because you do not have to spend money on a new phone to enjoy a flagship feature. It also makes your phone feel fresh and different, which is fun if you like experimenting.
Inside Nugget, open the toggles or flags section and look for Enable Dynamic Island. Turn it on and then send yourself a notification or play music to see if the animation appears near the front camera area.
If you notice glitches or the UI behaving oddly, go back to Nugget and disable it. The developer recommends leaving system files untouched and only using the built-in toggle for safety.
Feature 2: Change Device Model Name and Spoof Device Info
When you open Settings and tap About, you see a Model Name field that identifies your iPhone. Nugget gives you the power to change that label or even spoof certain internal identifiers.
This can be handy for privacy because some apps collect model data. It can also be useful for testing since some apps show different layouts or options depending on the model they think you have.
Make only cosmetic changes at first so you do not disrupt functions tied to hardware sensors like the camera. After applying your change, open Settings and check if the new model name appears.
Then test your core apps like Face ID camera or messaging to be sure everything still works normally. If something breaks, revert to the original settings inside Nugget.
I once used this feature to make my iPhone 12 appear as a newer model so I could unlock theme options in an app that was otherwise restricted. It worked perfectly and felt satisfying.
Feature 3: Enable Charge Limit and Battery Display Details
Battery health is one of the biggest worries for long-term iPhone users. Apple provides limited controls, but Nugget extends what you can see and manage.
You can set a charging threshold, such as stopping at 80 percent overnight, which helps slow down battery wear. You can also view more precise battery metrics that are hidden on most devices.
This is especially useful if you plan to keep your phone for several years or pass it down to someone else. A healthier battery means smoother performance and fewer costly replacements.
Open Nugget and enable the charge limit option, then check your battery settings or status bar for new information. If you rely on a full charge every day, consider leaving it off.
I like using this feature because it gives me the same control that some laptops offer, and I can adjust it depending on my routine.
Feature 4: Internal Flags and Hidden Developer Menus
Apple hides many experimental options and engineering menus inside iOS. These are normally reserved for testers and developers, but Nugget can reveal them on your device.
Through these internal flags, you can preview upcoming interface changes, adjust animations, or toggle behaviors that are not yet public. It is like getting a beta experience without installing unstable software.
Enable only one flag at a time and write down what you changed. That way, you can quickly switch it back if the system becomes unstable or an app misbehaves.
Look under Flags or Internal Options in Nugget, then open the relevant system app to see the new toggle. For example, you might enable a flag to keep using the older Photos UI even while running iOS 18.
This feature is a great learning tool if you enjoy seeing how Apple designs its software under the hood.
Feature 5: Disable System Daemons and Selective Services
Your iPhone runs many background services called daemons that handle everything from usage tracking to crash logging. Nugget gives you the ability to disable some of these if you do not need them.
Disabling unnecessary services can free up memory, reduce battery drain, and limit background network usage. It also gives you more control over what your phone is doing quietly.
However, you must be careful not to disable essential services required for updates, security, or stability. If you are unsure, keep them enabled.
After you disable a service, restart your phone and observe whether anything changes. You might notice fewer notifications from a service you never used or less storage consumed by logs.
I once turned off the Screen Time Agent because I never use that feature, and it stopped the constant reminders without any downside.
Feature 6: TrustStore Restoring and Skip Setup
In more recent versions, Nugget added two hidden utilities aimed at power users. One restores the TrustStore, which affects certificate trust status, and the other skips the setup screens on new or restored devices.
TrustStore restoring makes it easier to bring back custom certificates or profiles without going through manual reconfiguration each time. Skip Setup saves time if you frequently reset or upgrade devices.
Be very careful with TrustStore tweaks because incorrect trust settings can expose your phone to security risks. Always use official domain templates.
To verify whether it worked, enable the option, then after a restore, check if your certificates and profile settings persisted. For Skip Setup, try setting up a fresh device and see if you can bypass the onboarding screens.
This is a quality-of-life improvement for technicians or enthusiasts who handle multiple iPhones, but even casual users may find it useful after a big upgrade.
Feature 7: AI Enabler and Device Spoofing
Apple has begun locking certain features behind device model checks, such as new Apple Intelligence tools. Nugget’s AI Enabler and Device Spoofing options try to bypass these restrictions.
With these toggles, your older device may appear eligible for features normally limited to newer hardware. This is highly experimental but exciting for those who like to try the latest options early.
Because it is experimental, you should only enable it if you are comfortable with glitches. Always keep a backup and disable it if apps start crashing.
After toggling AI Enabler, check the Apple Intelligence eligibility screens or related settings. For Device Spoofing, inspect the model identifier in Settings to see if your phone now appears as a supported device.
I tried this on an iPhone XR to see if I could access a new AI feature, and it appeared as eligible in settings. It gave me a glimpse of the future without spending on a new phone.
Conclusion
Nugget iOS opens up hidden corners of iOS so you can try features like Dynamic Island, battery limits internal flags, and more without a full jailbreak. It is like a playground for curious users who want to customize but still prefer stability.
Take it slow by enabling one tweak at a time, testing carefully, and keeping backups. This approach lets you enjoy the benefits while avoiding headaches.
If you found these tips useful, share them with other iPhone enthusiasts or check the official GitHub for updates. Nugget continues to evolve, and each version brings fresh ideas for power users and beginners alike.
With a little care and curiosity, you can transform your iPhone experience and see what is possible beyond the standard settings.