Technology

Unveiling the Hidden Gems of iOS 26: Five Features You Can’t Afford to Miss!

2025-06-21

Author: Jia

As the first beta of iOS 26 rolls out, Apple fans are excitedly exploring the new features. While some updates are getting plenty of attention, there are intriguing smaller changes that might slip under your radar. Let’s dive into five notable features that could enhance your iPhone experience!

🕹️ Emoji Game: Play Your Way!

For Apple News+ subscribers in the U.S. and Canada, a fun new surprise awaits! The latest addition is an engaging Emoji Game where you can complete words and phrases with emojis. This marks the fifth game in their collection, joining the likes of Crossword, Crossword Mini, Quartiles, and Sudoku. Get ready to challenge your friends!

☁️ Satellite Weather: Stay Ahead of the Storm!

Ever find yourself without Wi-Fi or cellular service when you need the latest weather updates? iOS 26 has your back! Soon, it will offer a satellite weather feature that allows you to access the latest forecasts even offline. Currently spotted in beta code, keep an eye out for this game-changing feature in future updates!

🎶 Custom Ringtones: Make Your Phone Sing!

Say goodbye to the days of GarageBand! With iOS 26, you can easily set custom ringtones directly from your Files app. Just tap on an MP3 or M4A file (under 30 seconds), hit the share button, and voila — it’s ready to be used as a ringtone! And while Apple still sells 30-second ringtones for $1.29, this new feature allows for endless personalization without additional cost.

📱 Digital Passport: Your ID, Reimagined!

iOS 26 introduces the Digital Passport feature, enabling you to store a digital version of your U.S. passport in your Apple Wallet. This can come in handy at select TSA checkpoints, although Apple emphasizes it’s not a substitute for your physical passport and should not be used internationally. This secure feature not only aids in identity verification but can also be useful for age checks in apps and stores!

💬 New ‘Select’ Feature in Messages: Copy with Ease!

Finally, iOS 26 enhances your messaging experience with a new "Select" option in the Messages app. Now, you can effortlessly select and copy specific text within a message bubble, rather than the entire message. This small tweak makes communication smoother and more efficient!

With these exciting features on the cusp of release, iOS 26 isn’t just about big changes — it's in the details that truly enhance your Apple experience.