iPhone Hidden Features Apple Doesn't Tell You About (2025 Guide)

Let's be real, Apple's not about to reveal all its secrets. After selling iPhones at a NYC Apple Store for 3 years and testing every iOS trick in the book, I've uncovered game-changing features most users never discover. These aren't your basic "shake to undo" tips,  these are the real hidden gems that'll make your iPhone feel brand new.

Secret Camera Tricks You're Not Using

1. Buried Scan Document Feature

   • Open Notes → New Note → Camera icon → Scan Documents

   • Why it's gold: Turns your iPhone into a portable scanner that automatically straightens and enhances pages. I've used this to scan leases in Brooklyn apartments when landlords "forgot" to bring copies.

2. QuickTake Video (Everyone Misses This)

   • Hold the camera shutter button in Photo mode to instantly record video

   • Pro move: Swipe right while holding to lock recording hands-free

   • Real-world use: Caught a taxi hitting my parked car in Queens without fumbling with modes

3. Hidden Level Tool

   • Open Measure app → swipe to Level tab

   • Life hack: Used this to hang shelves in my tiny Manhattan studio when I lost my physical level

Keyboard Secrets That'll Save Hours

• Trackpad Mode
  Hard press (3D Touch) or long press (other models) the spacebar to turn keyboard into precision cursor
  Why it matters: Fixing typos in long emails became 10x faster

• One-Handed Keyboard
  Long press the globe/keyboard icon → choose left/right layout
  Game changer: Texting on crowded NYC subway while holding a coffee

• Hidden Special Characters
  Long press letters to reveal alternatives (é, ü, etc.)
  Bonus: Long press $ for ¢, ¥, € saved me when splitting international dinner bills

Next-Level Siri Tricks

• "Hey Siri, what's this song?" works even when offline
  Tested this in a dead zone upstate NY still identified classic rock playing at a gas station

• "Remind me about this later"
  Say this while viewing anything (email, webpage, text) to create contextual reminder
  How I use it: When landlords send lease PDFs, Siri reminds me to review after work

• "Read my latest email"
  Lifesaver when driving through Lincoln Tunnel during rush hour

Security Features Apple Hides Too Well

1. Locked Hidden Photos

   • Select photos → Share → Hide

   • They disappear from main albums but stay in Hidden folder (still not secure)

   • Real security: Go to Settings → Photos → turn OFF "Hidden Album" to make them completely invisible

2. Emergency SOS Auto-Call

   • Mash power button 5x silently calls 911

   • Personal story: Triggered this accidentally during a movie cops showed up in 3 minutes (embarrassing but impressive)

3. Backtap Triggers

   • Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap

   • Set double/triple tap for:

     • Screenshots (way better than button combo)

     • Flashlight (used this walking home in Chicago winters)

     • Voice Memos (perfect for recording shady landlord convos)

Battery Life Extenders No One Talks About

• Disable Background App Refresh for Uber/Lyft
  These apps drain battery tracking location constantly
  Result: Gained 2+ hours daily on my iPhone 13

• Optimized Battery Charging
  Settings → Battery → Battery Health → enable
  How it helped: My launch-day iPhone 11 Pro still has 89% capacity

• Dark Mode Reduces OLED Burn-In
  Not just for looks prevents permanent screen damage
  Tech tip: Set to auto-schedule with sunrise/sunset

Bonus: Hidden Payment Tricks

• Instant Apple Cash Transfer
  iMessage → Tap contact → Apple Pay icon → enter amount
  Used this: Splitting bar tabs in NYC before friends venmo request hits

• Digital ID Coming Soon
  Currently testing in select states (Arizona first)
  Future use: TSA checkpoints without physical wallet

• Hidden App Store Discounts
  Search "Apple Store" app → Education Pricing (they don't verify student status)

   

These aren't gimmicks they're real tools that have saved me time, money and hassle living in major US cities. The kicker? Most are buried so deep Apple probably hopes you never find them.

Pro Tip: Bookmark this page I'll update it whenever I find new hidden features (like that time iOS 15.4 secretly added Tap to Pay for small businesses).