I never use a new iPhone until I change these settings - why they're such a big deal

2026-06-07 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Mobile Device Customization & Optimization, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning · Depth: Novice, long

Summary

The article details 23 specific iPhone settings and features the author changes or customizes on a new device, plus a bonus tip. These include adjusting "Liquid Glass" transparency, customizing Control Center, adding Lock Screen widgets and buttons, configuring the Action Button and Back Tap, enabling Dark Mode and Night Shift, and modifying keyboard feedback. The author also outlines steps for call screening, Live Voicemail, RCS messaging, Wi-Fi calling, and optimizing battery health with charge limits and Adaptive Power Mode. Further recommendations cover displaying battery percentage, disabling Apple Intelligence and Siri, changing default apps, hiding sensitive apps and notification previews, turning off notification badges, disabling app tracking requests, and enabling the Camera grid. A bonus tip suggests enhancing speech in videos.

Key takeaway

For new iPhone owners setting up their device, proactively adjusting default iOS settings is crucial. You should customize features like Liquid Glass, Control Center, and Lock Screen widgets to match your usage patterns. Implement battery health settings like charge limits and Adaptive Power Mode early to extend device longevity. Additionally, configure privacy controls such as hiding notification previews and disabling app tracking to secure your personal data.

Key insights

Optimizing iPhone settings enhances user experience, privacy, and battery longevity.

Principles

• Default device settings often compromise user preference or efficiency.
• Proactive customization can significantly enhance device utility.
• Battery longevity benefits from specific charging habit adjustments.

Method

The article provides a step-by-step guide for configuring 23 specific iOS settings, covering display, accessibility, communication, privacy, and battery management features. Each step details navigation paths within the iPhone's Settings app.

In practice

• Adjust "Liquid Glass" transparency via Display & Brightness.
• Configure Action Button or Back Tap for custom shortcuts.
• Set battery charge limit to 80-95% for longevity.

Topics

• iPhone Customization
• iOS Settings
• Battery Management
• Digital Privacy
• Communication Features
• User Interface

Best for: General Interest

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.