iOS 9: New hidden features, shortcuts and more

Apple devices running on iOS 9apple.com

Apple just recently launched its newest platform, iOS 9. Aside from improvements in performance and speed, and enhancement in already-installed features, the new iOS version also came with hidden features that Apple fans are already starting to discover, being featured in different observer sites like Forbes.

Below are some of them:

Shortcuts

  • Double-clicking the Home button when in an app or on the home screen will open the multitasking feature in iOS 9. However, those who always use Apple Pay for their purchases can also use the shortcut and immediately go into the app by double-clicking the Home button from the lockscreen.
  • Although Siri is configured to be always in the background in iOS 9, users who want to silence the assistant can use the mute button to do so. This is done by setting "Control with Ring Switch" in Settings > General > Siri > Voice Feedback.
  • The new iOS 9 now lets users zoom in on both images and videos using the pinch gesture. Meanwhile, selecting multiple photos can now be done by selecting the first one, keeping the finger on the screen, and dragging it to select multiple images. In addition, users can also immediately return to Camera Roll by just swiping down on any open photo.
  • Swiping down over homescreen icons, or swiping right in the general area of the homescreen opens the Spotlight, which can be used as a quick access to tap a message or call contacts. Users can also quickly reply to messages on all messaging apps in iOS 9 by dragging down on new message notifications.

Hidden features

  • Listed by TechCrunch, iOS 9 now lets users see their power consumption through Settings > Battery > Battery Usage. In addition, the new platform also introduced a battery saving feature called the Low Power Mode, and users need to manually turn it on through the battery settings tab.
  • Meanwhile, exclusive to iPads, iOS 9 turns the keyboard into a trackpad simultaneously by swiping around with two fingers. In addition, newer iPads have a Picture-in-picture mode – watching videos on Safari will have an option with a box-inside-a-box icon, and tapping it will float the video in a new window that will stay on top even if the user opens another app.