Introduction
If you’ve just upgraded to iOS 26 or grabbed the beta, you’ve probably noticed the shiny Liquid Glass effect, new wallpapers, and refreshed icons. But hiding behind those eye-catching visuals are some surprisingly useful tweaks that can make your iPhone feel fresher, friendlier, and more efficient.
This guide is my go-to for anyone who wants to get more out of their phone, whether you’re simply curious or you’re the friend everyone asks for tips. I’ll walk you through five hidden features, how to switch them on (or off), why they matter, and real-life ways to use them. Ready? Let’s dive in.
Feature 1
Resize Lock Screen Clock & Adaptive Time Display
What it does
In iOS 26, you can finally adjust the size of your Lock Screen clock. Drag a little handle while customizing to make the time big and bold or keep it discreet. Even better, the clock now moves automatically to avoid covering your wallpaper’s main subject.
Why you should care
This tweak makes the time easier to read at a glance and gives your Lock Screen a polished look. Widgets also shuffle around automatically, so nothing feels cramped or overlapped.
How to enable/use
Wake your iPhone so the Lock Screen is visible. Long-press anywhere until you see “Customize.” Tap it, then tap the clock area to open settings. Use the drag handle at the corner of the clock frame to resize drag down to enlarge, drag up to shrink. Adjust the font style if needed and hit “Done.”
Quick example/use case
Got a photo of a pet or friend near the bottom of your screen? Enlarging the clock with an adaptive time display keeps its face clear while making the time easy to see.
Privacy/security implications
This is purely a visual change; your privacy settings stay as they are.
Troubleshooting
- Resize handle doesn’t appear: switch to a default font/script and make sure there’s space above the subject.
- Clock overlaps widgets: drag the clock or the widgets, or shrink the clock.
Verification / Source
Based on Apple’s “What’s new in iOS 26” guide and MacRumors’ hands-on coverage.
Feature 2
Spatial Scenes (3D-Style Wallpapers from 2D Photos)
What it does
You can now turn ordinary photos into Spatial Scenes, subtle 3D wallpapers that shift as you move your phone. This works on iPhone 12 and newer and processes everything right on your device.
Why you should care
It makes your wallpapers feel alive, adds depth, and refreshes old photos with a new vibe that pairs nicely with Liquid Glass.
How to enable/use
Go to Settings → Wallpaper or long-press your Lock Screen → Customize. Pick a photo marked with the Spatial Scenes icon, toggle the effect on, and crop or zoom to get the best depth. Save it, then tilt your phone to see the 3D effect.
Quick example/use case
Take a mountainscape photo and watch the peaks shift against the foreground when you tilt your phone. Your Lock Screen feels dynamic instead of flat.
Privacy/security implications
All processing happens locally. Your photos aren’t sent to Apple for this effect.
Troubleshooting
- No icon/toggle: choose another photo or check your iPhone model.
- Choppy effect: recalibrate motion sensors or pick simpler photos.
Verification / Source
Verified via 9to5Mac, AppleUserGuide, and AppleInsider.
Feature 3
Adaptive Power Mode (Smarter Battery Saving)
What it does
Adaptive Power quietly studies your habits and makes small changes to dimmer brightness, delay background tasks, and enable automatic Low Power Mode to extend your battery life without slowing you down.
Why you should care
You get longer battery life without sacrificing performance for things like the camera or games. It’s especially helpful on busy days or long trips.
How to enable/use
Open Settings → Battery → Power Mode, then toggle on Adaptive Power. You can also enable notifications to know when it’s active.
Quick example/use case
On a long flight with a low battery? Adaptive Power cuts background activity and screen brightness just enough to help you last until landing.
Privacy/security implications
All analysis is on-device; nothing is sent to Apple.
Troubleshooting
- Not available: your device may not support the required hardware.
- Still draining fast: give Adaptive Power about a week to learn your routine.
Verification / Source
From Apple Support and The Verge.
Feature 4
Liquid Glass Clock & Widgets: Glass Effect + Widget Positioning
What it does
You can now give your clock a translucent Glass effect and drag Lock Screen widgets lower for easier one-hand access.
Why you should care
It matches the new design language and lets you position widgets where your thumb naturally reaches.
How to enable/use
Long-press Lock Screen → Customize. Tap the clock area and pick the Glass style. Drag your widget frame lower, just above the flashlight and camera shortcuts, then hit “Done.”
Quick example/use case
If you check weather or calendar widgets a lot, moving them down makes them much easier to tap on big phones.
Privacy/security implications
Purely visual. Just remember, widgets on the Lock Screen can show info even when locked.
Troubleshooting
- Glass style missing: try default fonts or update your device.
- Widgets overlapping shortcuts: adjust size or number of widgets.
Verification / Source
Hands-on articles from MacRumors, Tom’s Guide, and Apple’s “What’s New” page.
Feature 5
Animated Album Art on Lock Screen & Dynamic Now Playing Behavior
What it does
When you play music, your album art can now animate full-screen on the Lock Screen. Tap to expand or collapse the art as you listen.
Why you should care
It makes listening more immersive and gives instant visual feedback about what’s playing.
How to enable/use
Play a song in Apple Music or a supported app, lock your phone, and tap the album art to expand. If the song supports animations, you’ll see the effect right away.
Quick example/use case
Glancing at your phone while jogging, you’ll see album art that pulses or animates with the beat no need to unlock.
Privacy/security implications
No new data is accessed; it’s just a visual change.
Troubleshooting
- No animation: try an Apple Music track or wait for third-party support.
- Laggy animation: close background apps or disable heavy UI effects.
Verification / Source
MacRumors’ “All the New iPhone Lock Screen Customizations” and Tom’s Guide review.
Conclusion
iOS 26 isn’t only about new looks. It’s about giving you more control, smarter battery management, and Lock Screen tricks that make your phone feel truly yours.
If you only try one of these, start with the clock resizing or Spatial Scenes, they’re the most eye-catching. Test them out, share your setup, and you might discover even more hidden gems along the way.