iPhone 16: 10 Hidden Features You Never Knew Existed

The latest iteration of Apple's flagship smartphone, the iPhone 16, has redefined what users can expect from their devices. While many are already tapping into its renowned functionalities, there exists a treasure trove of hidden features that can significantly enhance your iPhone experience. From innovative camera controls to seamless data migration, here are the top 10 concealed gems of the iPhone 16 that you might have overlooked.

1. Restart Your iPhone Directly from the Control Center

Gone are the days of fumbling with physical buttons to restart your device. With iOS 18, the iPhone 16 allows users to restart their phones straight from the Control Center. Simply swipe down from the top-right corner, press and hold the new power button, and use the slider to power off. To turn it back on, a quick press of the physical side button does the trick.

With iOS 18, you no longer need to use physical buttons to restart your iPhone.— Apple

2. Customize Your Flashlight Beam

The iPhone 16 offers a subtle yet powerful feature: adjustable flashlight beam width. This allows for greater control over brightness and focus, making it easier to illuminate specific areas. Access this customization by pressing and holding the flashlight icon in the Control Center.Photo via 9to5Mac // You can know adjust the beam width of your flashlight, as per 9to5Mac.

3. Instantly Convert Apps to Widgets

Transforming your favorite apps into widgets is now more straightforward with iOS 18. Simply press and hold an app icon on your home screen, select the widget option from the quick actions menu, and voilà—your app is now a widget. This feature can be reversed effortlessly if you decide to revert to the standard app icon.

4. Secretly Identify Songs with the Action Button

The Action Button is a standout feature in the iPhone 16 series. When configured to “Recognize Music,” a long press activates Shazam discreetly, allowing you to identify songs without drawing attention. “By configuring the Action Button to ‘Recognize Music,’ you can discreetly identify songs playing in your surroundings,” explains the Apple press release.

5. Revolutionary Camera Control

Photography enthusiasts will rejoice in the new Camera Control button. A hard press launches the camera app, while a light press or swipe grants access to various settings. This button is highly customizable, letting users tailor it to their specific photography needs.Photo via CNET // Apple's Camera Control button on iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max.

6. Enhanced Camera Capabilities

The iPhone 16, powered by iOS 18, offers unprecedented flexibility in photography. Users can switch between 12MP and 48MP resolutions, explore new styles and filters, and utilize the macro mode to capture intricate details. These enhancements ensure that your mobile photography reaches new heights.

7. Unprecedented Home Screen Customization

iOS 18 introduces extensive customization options for the home screen. Users can switch between light, dark, and tinted themes, adjust icon sizes, remove text labels, and freely arrange apps. “These iPhone 16 hidden features allow you to personalize your device to suit your style and preferences,” the Apple documentation states.Photo via Apple Inc. // Some of the standout features of Apple's iPhone 16. This is a slide taken from the iPhone 16 keynote from earlier this year.

8. Search Call History and Transcribe Voicemails

Managing calls and voicemails has never been easier. iOS 18 allows users to search their call history using various criteria and transcribe voicemails for easier reading. These features are accessible through the Phone app or Spotlight Search, streamlining your communication management.

9. Wired Migration and Dual SIM Control

Transferring data to your new iPhone 16 is now faster with the wired migration feature. Using a USB-C or USB-C to Lightning cable, you can seamlessly transfer your data. Additionally, iOS 18 introduces dual SIM management directly from the Control Center, simplifying carrier switching.

10. Safari Enhancements and Guest Access to Home

Safari on the iPhone 16 now allows users to hide distracting elements on web pages, offering a cleaner browsing experience. Additionally, the Home app introduces the ability to grant time-based access to home devices like locks and garage doors for up to 29 guests, enhancing security and convenience.

Battery Life Improvements

Apple has also enhanced battery performance across the iPhone 16 lineup:

• iPhone 16: 22 hours of video playback (up from 20 hours)
• iPhone 16 Plus: 27 hours (up from 26 hours)
• iPhone 16 Pro: 27 hours (up from 23 hours)
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: 33 hours (up from 29 hours)

These improvements ensure longer usage between charges, catering to power users and casual users alike.Photo via Apple Inc. // Some of the standout features of Apple's iPhone 16 Pro.

Additional Insights from Apple's Event

During the recent Apple event, several noteworthy features were unveiled that didn’t make it into the main presentation. The Camera Control button not only launches the camera but also integrates with third-party apps like Snapchat and Instagram, potentially transforming how users capture and share moments.

Moreover, Apple's Audio Mix feature, initially exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro, is now available on all iPhone 16 models. This allows users to adjust audio mixes in videos, distinguishing voices from background sounds, thereby enhancing audio quality across the board.

Recommended by the editors:

• Can Apple Overtake Samsung? iPhone Sales Hit Record-Breaking High in Q3

• 37 Apple iPhone Facts You Didn't Know—Until Now

• Apple Smart Glasses and AirPods with Cameras Rumored For 2027

• 100+ Free 4K Wallpapers for iPhone 16 Plus

• 75+ Top Trending Wallpapers for iPhone 16

• More From Apple Scoop — America's Favorite Source For Apple News, Rumors & More