If you have a new iPhone in late 2026, the first thing to know is that iOS 27 changed enough that many older “iPhone tips” articles are now stale. These eight features are genuinely useful now, but some require newer hardware.
1. Update to iOS 27 and check the Tips app
Apple released iOS 27 in September 2026. It introduces Siri AI, expanded Apple Intelligence features and numerous system changes.
Go to Settings → General → Software Update to check your version.
Apple also keeps the built-in Tips app updated with current suggestions, which is much more reliable than following an old guide written for iOS 14 or 15.
2. Set a battery charge limit
On iPhone 15 and later, you can set a maximum charge level to reduce the amount of time the battery spends sitting at 100%.
Go to Settings → Battery → Charging, then choose the charge limit that suits you.
Apple currently allows limits between 80% and 100% in 5% increments and may recommend a limit based on your charging habits.
See Apple’s current Charge Limit guide.
3. Turn on Stolen Device Protection
This is one of the first security settings worth checking.
Go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Stolen Device Protection.
When enabled, sensitive actions can require biometric authentication and, for some account/security changes, a security delay. You can also choose to require the additional protections even in familiar locations.
Apple’s current Stolen Device Protection guide.
4. Lock or hide sensitive apps
You can now require Face ID/Touch ID/passcode to open selected apps.
- Touch and hold the app on the Home Screen.
- Tap Require Face ID (or Touch ID/Passcode).
- Choose whether to lock it or, for eligible third-party apps, hide it completely.
Locked-app content is also withheld from places such as notification previews and Siri suggestions.
See how to lock and hide apps.
5. Rebuild Control Center around what you actually use
Control Center is now far more customizable than the old fixed grid.
Swipe down from the top-right on Face ID iPhones, tap the Add button, then add, remove, resize and rearrange controls.
Useful additions can include screen recording, Notes, accessibility controls, Home devices and Visual Intelligence.
Apple’s current Control Center guide.
6. Use Visual Intelligence
On supported Apple Intelligence iPhones, Visual Intelligence can analyze what is in front of you or what is already on your screen.
Depending on the model and configuration, you can use Camera Control, the Action button, Lock Screen, Control Center or screenshot tools to:
- identify plants and animals;
- translate or summarize text;
- search visually for an object;
- turn an event flyer into a calendar event; and
- ask questions about onscreen content.
See Apple’s iOS 27 Visual Intelligence guide.
7. Put a shortcut on the Action button or Back Tap
Supported iPhones can assign the Action button to a commonly used feature. You can also use Back Tap to trigger an accessibility feature or shortcut by double- or triple-tapping the back of the phone.
That can be useful for the flashlight, Magnifier, a Shortcut, Visual Intelligence or another frequently used function.
See Apple’s current shortcut options.
8. Try Siri AI if your iPhone supports it
iOS 27 introduces Siri AI (Beta) on Apple Intelligence-compatible hardware.
Apple says it can use personal context and onscreen awareness to find information, answer follow-up questions and take actions across apps. It is not available on every iPhone, language or region.
Current Apple Intelligence hardware support includes iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and newer compatible models.
See Apple’s current Apple Intelligence requirements.
What happened to the old tips?
The previous version of this article recommended third-party Instagram downloaders, old Cellular menu paths and older iMessage/battery settings. Those instructions either aged badly or were less useful than the privacy, battery and productivity features built directly into current iOS.
Quick answer
For a new iPhone in 2026, update to iOS 27, configure battery charging and Stolen Device Protection, lock sensitive apps, customize Control Center and shortcuts, then explore Visual Intelligence/Siri AI if your hardware supports Apple Intelligence.
