In the hustle and bustle of discovering the latest features of iOS 26, there lies a set of gestures that many of us, including myself, had almost forgotten. Upon embarking on a month-long journey with iOS 26 beta, these gestures stood out as true gems worth rediscovering.

The Art of Quick App Switching

One of the most underestimated gestures is the quick app switcher, a feature that stands out amidst the new Liquid Glass material design and the AI-driven Call Screen. Swiping left or right on the home indicator bar, users can transition smoothly between apps. It’s an artful skill that enhances productivity, especially when copying information from one app to another. According to Tom's Guide, mastering such gestures can lead to significant time savings.

Reachability: Big Screen, Easy One-Handed Use

Adopting large devices like the iPhone 16 Pro Max often comes with challenges in usability. However, the reachability gesture solves this by minimizing apps, allowing users to easily interact with the interface using a single hand—a boon for those moments when you’re juggling multiple tasks in transit or otherwise.

A Triple Tap Revolution

Perhaps the most intriguing rediscovery is the Back Tap feature. This accessibility gem lets users assign tasks to double or triple taps on their iPhone’s back, like activating a flashlight or launching specific apps. This expands the horizon of how we interact with our devices, offering flexibility and innovation at your fingertips.

Conclusion: Embracing Innovation with Tradition

While iOS 26 brings a plethora of new features, it’s these subtle, often overlooked gestures that bridge the gap between innovation and tradition. As these forgotten functionalities resurface, they invite a new era of seamless and intuitive interaction.

Embrace these hidden treasures within iOS 26; your iPhone experience may never be the same again.