The iPhone 17 series from Apple is making waves with its bold features and design. The base model now includes the long-awaited 120Hz ProMotion Display, previously only available on the Pro models. The iPhone Air pushes the boundaries of design and engineering, while the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max come with professional features like ProRes RAW and GenLock. The latest iOS 26 user experience introduces a fresh visual departure from previous versions, with Liquid Glass and other enhancements.
Whether you are new to the iPhone 17 series or a long-time user upgrading to the latest models, this guide will provide you with useful tips and tricks. Written by someone who has reviewed almost every iPhone model over the past decade, this guide is full of insights to help you optimize your iOS experience.
Most of the tips in this guide apply to the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, as well as recent older models. Read on for a detailed rundown of all the features and functionalities of the iPhone 17 series.
Customize the lock screen clock:
With iOS 26, Apple introduced new customization options for the lock screen clock. You can now scale the clock, change the font and color, and choose between a Liquid Glass aesthetic or a traditional flat appearance. To customize the lock screen clock, press and hold on a blank area of the lock screen, tap the Customise button, and adjust the clock’s size, font, color, and style.
Spatial Scene lock screen:
iOS 26 introduces Spatial Scenes, a 3D effect that can be applied to lock screen images. By selecting a compatible image in the Wallpaper settings, you can create a Spatial Scene lock screen that adds depth and motion to your device’s display.
Spatial Scene in Photos:
You can view compatible images as Spatial Scenes directly in the Photos app. By tapping on a photo and selecting the Spatial Scene icon, you can experience the 3D effect without changing your wallpaper.
Faster haptics for a better feel:
Adjusting the haptic touch duration in the Accessibility settings can make your iPhone feel more responsive and snappy. By selecting a faster haptic touch duration, you can enhance your device’s tactile feedback experience.
Hidden keyboard shortcuts:
The iOS keyboard offers hidden features like swipe-typing, capitalization without toggling keys, and compact keyboard layouts. By long-pressing keys and using swipe gestures, you can access these hidden keyboard shortcuts for a more efficient typing experience.
Disable Control Centre on your lock screen:
By disabling Control Centre access on the lock screen, you can enhance the security of your device and prevent unauthorized access to key features like Airplane Mode. In the Face ID & Passcode settings, you can toggle off Control Centre access to protect your device’s settings.
Set a custom ringtone:
Setting a custom ringtone is now easier with iOS. By downloading an audio file to the Files app and selecting it as a ringtone, you can personalize your device’s sound profile without purchasing ringtones through iTunes.
Battery Percentage:
Enabling Battery Percentage in the Battery settings allows you to monitor your device’s charge level more accurately. By displaying the battery percentage in the status bar, you can track your device’s power more effectively.
Set a Charge Limit:
To improve long-term battery health, you can set a charge limit in the Battery settings. By limiting the charge level to 80%, you can extend your battery’s lifespan and optimize its performance over time.
Enable Adaptive Power Mode:
Adaptive Power Mode adjusts your device’s power settings dynamically to conserve battery life. By enabling this feature in the Power Mode settings, you can optimize your device’s performance and battery efficiency.
Turn on Vehicle Motion Cues:
Vehicle Motion Cues use motion data to reduce motion sickness when using your device in a moving vehicle. By enabling this feature in the Accessibility settings, you can minimize nausea and discomfort while using your phone on the go.
Make Apple Intelligence more intelligent:
By integrating ChatGPT into iOS through Apple Intelligence, you can access advanced AI capabilities for improved search and results. By enabling ChatGPT in the Siri settings, you can enhance your device’s AI experience with OpenAI’s assistive technology.
4K 60fps video by default:
To capture high-quality video, you can adjust the default resolution and frame rate settings in the Camera app. By selecting 4K at 60fps, you can ensure that your videos are recorded in the highest quality possible.
Add a grid and level to your camera:
Enhance your photography skills by enabling the grid and level features in the Camera settings. The grid helps you frame your shots using established principles like the rule of thirds, while the level ensures that your photos are straight and aligned.
Disable Macro Control:
If you prefer to take macro shots with the main camera lens, you can disable the automatic switch to Macro Mode in the Camera settings. By turning off Macro Control, you can maintain control over which lens is used for close-up photography.
These tips and tricks will help you make the most of your iPhone 17 series device and enhance your overall user experience. By customizing settings, optimizing performance, and exploring hidden features, you can unlock the full potential of your device and enjoy a seamless iOS experience.