Your iPhone is packed with hidden gems—features that can make life easier, more accessible, and even more fun. Whether you’re looking for ways to improve productivity, enhance accessibility, or just discover new tricks, here’s how your iPhone can help.
Struggling to read small print or just want to listen instead of reading? Simply ask Siri to read web pages, messages, or emails aloud. To enable this, go to Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content and turn on Speak Screen. Then, swipe down with two fingers from the top of the screen to have Siri read everything on the display. In this same way, you can turn your e-books into audiobooks. (Available on iPhone 6s and later.)
Call recording can be helpful in a variety of situations, from tracking the details in a business meeting or conversations with your doctor, insurance provider, or pharmacist. Third-party apps like Rev Call Recorder or TapeACall can record calls (always check local laws first) on all iPhones running iOS 14 and later. And now, iPhones with iOS 18.1 have a native call recording feature. Here’s how it works: after dialing a call in the Phone app, go to the top left corner of the screen. Tap the Start Recording symbol (it has several vertical lines). A voice will inform all call participants that the call is being recorded. When you’re finished, simply tap the red Stop button or simply end the call.
Once recorded, you can use the Notes or Voice Memos app or services like Otter.ai to transcribe them for easy reference.
If you have trouble sleeping or need background noise to focus, your iPhone has a built-in white noise feature. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Background Sounds and choose from sounds like ocean, rain, or white noise. (Available on iPhone SE 2nd Gen and later.)
Want to let your grandkids play a game without them accidentally exiting the app or making a call? Use Guided Access. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access and turn it on. Once in an app, triple-click the Side or Home button, then tap Start to lock the app. Triple-click again to exit. (Available on iPhone 5s and later.)
Your iPhone can recognize plants, animals, and even landmarks. Just take a photo and swipe up or tap the Info (i) button to use Visual Look Up, which provides details about what’s in the picture. (Available on iPhone XS and later running iOS 15+.) As a sidenote to birders, a friend recently clued me in on a brilliant (and free) app for identifying our feathered friends by their songs. It’s called Merlin Bird ID, developed by the folks at Cornell University.
Never lose track of where you parked again! If your iPhone is connected to your car’s Bluetooth or CarPlay, it automatically marks your parking location in Apple Maps. Open Maps, search for “Parked Car,” and tap the pin to navigate back to your vehicle. (Available on iPhone 6s and later running iOS 10+.)
Your iPhone can act as a scanner for old photos, passports, medical records, and other important documents. Open the Notes app, create a new note, tap the Camera icon, and select Scan Documents. Hold your phone over the document, and it will automatically scan and save it. You can also use third-party apps like Google PhotoScan for scanning printed photos. (Available on iPhone 6s and later.)
Messaging from a different time zone? (Or, um, in the middle of the night?) Schedule text messages to send at a specific time using the Shortcuts app. Create an automation: Shortcuts > Automation > Personal Automation > Time of Day, then select Send Message and set your recipient and time. (Available on iPhone 6s and later running iOS 14+.)
Need to translate text in real time? Open the Camera app, point it at the text, and tap the Live Text icon. Then, tap Translate to convert the text into your preferred language. (Available on iPhone XS and later running iOS 15+.)
If you ever need emergency assistance, press and hold the Side button + Volume button until the Emergency SOS slider appears. Drag it to call emergency services or keep holding for an automatic call. (Available on iPhone 8 and later.)
For reading fine print, turn your iPhone into a magnifier by enabling Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier. Open the Magnifier app or triple-click the Side or Home button to zoom in on small text or objects. (Available on iPhone 6s and later.)
Voice Control: Navigate your iPhone hands-free by enabling Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control. (Available on iPhone SE 2nd Gen and later.)
Larger Text & Bold Fonts: Adjust font size in Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size. (Available on all iPhones.)
Reduce Motion: Reduce screen animations for easier navigation (Settings > Accessibility > Motion). Available on all iPhones.
Back Tap Shortcuts: Double or triple tap the back of your phone to perform actions like taking a screenshot (Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap). Available on iPhone 8 and later.
Have you discovered any new tricks and tips for your smartphone? Thoughts on how Technology has helped make your life easier (or more difficult)? Drop us a line at info@superaging.com! We always love hearing from you.
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Content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns regarding a medical condition.
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