🌟 Top 5 Hidden Features of the iPhone 16 You Didn’t Know About

Apple’s iPhone 16 has arrived, and while the headlines focus on its sleek design, upgraded camera, and powerful A18 chip, there’s a treasure trove of lesser-known features that make this device truly special. Whether you're a long-time Apple fan or just curious about what’s new, these hidden gems will elevate your experience and help you unlock the full potential of your iPhone 16.

Let’s dive into the top 5 hidden features that deserve your attention.

1. 🔄 Restart from Control Center

Gone are the days of pressing and holding physical buttons to restart your iPhone. With iOS 18, Apple has introduced a subtle but powerful feature: the ability to restart your device directly from the Control Center.

Here’s how it works: swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, then press and hold the new power icon. A familiar “slide to power off” screen appears, allowing you to restart or shut down your phone without ever touching the side buttons.

Why it matters: This is especially useful for users with accessibility needs or those who use their iPhone in a case that makes button access tricky. It’s a small change, but one that adds convenience and modernity to the user experience.

2. 🔦 Adjustable Flashlight Beam

The flashlight has always been a handy tool, but the iPhone 16 takes it to the next level. Now, you can adjust the beam width of your flashlight directly from the Control Center.

Instead of just changing brightness, press and hold the flashlight icon to reveal a slider that lets you choose between a narrow, focused beam or a wide floodlight. Whether you're reading in bed, navigating a dark hallway, or searching for something under the couch, this feature gives you precision lighting at your fingertips.

Bonus tip: The flashlight also remembers your last setting, so you don’t have to adjust it every time.

3. 📲 Convert Apps to Widgets Instantly

Customization is king in iOS 18, and the iPhone 16 makes it easier than ever to personalize your home screen. One of the coolest hidden features is the ability to convert any app into a widget with a simple long press.

Just tap and hold an app icon, then select “Convert to Widget.” Instantly, the app transforms into a dynamic widget that displays live data, shortcuts, or notifications. For example, turning your Weather app into a widget gives you real-time updates without opening the app.

This feature is perfect for users who want a more interactive and efficient home screen. It’s also a great way to declutter your layout while keeping essential info front and center.

4. 🎶 Secret Song ID with the Action Button

The Action Button, introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro, gets a major upgrade in the iPhone 16. One of its most underrated uses? Secretly identifying music playing around you.

By configuring the Action Button to “Recognize Music,” you can activate Shazam with a long press—no need to unlock your phone or open an app. It works even when your phone is locked, making it perfect for those spontaneous “What’s that song?” moments in cafés, parties, or while watching TV.

Even better, the identified songs are saved in your Music Recognition history, so you can revisit them later and add them to your playlists.

5. 📷 Revolutionary Camera Control

Photography lovers, rejoice. The iPhone 16 introduces a pressure-sensitive Camera Control button that responds to how firmly you press it. A hard press launches the camera instantly, while a light press or swipe opens up camera settings, modes, and filters.

This feature is fully customizable, allowing users to assign different actions based on pressure or gesture. Want to switch to Portrait mode with a swipe? Done. Prefer to open video recording with a double tap? You got it.

It’s a subtle but powerful upgrade that makes capturing moments faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever before.

Final Thoughts

The iPhone 16 is more than just a flagship device—it’s a playground of innovation. These hidden features showcase Apple’s commitment to refining the user experience in ways that aren’t always obvious at first glance. From smarter controls to deeper customization, the iPhone 16 proves that the best upgrades aren’t always the loudest.

So go ahead—explore, experiment, and make your iPhone truly yours.