Last updated: October 2026 · Menu names can change slightly between iOS versions and iPhone models. If a setting is missing on your phone, check Settings → General → About to see which iOS version you have.
If you went looking for "iOS 19," you won't find it. Apple skipped it. At WWDC 2025 the company moved every operating system from its old numbers (iOS 18, macOS 15, watchOS 11, visionOS 2) to a single year-based number, 26, so iOS 18 was followed by iOS 26. And since this article was first written, the story moved on again: iOS 27 was released on September 14, 2026, according to AppleInsider and OS X Daily.
That doesn't make the iOS 26 tips useless. Many iPhones are still on iOS 26, and most of these features are small, practical things Apple never put in a headline. Below are five worth setting up, each with exact steps. I'll also flag what I couldn't confirm on iOS 27.
- Copy part of a message: press and hold a message bubble and tap Select.
- Never forget a missed call: swipe left on it in Recents and tap the blue clock.
- Shorter or longer snooze: set it from 1 to 15 minutes per alarm.
- Calm the glass look: Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size → Reduce Transparency.
- Tap the back of your phone: Back Tap runs a shortcut, takes a screenshot and more.
Which iOS do you have?
Open Settings → General → About and look at "iOS Version." Reports say iOS 27 supports the same iPhones as iOS 26, which means iPhone 11 and later, but check Apple's official list for your exact model. To update, go to Settings → General → Software Update, and back up first. Apple's point releases usually fix early bugs, so waiting a few weeks is reasonable if your phone works well today.
1. Copy part of a message (iOS 26)
Before, copying a message meant copying the whole bubble. Now you can pick just the part you need.
- Open a conversation in Messages.
- Press and hold a message bubble.
- Tap Select.
- Drag the handles over the words, link or address you want, then copy.
Use it for: pulling a tracking number, address or code out of a long message.
2. Callback reminders for missed calls (iOS 26)
Instead of trying to remember to call someone back, attach a reminder to the missed call.
- Open Phone and tap the Calls tab (Recents).
- Swipe left on a missed call.
- Tap the blue clock icon.
- Choose a time, such as in 1 hour, tonight or tomorrow, or pick "Remind Me Later" for a custom date and time.
Related: iOS 26 also adds call screening. Go to Settings → Apps → Phone and turn on "Ask Reason for Calling," and your iPhone can ask unknown callers for their name and reason, transcribe the answer, and let you decide. Availability can depend on language, region and carrier.
3. Choose your snooze length (iOS 26)
The fixed nine-minute snooze is no longer fixed. One iOS 26 roundup says you can set it anywhere from 1 to 15 minutes, per alarm.
- Open the Clock app and tap Alarm.
- Tap Edit and select the alarm.
- Find the snooze setting and choose the length you want.
The exact wording of that control can differ between versions, so look for it on the alarm's edit screen.
4. Tone down Liquid Glass with Reduce Transparency
iOS 26 introduced the translucent "Liquid Glass" look, which some people find hard to read. You can reduce it:
- Open Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size.
- Turn on Reduce Transparency.
This makes panels and controls more opaque and can improve contrast. On iOS 27: AppleInsider says Liquid Glass was not removed but was tweaked for readability, with better contrast and a customization slider. I couldn't confirm whether the slider replaces or adds to this setting, so look in Settings after you update.
5. Back Tap (older, but still under-used)
The earlier version of this article called Back Tap "expanded" in iOS 26. That was wrong: Apple's support page says it needs iOS 14 or later and an iPhone 8 or later, so it's been around for years. Most people never turn it on, which is why it still counts as hidden.
- Open Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap.
- Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap.
- Pick an action, then tap the back of the iPhone to run it.
Apple lists actions such as opening Control Center, taking a screenshot, and accessibility shortcuts like AssistiveTouch, Magnifier and Siri Shortcuts. If your iPhone is in a thick case, test the tap to make sure it registers.
Bonus: small extras worth knowing
- Custom ringtones from the Files app: long-press an MP3 or M4A file under 30 seconds, then use Share and choose "Use as Ringtone."
- Spotlight shortcuts: typing words like "timer," "focus" or "shortcut" into Spotlight can surface quick actions. This has been available since iOS 16, so it isn't new, but it's easy to forget.
- Drafts in Messages: tap the filter icon in the top right and look for Drafts, which appears only when you have unsent messages.
Do these need newer hardware?
The five features above are software features that don't depend on a specific chip, with two caveats: call screening depends on language, region and carrier, and Back Tap needs an iPhone 8 or later. iOS 27's headline Siri features have stricter limits, and OS X Daily reports that the new Siri AI needs an iPhone 16 or later or an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max.
FAQ
Was there ever an iOS 19?
No. Apple went from iOS 18 to iOS 26 in 2025, when it switched to year-based version numbers across all its platforms.
Is iOS 26 the latest version?
No. iOS 27 was released on September 14, 2026.
Do these features still work on iOS 27?
Most should, but I couldn't confirm every one. Liquid Glass was adjusted in iOS 27, so the Reduce Transparency path may differ. Check Settings after you update.
Should I update to iOS 27 now?
It's your call. Back up first, and consider waiting for a point release if your current setup works well.
Where can I find more iPhone tips?
See 10 iPhone Settings You Should Change Right Now and How to Free Up iPhone Storage Without Deleting Photos.
My pick
If you only set up two things today, make them selective text copy and callback reminders, since you'll use both every week. Then turn on Back Tap for one action you repeat, like a screenshot or a Shortcut. If you want an AI assistant on the same phone, see How to Use Claude AI on iPhone.
Sources: iGeeksBlog: why Apple skipped iOS 19 · Apple Support: Use Back Tap on your iPhone · MacRumors: hidden iOS 26 tricks · iPhoneIslam: 13 hidden iOS 26 features · MacMyths: hidden iOS 26 features · AppleInsider: iOS 27 is available · OS X Daily: iOS 27 released