The iPhone 7 is the biggest gadget to hit the market in years. Unless someone manages to construct the hoverboard from Back to the Future, it's going to stay that way for a while. Well, at least until the iPhone 8 is released. iPhone users everywhere are going crazy for all of the iPhone 7's new features, but there are things about the iPhone 7 that even the most avid Apple fanatics might not know. If you are one of the millions of people who have upgraded to the iPhone 7, you will want to familiarize yourself with these tips and hidden features to make sure you get the most out of your new device.
Repairing The Screen: DIY or Leave It to the Pros
Who hasn't had the frustrating experience of accidentally damaging their smartphone? If you drop your iPhone 7 in the toilet, you're covered because it's waterproof... though we still wouldn't recommend it. Dropping it on the ground is another matter altogether, especially if the phone isn't in a protective case. If you do find yourself with a cracked screen, don't stress... accidents happen and you have options for getting it fixed! For the DIY crowd, follow this guide to replace iPhone 7 screen breakages on your own.
Don't Bother Unlocking Your Phone
As we continue to store more sensitive information on our devices and use them for more important functions, security and privacy will become increasingly important. This is why it's comforting to know that Apple is deeply committed to protecting our devices and the data on them. Your iPhone is almost impenetrable unless you unlock it by entering your passcode or placing your finger on the fingerprint scanner. In the past, the cost of all that security was the inconvenience and wasted time of having to unlock the iPhone to do something as simple as read a text message from a friend. On the iPhone 7, you can deal with notifications on your lock screen using 3D Touch. For example, if you press hard (Apple refers to this as a "Pop") on an iMessage notification, you'll be able to reply to it without unlocking your phone. This will save you time without compromising security.
Using A Double Lightning Adapter
Surprise and secrecy surrounding new products and designs are a huge part of Apple's corporate identity and marketing strategy. One of its more controversial design changes in recent years was removing the headphone jack from the iPhone 7. While this change helped make the iPhone 7 waterproof, it precluded users from simultaneously using headphones and charging their phones. Some users were annoyed that they could no watch longer movies or listen to music while their battery was very low. Thankfully, Belkin has released a double Lightning adapter to address this issue.
Going Back To The Last App
On iOS devices like the iPhone 7, you cannot have multiple apps open at once in the way you can on other smartphone operating systems. This can be inconvenient when you have to switch back and forth between two apps you're using. Now there is a shortcut that will save you time and hassle. To use the feature, simply press down softly on the left side of your screen then slowly swipe your finger to the right.
Disable The Haptic Feedback
Within a few days of purchasing your iPhone, you will probably be a master of 3D Touch. Once you are comfortable with the feature, you won't need the phone remind you every single time you use the feature. In fact, the haptic feedback feature may even begin to annoy you. If it does, no worries; with a few touches of the screen it's easy to switch haptic feedback off.
Hide Messages With Invisible Ink
Have you ever opened a message you didn't want the people around you to be able to read? Photos can be even more personal... but let's not go there. Now you'll be able to hide text or a photo using invisible ink before sending a message. The person on the other end will need to tap it to see what it says, which will give them time to hide the screen if they think you're sending sensitive information.
Turn The Keypad Into A Trackpad
Touch screens have many benefits and have emerged as the dominant display technology for smartphones and tablets. If, however, you find yourself feeling nostalgic for your old Blackberry trackpad, the iPhone 7 has you covered. To access the trackpad feature, you'll need to open up any app that uses the standard keyboard. Hold two fingers down on it and the keyboard will eventually become blank. You'll now be able to move around the screen like you would using a trackpad, and you can highlight a word by pressing down when you're hovering above it.
Just Scratching The Surface
We don't have enough space here to list all of the tricks and pro tips for getting the most out of your new iPhone 7. Hopefully the ones we've discussed are enough to get you curious about all the ways to use your device. As you continue to use your device, you will undoubtedly discover additional hidden features and pro tips. Although these features and tips aren't listed on the packaging, they take the experience of using an iPhone to the next level.