When it comes to significant updates for the iPhone, iOS 26 stands out by introducing a range of new features—though only a select few tend to become part of our daily routines. In this article, I’ll share four exciting features from iOS 26 that I find myself using almost every day, and why they might just enhance your iPhone experience.
1: The Adaptive Toolbar in Notes
Apple Notes has been a trusty companion of mine, with a vast library of over 2,600 notes showcasing its versatility. One of the standout additions in iOS 26 is the Adaptive Toolbar, which enhances the way we interact with this app.
While Apple has steadily improved Notes with new features over the years, the risk of overwhelming users with too many tools often looms large. Luckily, the Adaptive Toolbar addresses these concerns effectively.
As you type or update a note, the toolbar located just above the keyboard intelligently adjusts to display the most relevant formatting options. For instance:
- When focused on regular text, you’ll see tools for bold, italics, underline, and highlighting.
- If you've selected multiple lines, the toolbar will switch to show list formats, indenting options, block quotes, and more.
This dynamic functionality means you don't have to navigate through endless menus; you still have access to the full suite of tools with a simple swipe when needed, making note-taking quicker and more efficient.
2: The Preview App
The Preview app has long been a staple on Mac computers, yet it always seemed unnecessary on iOS—until now. For basic PDF or image viewing, the Quick Look feature in the Files app was more than adequate. However, with the arrival of the Preview app for iOS 26, I’ve discovered how useful it can be.
While much of what Preview offers is similar to existing features in the Files app, it also introduces some fresh capabilities. One of my favorite aspects is the ability to view a document in Preview while simultaneously browsing through files in the Files app. This feature proves particularly handy when dealing with several PDFs at once, creating a seamless multitasking experience.
Have you ever needed to compare information across different documents? On a Mac, it’s easy to open multiple PDFs side-by-side. Now, with Preview and Files working together on your iPhone, that sort of functionality is finally available in a mobile format.
3: Sleep Score in Health
Sleep tracking has been around for a while, but the introduction of the Sleep Score in the Health app with iOS 26 takes it to a new level. This feature transforms your existing sleep data into a valuable daily score that offers a clearer picture of your sleep quality.
I’ve often found the previous visualization of sleep data in the Health app somewhat lacking. However, the new Sleep Score provides an at-a-glance assessment of how well I rested the previous night.
It evaluates three key factors: Duration, Bedtime, and Interruptions, making it easy to see what impacts my overall score. Just as the Activity rings on the Apple Watch motivate users to stay active, the Sleep Score encourages me to pay closer attention to my sleep habits.
4: AI Search in Maps
Search functionality is critical in Apple Maps, and with iOS 26, this feature received a substantial upgrade. Powered by Apple Intelligence, the search capabilities are now more intuitive and relevant, allowing users to utilize natural language for queries.
AI improvements in search functionalities began last fall with the Photos app, and Maps is set to benefit greatly from this evolution. I personally rely on Maps daily, whether conducting simple searches or more complex inquiries, and I’ve noticed a remarkable enhancement in the results thanks to Apple Intelligence.
Finding familiar locations is now easier, especially when there are multiple nearby options. Plus, the enhanced search capabilities support discovery, as the AI can understand multifaceted queries. While search may not seem like a flashy application of AI, its practicality is undeniable.
What about you? What new features from iOS 26 have you found yourself using the most? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
