IOS 26 has a new liquid glass design, but the update also includes other new features that have not received so much attention.
Below, we are recaping three smaller iOS 26 features that you may have missed.
IOS 26 should be released in September, but anyone can register to test the public beta version for free. First make sure to save your iPhone.
Adaptive power mode
IOS 26 introduces an adaptive power mode on the iPhone, alongside the existing low power mode.
Apple says that the adaptive power supply mode can make “small performance adjustments” when necessary to extend the battery life of an iPhone, including a slight writing of the screen brightness or allow certain activities to “take a little more time”.
The full description of the adaptive power mode, from the iOS 26 BETA:
When your use of the battery is higher than usual, the iPhone can make small performance adjustments to extend the life of your battery, including a slight writing of the screen brightness or allow certain activities to take a little more time. Low power mode can light up at 20%.
The adaptive power supply mode is only available on iPhone 15 pro and more recent models.
The adaptive power supply mode is disabled by default. The option can be activated continuously in the application of settings under the battery → Power mode.
Digital passport
IOS 26 allows you to create a digital version of your American passport on your iPhone.
After creating a digital ID in the Apple Wallet application, depending on your American passport, you can present it in person at certain TSA control points for identity verification during domestic trips. However, Apple says that it is not a replacement for a physical passport, and it cannot be used for international travel and border purposes.
Apple says that the digital identification functionality is secure, private and in accordance with a real ID.
Digital identification based on passports can also be used for age and identity verification in applications, online and stores, according to Apple.
Airplay for Carplay
IOS 26 will allow iPhone users wirelessly to broadcast videos on the Carplay screen using AirPlay, according to Apple. For security reasons, video playback will only be available when the vehicle is parked to avoid driving distraction. The connected iPhone can detect when the vehicle is moving and ending the reading.
Apple says that car manufacturers must add carplay support with AirPlay Video, it will therefore probably take a while to deploy. It is not clear if a new vehicle is required.
From the Carplay page on the Apple developer’s website:
Video in the car
The airplay video in the car allows people to watch their favorite iPhone videos directly on their carplay display when they do not drive. Integrate Carplay support with AirPlay Video to activate this feature in your car.
There were already unsuccessful ways to watch videos via Carplay, with various jailbreak adjustments and beta applications from Testflight promising to unlock such features. Now is something that Apple will officially authorize.
