Apple’s iOS has always been celebrated for its sleek design, smooth performance, and intuitive user interface. With iOS 20, Apple has introduced a variety of hidden features and lesser-known tools that can significantly enhance productivity, customisation, and overall iPhone experience. While most users focus on obvious updates like widgets, focus modes, and app enhancements, iOS 20 has a treasure trove of capabilities waiting to be discovered.
Much like experimenting with different strategies in a colour bet game to maximise chances of success, iPhone users can explore iOS 20’s hidden features to get the most out of their devices.
1. Advanced Text and Keyboard Tricks
iOS 20 offers several subtle keyboard and text features that make typing faster and more efficient:
- QuickPath Swipe Typing: Glide your finger across letters instead of tapping each one individually, improving speed.
- Inline Predictive Suggestions: Beyond autocorrect, iOS 20 predicts full phrases or emojis as you type, reducing effort.
- Custom Keyboard Shortcuts: Users can create shortcuts for frequently used phrases, email addresses, or responses.
These features are designed to save time and reduce repetitive typing, making communication smoother than ever.
2. Hidden Camera Features
While most users are familiar with standard camera modes, iOS 20 introduces lesser-known tools to take your photography skills up a notch:
- ProRAW and ProRes Video Recording: Provides professional-quality images and videos directly from your iPhone.
- AI-Powered Scene Detection: The camera automatically adjusts settings based on environment, lighting, and subject.
- Live Text in Camera: Capture text directly from objects or signs in real-time and copy it to apps like Notes, Messages, or Safari.
These innovations allow photographers and casual users alike to capture high-quality content without needing advanced equipment.
3. Smarter Notifications and Focus Modes
iOS 20 refines notifications and focus settings to reduce distractions:
- Focus Filters: Assign specific apps, notifications, and contacts to each focus mode. For instance, work mode may block social media alerts but allow emails from clients.
- Live Notifications Sorting: iOS 20 intelligently organises notifications by priority, displaying the most relevant updates at the top.
- Scheduled Summary: Collect non-urgent notifications and present them at scheduled times, helping reduce constant interruptions.
These features are especially useful for maintaining productivity in a busy, always-connected world.
4. Hidden Safari and Web Tools
Safari in iOS 20 is more powerful than many realise:
- Grouped Tabs: Organise your open tabs into custom groups for projects, travel plans, or research.
- Translation Anywhere: Translate entire web pages or selected text without leaving the app.
- Enhanced Privacy Report: See which websites are tracking your activity and get suggestions to improve privacy.
By using these tools, iPhone users can navigate the web more efficiently while protecting their data.
5. Automation with Shortcuts
iOS 20 has expanded the Shortcuts app, allowing users to automate everyday tasks:
- Custom Automation Triggers: Set actions to occur when you arrive at a location, connect to Wi-Fi, or at a specific time.
- Multi-App Workflows: Combine actions across multiple apps for complex automation in a single tap.
- Personalised Notifications: Shortcuts can alert you to important events or reminders with customised messages or sounds.
Automation turns your iPhone into a productivity powerhouse, performing tasks that previously required multiple apps or manual steps.
6. Enhanced Accessibility Features
Apple continues to prioritise accessibility, making iPhones usable for everyone:
- Voice Control Enhancements: Navigate the entire device, write emails, and interact with apps using only your voice.
- Magnifier Updates: Turn your iPhone into a high-powered magnifying glass for reading fine print or inspecting objects.
- Hearing Aid Integration: iOS 20 allows seamless connection to compatible hearing aids, improving audio clarity in calls and media playback.
These features highlight Apple’s commitment to inclusive design.
7. Privacy and Security Features
iOS 20 continues Apple’s focus on user privacy:
- App Privacy Report: See how often apps access location, camera, microphone, and other sensitive permissions.
- Mail Privacy Protection: Prevents senders from knowing when an email is opened or the IP address of your device.
- Advanced Password Management: iOS 20 detects reused or compromised passwords and provides suggestions for stronger alternatives.
Users can now better control their digital footprint and protect sensitive information on the go.
8. Hidden Health and Fitness Features
Health tracking has become more advanced and integrated in iOS 20:
- Walking Steadiness and Fall Detection: Monitors balance and movement patterns, sending alerts for potential risks.
- Medication Reminders: Track and schedule medications with automatic notifications.
- Fitness+ Integration: Access guided workouts and monitor real-time metrics across multiple devices.
Even casual users can leverage these tools to improve wellness and monitor personal health metrics seamlessly.
9. Tips for Discovering Hidden Features
To fully explore iOS 20’s hidden capabilities:
- Explore Settings Thoroughly: Many hidden tools are buried in system preferences or accessibility menus.
- Experiment with Widgets and Shortcuts: Custom widgets and automation can unlock unexpected functionality.
- Test Camera and Live Text Features: Try features like AR scanning, document capture, and object recognition.
- Stay Updated: Apple frequently releases small updates that enable additional features or improve existing ones.
Curiosity and experimentation are key to unlocking the full potential of your iPhone.
Conclusion
iOS 20 isn’t just a minor update—it’s a powerful toolkit filled with hidden features that enhance productivity, creativity, and security. From advanced camera modes and AI-powered typing suggestions to privacy controls and health tracking, Apple has embedded tools that many users may never discover unless they actively explore.
Whether you’re a casual user, a tech enthusiast, or a professional seeking productivity hacks, iOS 20 has something to offer, proving that Apple continues to innovate in ways that remain both user-friendly and surprisingly deep.
