iOS 19 Tips and Tricks You Should Know
Apple has finally dropped iOS 19, and while it may not be a total redesign, it’s packed with smart updates, under-the-hood improvements, and hidden gems that make your iPhone even more powerful. Whether you’re rocking the latest iPhone 16 Pro or holding tight to your trusty iPhone 12, there’s something here for everyone.
In this article, we’re diving deep into the top iOS 19 tips and tricks you should know—from productivity boosters to hidden gestures and privacy enhancements. Let’s explore what Apple hasn’t shouted from the rooftops, but what will totally change how you use your phone.
1. Custom App Icons – No Shortcuts Banner
Remember when customizing your app icons meant tolerating that annoying Shortcuts banner every time you opened an app? Not anymore. iOS 19 now lets you use custom icons without routing through the Shortcuts app.
How to Do It:
- Long press your home screen > Tap the “+” icon.
- Add a new widget or app using custom icon packs.
- Apply through Settings > Appearance > Custom Icons.
Now your home screen can match your vibe without delays or distractions.
2. Smart Stack Suggestions Get Smarter
iOS 19 has turned up the heat on widgets. Smart Stacks are now context-aware based on time of day, location, and activity.
So, you might get your workout app in the morning, calendar during work hours, and meditation app at night—automatically.
Pro Tip:
Add widgets to your Smart Stack by holding it, tapping “Edit Stack,” and then adding apps that align with your routine.
3. Quick Notes from Anywhere
This one’s a game-changer. Quick Notes aren’t just for iPad anymore—they’ve landed on iPhones.
How it works:
Swipe diagonally from the bottom-right corner (like you’re opening Control Center), and a sticky Quick Note appears. Type, scribble, or add links—perfect for capturing ideas on the fly.
You can also highlight Safari content and save it directly to Notes. Super handy when you’re researching or shopping.
4. Live Voicemail Transcription
Tired of checking voicemails? iOS 19 now gives you real-time transcription of incoming voicemails—right as they’re being recorded.
You can read the message live and decide whether to pick up or ignore. It’s like screening calls, 2025-style.
Go to Settings > Phone > Live Voicemail to toggle it on.
5. FaceTime Video Reactions
Want to make FaceTime calls more fun? iOS 19 introduces video reactions—3D AR effects triggered by your gestures.
👍 Thumbs up? You’ll see floating balloons.
✌️ Peace sign? Fireworks.
👏 Clap? Confetti.
It’s not just gimmicky—these reactions make calls more expressive, especially when words aren’t enough.
6. Improved Battery Health Monitoring
Apple’s new Battery Health+ feature gives detailed insights into your battery performance. Instead of just “Peak Performance Capability,” you now get:
- Charge cycles
- Temperature logs
- Charging habits
This helps you spot battery issues before they become problems.
Find it in Settings > Battery > Battery Health+.
7. Focus Modes Linked to Apple Watch
Focus Modes aren’t new—but now, your Apple Watch can sync Focus modes and even trigger them based on location or activity.
Example: When you start a workout on your Watch, iPhone automatically activates “Fitness Focus,” muting everything except essential notifications.
Great for staying in the zone without touching your phone.
8. Haptic Feedback on Keyboard (Finally Refined)
Haptic feedback on typing was introduced in iOS 16, but it felt a bit… weird. iOS 19 now brings refined haptic feedback—it’s softer, more precise, and less distracting.
Turn it on here: Settings > Sound & Haptics > Keyboard Feedback > Haptic
Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you typed without it.
9. Advanced Safari Profiles
Safari now supports multiple profiles—just like Chrome or Firefox.
You can create separate browsing environments for Work, Personal, School, or whatever else. Each profile has its own:
- Bookmarks
- Tabs
- History
- Extensions
Switch between them effortlessly through Safari’s menu. It’s a must-have for multitaskers and digital minimalists.
10. Offline Siri (That Actually Works)
iOS 19 brings the most powerful offline Siri yet. You can now use Siri without an internet connection for things like:
- Setting timers and alarms
- Controlling smart home devices
- Opening apps
- Turning settings on/off
It’s super fast since there’s no lag from cloud processing. Great when you’re traveling or have spotty reception.
11. App Privacy Reports—Now With Notifications
Apple’s always pushing privacy, and now, the App Privacy Report doesn’t just sit in Settings—it can notify you when apps overstep.
For instance, if an app is constantly pinging your location or accessing your microphone, you’ll get a discreet alert.
Enable this under Settings > Privacy > App Privacy Report > Notifications.
12. New Control Center Layout
Control Center has gotten a redesign with drag-and-drop customization. You can now rearrange toggles, resize them, and even add third-party app controls.
Want to prioritize Screen Recording or Dark Mode toggle? Just hold and move them wherever you like.
It’s more flexible than ever—and finally feels tailored to you.
13. Accessibility Features That Benefit Everyone
iOS 19’s accessibility tools aren’t just for those with disabilities—they make life easier for everyone.
Highlights include:
- Live Speech: Type and Siri speaks aloud during calls or FaceTime.
- Point and Speak: Great for visually impaired users—just point the camera, and your iPhone will speak what it sees.
- Improved Voice Control: Now supports contextual suggestions and better app navigation.
Even if you don’t need them, these features are worth trying.
14. New Journal App (Finally Useful)
Apple’s built-in Journal app is finally out of beta and is more powerful than third-party options.
You can:
- Add photos, locations, weather, and music to entries.
- Use writing prompts generated by AI.
- Search by emotion, tags, or content type.
It’s private, encrypted, and synced across devices. A great tool for mental wellness or daily reflection.
15. Emergency Satellite Connectivity
In case of no signal or Wi-Fi, iPhones running iOS 19 with compatible hardware (like iPhone 14 and later) can now send texts via satellite.
Whether you’re hiking in the wild or caught in a blackout, your iPhone can still connect with emergency services—or your loved ones.