Unlocking the Power of iOS: From Basic Features to Advanced Tools [Video]

The iPhone and iOS have continuously evolved over the last 17 years. When the original iPhone was released, the feature sets and tools included in PhoneOS 1 were very limited. Apple wanted users to focus on basic interactions such as using the new touchscreen and making phone calls. However, with iOS 17, the software has grown exponentially and has become your go-to tool for almost any task. In this post, I will highlight 12 progressively useful features built into iOS. Share your favorite iOS feature in the comments—one that others might not know about—so we can all learn!

Be sure to check out our hands-on video of these features for an in-depth view of how to use them!

1. Quick timer control center

I use the timer multiple times a day, whether it’s for work hours, cooking, or workouts. I prefer the built-in timer because of its integration with Live Activities and the Dynamic Island feature. You can quickly create a timer with Siri, but in quiet situations, I find it handy to use the Control Center. Here’s how:

• Go to the control center
• Long press the clock icon
• Drag your finger along the dial
• Create timer and press start