13 Hidden Gems in iOS 26: From Smarter AirPods to Journaling Improvements

iOS 26 updates include smarter AirPods behavior, new journaling tools, and better battery estimates. Other underrated updates include automatic pausing for AirPods when sleeping, expanded Automatic Switching for CarPlay, and a history feature in the Passwords app. The Notes app now supports importing and exporting Markdown-formatted files. These updates improve the iPhone experience without getting attention in the keynote.

Apple's latest iOS update, iOS 26, has garnered significant attention for its headline features like Apple Intelligence and redesigned apps. However, several underrated updates quietly enhance the iPhone experience, offering practical improvements that might have been overlooked in the keynote presentations.

One such update is the smarter behavior of AirPods, which now automatically pause when the system detects the user has fallen asleep. This feature eliminates the annoyance of waking up to music or podcasts, making for a more peaceful night's sleep. Additionally, CarPlay now integrates with Handoff, allowing users to switch seamlessly between their iPhone and car, picking up where they left off on their music or podcasts [1].

The Journal app has also seen enhancements, with support for multiple journals, inline images, and location-based entry maps. This makes the app more versatile and useful for users who enjoy journaling. The app will soon be available on iPad and Mac, with iCloud syncing across all devices, ensuring continuity and easy access [1].

The Passwords app has been updated to include a history feature, allowing users to view past changes for each login. This is particularly useful for recovering accounts or checking previous passwords, addressing the issue of password overrides that often leave users confused about which password to use [1].

The Notes app now supports importing and exporting Markdown-formatted files, making it easier for users who collaborate with third-party tools or prefer structured writing formats. This feature is a welcome addition for those who need to integrate their notes with other applications or prefer a more structured writing style [1].

iOS 26 also includes improvements to dictation, which now handles unique spellings better, especially for names or region-specific words. This feature allows users to proactively spell out what they mean, rather than relying on autocorrect [1].

Another notable update is the customizable snooze feature for Clock alarms, giving users more control over their wake-up routine. Now, users can choose their own snooze time, ranging from 1 to 15 minutes, making it easier to set alarms that fit their needs [1].

For dual SIM users, iOS 26 introduces Focus-based SIM silencing, allowing users to silence specific SIMs depending on the active Focus mode. This feature helps separate work and personal contacts without disabling the entire phone, making it a useful tool for those who need to manage multiple lines [1].

The eSIM feature has been improved to automatically switch between travel and home lines and disable the travel SIM when back home. This ensures that users can still use their home number for FaceTime and iMessage while abroad, without needing to toggle settings manually [1].

Battery Settings now show estimated time to reach a charge level and include adaptive power use, which learns the user's behavior and adjusts performance on days when more battery is expected to be used. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who need to maximize their battery life [1].

Apple has also expanded Arabic language support, redesigning the Calculator app to support Eastern Arabic numerals and a right-to-left layout. A new Multiscript Arabic keyboard allows users to type in both Arabic and English without switching keyboards [1].

The Podcasts app has been updated to include an "Enhance Dialogue" feature that improves voice clarity and offers playback speed options ranging from 0.5x to 3x. This feature is particularly useful for users who listen to podcasts at different speeds [1].

Lastly, Safety Check has been improved to add blocked contact protection, allowing users to remove shared access for blocked contacts with a single action. This feature is a valuable addition for users who need to manage their privacy and security settings [1].

These underrated updates in iOS 26 collectively enhance the iPhone experience, offering practical improvements that make a significant difference in everyday use. While the headline features tend to grab the spotlight, it is these quieter updates that often prove to be the most impactful for users.

References:
[1] https://9to5mac.com/2025/07/22/ios-26-underrated-updates/