The iPhone, a ubiquitous device, has nestled itself into the pockets of approximately 1.2 billion users worldwide. While making calls, sending texts, capturing photos, and surfing the internet are common knowledge, many users are yet to unravel the full potential of their devices.
Whether you are a new iPhone user or have been using it for years, this guide will provide valuable insights and make you a pro at using your iPhone. So let’s get started on this exciting journey of discovery and empowerment.
Make Live Photos from Videos
Certainly the idea that you can convert live photo to a video sounds trivial. Yet you can actual reverse the conversion direction and convert video to live photo. How? Well, using 3rd party apps. However, you might already have one of these apps installed on your iPhone. If you’re using Tiktok, then you can upload a video and post it privately. Then download it as Live Photo. This way you can transform your favorite video moments into live photos, enabling you to relive some of your favourites moments with a simple touch.
Back Tap Feature
The Back Tap feature, available in iPhone 8 and later models, allows users to activate various functions instantly. By tapping the back of the phone, users can access the camera, flashlight, and other functions without navigating through the front touchscreen. This feature is customizable, allowing users to assign different actions to double or triple taps, enhancing the user experience by providing quick access to frequently used functions.
Erase Text with a Shake
The iPhone offers a unique way to erase text. By shaking the device, users receive a prompt to ‘Undo Typing,’ eliminating the need to repeatedly hit the backspace button. This feature is especially useful for those who make notes in a rush, providing a quick and cool way to correct mistakes.
Activate a Secret Trackpad
The iPhone harbors a secret trackpad, a feature that facilitates text editing. By pressing and holding the space bar, users can activate the hidden mouse track, allowing them to navigate through text easily. This feature is particularly useful when crafting long emails or editing extensive pieces of text, saving users significant amounts of time.
Prevent Accidental End Calls
The latest iPhone software update, iOS 17, addresses the issue of accidentally ending calls by pressing the power button. Users can activate the ‘Prevent Lock to End Call’ feature, ensuring that calls are only ended when pressing the ‘end call’ button, preventing unintentional disconnections.
Mirrored Selfie
For selfie enthusiasts, the iPhone offers a mirrored selfie feature, allowing users to capture images that are true to their perception. This feature can be enabled in the ‘Camera’ settings, allowing users to take mirrored selfies, a hidden gem in Apple’s toolbox that many Instagram influencers have adopted.
Custom Sound Recognition
The sound recognition feature is a boon for those who are hard of hearing or often find themselves lost in daydreams. It alerts users to various sounds in their surroundings, such as sirens, doorbells, and dogs barking, by lighting up, vibrating, and displaying a notification. This feature is not only a handy tool but also a crucial aid for those who might miss important sounds in their environment.
Emergency SOS
The Emergency SOS feature enables users to call emergency services quickly. By pressing the side button and one of the volume buttons simultaneously, users can access the Emergency SOS slider and make emergency calls swiftly. This feature is particularly useful in stressful situations where every second count.
Scan Documents with the Camera
Your iPhone’s camera can be used as a portable document scanner. To scan a document, open the Notes app and create a new note. Tap the Camera icon and select the “Scan Documents” option. Line up the document within the frame, and the camera will automatically capture the image. You can then adjust the corners of the scan if needed. After scanning the document, you can save it as a PDF or image and share it or store it digitally. This feature can come in handy when you need to quickly scan important documents, receipts, or handwritten notes without the need for a separate scanner.
Flash for notifications
Need a notification light like Android users? Accessibility feature on iPhone can help. Turn on LED Flash for Alerts in the Settings app > Accessibility > Audio/Visual. Your iPhone’s LED flash will blink for incoming notifications in dark or when the phone is screen-down.
Battery Health
Monitoring your iPhone’s battery health is important to ensure optimal performance and longevity. You can check your battery health by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. This feature provides information about your battery’s maximum capacity and peak performance capability. If your battery’s maximum capacity is significantly degraded, it may be time to consider replacing the battery to maintain optimal performance.
Quick Settings
The iPhone’s quick settings menu allows you to easily access commonly used settings and features. To access the quick settings, swipe down from the top right corner of the screen (on iPhone X and later) or swipe up from the bottom of the screen (on older iPhone models) to reveal the Control Center. From here, you can quickly adjust settings such as brightness, volume, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and more. You can also customize the quick settings to include additional shortcuts by going to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls. This feature provides a convenient way to manage your iPhone’s settings on the go.
Screen Time
Screen Time is a feature that helps you keep track of your iPhone usage and set limits for app usage, notifications, and overall screen time. You can find the Screen Time feature in the Settings app. It provides insights into how much time you spend on your device and specific apps, allowing you to make more informed decisions about your digital habits. You can set app limits to control and manage your time spent on certain apps, set up downtime to schedule breaks from your device, and even enable content and privacy restrictions for added control. Screen Time is a useful tool for promoting healthy device usage and creating a better balance in your digital life.
Automatically Switch Between Light and Dark Mode
Since the release of iOS 15, the iPhone now supports automatic switching between light and dark mode based on the time of day. This feature, known as “Auto mode,” can be enabled in the Display & Brightness settings. When activated, your iPhone will automatically switch to dark mode during the evening hours and revert to light mode during the day. This not only provides a more comfortable viewing experience but also helps conserve battery life.
Conclusion
The iPhone is a reservoir of untapped potential, with numerous features waiting to be discovered. From the Back Tap feature to the secret mouse, these hidden gems enhance user experience and functionality. As technology continues to evolve, the iPhone remains a testament to innovation and user-centric design, with every update bringing new possibilities to explore.