Welcome to hidden iPhone tips! Here, we dig into the features Apple quietly adds but never really tells you about.
Some of these features have been around for years, tucked into menus you’d never think to check. Others are genuinely new additions that Apple barely mentions. Either way, they’re the kind of tools that solve annoying little problems you deal with constantly but didn’t realize had solutions.
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1. Cut out background noise during calls
Since 2023, iPhones have included a call quality feature that most people never discover. Voice Isolation actively filters out ambient noise like traffic, barking dogs, or construction, ensuring your voice comes through crystal clear.
Start by making or answering a phone call. While the call is active, open Control Center, tap Phone Controls, then select Voice Isolation. A checkmark appears when it’s active and filtering background noise.
You’ll notice other audio modes available alongside Voice Isolation. Standard is the default option with no filtering applied. Wide Spectrum amplifies background sounds and works best for FaceTime group calls. Automatic switches between modes based on your setup, using Voice Isolation for regular calls and Standard when you’re on speakerphone.
2. Dim your screen beyond minimum brightness
Late-night scrolling can be brutal when even the lowest brightness setting feels too intense. There’s a hidden accessibility feature that takes your screen darker than the standard minimum allows.
Open Settings and navigate to Accessibility, then Display & Text Size. Scroll until you see Reduce White Point and toggle it on. Use the slider to control the dimming intensity. This feature reduces the brightness of whites and vibrant colors, creating a softer, darker display.
For faster access, consider adding Reduce White Point to the Control Center. To do this, go to Settings, tap Control Center, and select the plus icon next to Reduce White Point.
3. Improve text editing with the space bar trick
Placing the cursor exactly where you want it while editing text is frustratingly imprecise on a touchscreen. Instead of tapping and holding text to summon the magnifying glass, there’s a far better method.
Press and hold the space bar on your keyboard. The entire keyboard instantly transforms into a trackpad. While holding the space bar, slide your finger in any direction to move the cursor smoothly and precisely through your text.
This gives you significantly more control than the standard tap-and-drag approach.
4. Turn your iPhone into a white noise machine
Your iPhone has a built-in sound machine hiding in Accessibility settings that can play calming background sounds. Whether you need focus while working, help falling asleep, or something to soothe a fussy baby, this feature delivers.
Navigate to Settings, Accessibility, Audio & Visual, then Background Sounds. Toggle it on and choose from options like white noise, ocean waves, rainfall, or a trickling stream. You can adjust the volume independently from other audio and add the feature to Control Center for quick access.
It’s particularly useful when traveling, working in noisy environments, or when you need to mentally reset.
5. Schedule a text to send later
Sending texts at 2am or interrupting someone during work hours isn’t ideal. Your iPhone lets you schedule messages to send at specific times directly in the Messages app.
Type your message, then tap the plus symbol next to the text box. Select Send Later, choose your preferred date and time, and your iPhone handles the rest automatically. No need to set reminders or alarms.
This works perfectly for birthday messages, timed reminders, or check-ins you want to arrive at specific moments. If you change your mind, you can edit or cancel any scheduled message before it sends.
(Image credit: Future)
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