By Emma Reynolds 
Splash into the pool of iOS 26’s vibrant new features, and you’ll find yourself swimming in a sea of innovation. But, while you’re busy floating on the surface, basking in the brilliance of the most obvious upgrades, you might have let some of the more subtle enhancements slip under your radar. We’re diving deep into the ocean of iOS 26 to bring you three hidden treasures that you may have missed.
Apple has always been a master at sneaking in under-the-radar features that become game-changers. The first of these is the Digital Legacy feature. It’s an answer to the question we’ve all secretly wondered but never asked: “What happens to my digital life when I’m no longer around?” The Digital Legacy feature allows you to assign a Legacy Contact who can access your Apple ID and personal data in the event of your passing. It’s a touch of realism that adds a deeper layer to our digital existence.
Blink, and you might miss the second feature: Live Text in Photos. Ever snapped a picture of a restaurant’s menu, only to find yourself squinting at the image later, trying to decipher the dish descriptions? With Live Text, your camera becomes an active participant in your culinary adventures. It recognizes and deciphers text in your images, making it searchable and interactive. It’s a real-life magnifying glass for the modern Sherlock Holmes in you.
The third gem in our iOS 26 treasure chest is Focus Mode. This feature allows you to customize your notification preferences based on different activities or times of the day. In the middle of a workout and don’t want to be disturbed by non-urgent emails? Just switch on your Exercise Focus mode. It’s about time our devices started working around our schedules, rather than the other way around.
These three features may not be the glitzy showstoppers of the iOS 26 update, but they’re the perfect examples of Apple’s attention to detail and understanding of the user experience. They’re the little helpers working behind the scenes to make our lives smoother, more organized, and yes, a tad more magical.
So there you have it. The next time you dive into the thrilling waves of iOS 26, remember to explore beneath the surface. Who knows what other treasures you might uncover in this ocean of innovation?