Apple’s iPhone has evolved significantly since its first release in 2007.

Each year, new iOS updates bring a range of features that make life easier, more efficient, and even more enjoyable.

As an iPhone user myself, I recently explored several hidden tools that can help you get more out of your expensive device.

Here are four amazing features that you should start using today.

Shortcut Automations: Let Your iPhone Do the Work for You

The Shortcuts app first arrived with iOS 12 in 2018.

It was designed to automate tasks on your iPhone through custom commands.

While it was once popular for features like the “I’m Being Pulled Over” shortcut during traffic stops, it has expanded greatly since then.

Today, Shortcuts can be programmed to perform actions automatically without needing you to press a button.

For example, you can create a command to turn on “Do Not Disturb” whenever you open a specific app.

You can also send a message when you leave a location or even change your wallpaper daily.

I tested it by setting a Shortcut that FaceTimes my friend every time he texts “hey.”

It worked perfectly, although it might not be practical for everyday use.

Shortcuts allow you to personalize your iPhone experience and save valuable time.

Voice Isolation: Crystal-Clear Calls in Noisy Places

Voice Isolation, introduced in 2021, is one of the best features for people living in noisy environments.

It blocks out background sounds and focuses only on your voice during phone and FaceTime calls.

Living in New York City with two barking dogs, I quickly realized how powerful this feature can be.

Now, even when an ambulance passes by or my dogs get loud, my friends can hear me clearly without any interruptions.

You can activate Voice Isolation easily during a call.

Simply open Control Center and select “Mic Mode,” then choose “Voice Isolation.”

This small adjustment can dramatically improve your call quality.

Clean Up Safari Tabs Automatically: Stay Organized Without Trying

If you are like me and leave dozens — or even hundreds — of Safari tabs open, you will love this feature.

Safari can now be set to automatically close your open tabs after a certain period.

This helps keep your browser neat and improves overall phone performance.

You can choose to close tabs daily, weekly, or monthly.

I decided to start with a monthly clean-up to ease into the habit.

Here’s how to enable it:

Go to Settings > Safari > Close Tabs, and pick your preferred time frame.

Now, you no longer have to worry about scrolling endlessly through outdated tabs.

Background Sounds: Turn Your iPhone into a Relaxation Machine

One of the coolest discoveries is the Background Sounds feature hidden within the Settings app.

Instead of using a music app to search for white noise or rain sounds, your iPhone already has calming audio built in.

You can choose from options like ocean waves, rain, or dark noise.

Best of all, these sounds can continue playing even when you use other apps or media.

To turn on Background Sounds, follow these steps:

Open Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Background Sounds.

This tool is perfect for relaxation, focusing while working, or falling asleep faster.

Final Thoughts

The iPhone has truly become more than just a phone — it is a powerful everyday tool packed with hidden gems.

Features like Shortcut Automations, Voice Isolation, Safari Tab Management, and Background Sounds can greatly enhance your daily experience.

If you are spending over $1,000 on a device, it is worth exploring everything it can do.

Start using these tools today and get the most out of your iPhone investment.