Apple's operating systems are packed with smart, under-the-radar features that most users miss. From security settings to accessibility options, this article reveals the most useful hidden tools in iOS and macOS—and how to activate them. Whether you're looking to prevent accidental SOS calls or improve multitasking, these tricks can upgrade your experience across devices.

1. How to Turn Off SOS on iPhone

Emergency SOS can save lives, but it can also be accidentally triggered—especially if your iPhone is in your pocket or bag.

To disable automatic SOS calls:

1. Open Settings > Emergency SOS
   
   

2. Turn off:
   
   

• Call with Hold
  
  

• Call with 5 Presses
  
  

• Auto Call
  
  

• Optional: disable countdown sound.
  
  

You’ll still have access to the emergency slider via the power-off screen, but you won’t accidentally dial emergency services.

If you’re looking for a detailed walkthrough on how to manage this setting, check out this step-by-step guide: How to Turn Off SOS on iPhone?

2. How to Check iPhone Location History

iPhones log "Significant Locations" to provide personalized services.

Steps to view or disable location history:

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services > Significant Locations
  
  

• Authenticate with Face ID/Touch ID
  
  

• View, clear, or disable the log
  
  

Turning this off can improve privacy if you don’t want Apple tracking your movements.

3. Does Apple Pencil Work with the iPhone?

No. Apple Pencil is only compatible with select iPad models. iPhones don’t have the required display technology.

Alternative: Use a third-party stylus like Wacom or Adonit for basic drawing on iPhone, though precision will be limited.

4. Does Apple Watch Measure Blood Pressure?

Not directly. Apple Watch tracks heart rate, ECG, and blood oxygen—but not blood pressure.

Solution: Use an external device like the QardioArm and sync it with the Health app to track blood pressure manually.

5. iPhone Hotspot Keeps Disconnecting

Persistent hotspot issues? Try this:

• Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot
  
  

• Enable Maximize Compatibility
  
  

• Set Auto-Lock to Never
  
  

• On connected devices, disable power-saving or sleep settings
  
  

• If needed, reset network settings:
  Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings
  
  

6. Apple Music Cannot Connect

Try the following steps:

• Check if your subscription is active
  
  

• Disable any VPNs
  
  

• Allow cellular streaming:
  Settings > Music > Cellular Data > Enable Streaming and Downloads
  
  

• Restart the Music app and your device
  
  

• Re-sign into your Apple ID if issues persist
  
  

• Check Apple’s System Status page
  
  

7. iPhone Dimming Even with Auto-Brightness Off

Dimming may still occur due to:

• True Tone
  
  

• Night Shift
  
  

• Attention Aware Features (if using Face ID)
  
  

• Low Power Mode
  
  

All of these can be turned off in Settings > Display & Brightness or Face ID & Passcode.

8. How to Check Calculator History on iPhone

iOS Calculator doesn't have a built-in history log, but you can:

• Use Shake to Undo
  
  

• Reopen the Calculator from Control Center to recall your last entry
  
  

• Use advanced apps like PCalc or CalcMadeEasy for full logging
  
  

• Manually copy results into Notes for a custom log
  
  

9. How to Delete a Workout on Apple Watch

• Open the Fitness app on iPhone
  
  

• Tap Summary > Show All Data
  
  

• Select and delete the workout
  No need to unpair or reset your Apple Watch.
  
  

10. How to Know if Apple Pencil Is Charging

2nd Gen: Attach to the iPad magnetically—charging status pops up
1st Gen: Plug into the Lightning port—check the Battery widget in Settings
For both versions, add the Batteries widget to your Home Screen to monitor charge status

11. How to See AirDrop History

Apple doesn’t offer an official AirDrop log, but you can:

• Check Photos > Imports for images
  
  

• Browse Files > Recents for transferred documents
  
  

• Clean up residual AirDrop data via iPhone Storage
  
  

12. Does the Apple Watch Need a Screen Protector?

It’s not essential but can be helpful for heavy-duty use. Options include:

• Tempered glass protectors: strong and scratch-resistant
  
  

• TPU films: thin, flexible, and self-healing
  
  

Ideal for people who are active or use their Watch in rugged environments.

13. What Does Emphasise Mean on iPhone?

It refers to accessibility features that make UI elements more visible.

Options include:

• Bold Text
  
  

• Button Shapes
  
  

• Larger Text
  
  

• Underline Titles