Apple has officially launched iOS 26, and with it came the eye-catching Liquid Glass design which has been making waves. But under its new interface, there are some less showy but really handy bits you may have overlooked.

Whether you’re an early player with the new iPhone 15 Pro or expect to upgrade in the near future, these are features worth keeping on your radar. In this in-depth guide, IndTech365 takes a closer examination of three lesser-known iOS 26 updates—Adaptive Power Mode, Digital Passport in Wallet, and AirPlay for CarPlay—and why they might transform how you use your iPhone.

1. Adaptive Power Mode – Intelligent Battery Management for iPhone 15 Pro and later
   What is Adaptive Power Mode?
   Battery life has never been a more popular topic among iPhone users. Though Low Power Mode has been around for years, iOS 26 debuts Adaptive Power Mode, a more intelligent, more adaptive means of prolonging your phone’s battery life while maintaining usability.

Whereas Low Power Mode is an aggressive system-wide modification (such as turning off background refresh or slowing down animations), Adaptive Power Mode operates in the background to provide subtle, dynamic adjustments.

How it works
Dynamic Adjustments – Rather than slowing down performance altogether, the mode turns down screen brightness, streamlines background processes, and modifies network usage according to your activity.

Proactive Battery Extension – It identifies the patterns in your daily life to extend your battery on hectic days.

Lightweight Experience – Apps remain responsive, animations are retained, and push notifications still work as usual.

Enabling Adaptive Power Mode
Open Settings.

Tap Battery.

Choose Power Mode.

Select Adaptive Power Mode.

⚠️ Availability: Right now exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro models and later, due to the efficiency algorithms in the A18 Pro chip.

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2. Digital Passport ID in Apple Wallet – The Future of Identity
   A Step Towards a Wallet-Free World
   Apple has been gradually evolving the Apple Wallet app into a hub for all your payment cards, keys, and IDs. With iOS 26, they’ve made a dramatic step forward: support for Digital Passport IDs in the United States.

This new capability lets you keep a safe, digital copy of your passport stored inside your iPhone, making identity checking faster and easier.

Where You Can Use It
Airports (TSA) – Rather than digging out a physical passport, you can just scan your phone.

Age Verification – Convenient for in-app purchases, liquor store checkouts, or any ID-verifying location.

Secure Transactions – Some apps and apps can now ask for age or citizenship verification without having to scan a physical document.

Security & Privacy
Apple applies on-device encryption and Secure Enclave technology to protect your passport information from ever leaving your iPhone without your permission. You will need to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID before the ID is shown.

How to Add Your Passport to Wallet
Launch Wallet on your iPhone.

Tap + to add a new item.

Choose Passport (if available in your area).

Go through the step-by-step guide to scan and confirm your document.

It is currently only U.S. users who can add a passport, but Apple is to bring availability of this feature to other nations in the future.

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3. AirPlay for CarPlay – Entertainment on the Go (Safely)
   What is AirPlay for CarPlay?
   AirPlay for CarPlay is that feature that you didn’t know you needed until you used it. You can now stream video from your iPhone to your car’s screen using iOS 26—provided the car is properly parked.

This feature is ideal for:

Viewing tutorials while waiting in your car.

Streaming children’s entertainment on long stops.

Looking over media prior to a presentation.

How it Works
Connect with CarPlay – Connect your iPhone to your car’s infotainment system.

Start AirPlay – Choose your car as the AirPlay destination in your iPhone Control Center.

Park to Play – The video will only play when your car gear is in Park due to safety concerns.

Vehicle Compatibility
Not every car will have this at launch. Carmakers need to embed the AirPlay for CarPlay protocol in their systems. Be on the lookout for newer 2025 and 2026 models to offer wider compatibility.

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Why These Features Matter
While flashy design shifts tend to get the attention, the actual magic in iOS updates is about functional enhancements that upgrade your daily life.

Adaptive Power Mode keeps your phone going longer without sacrificing much.

Digital Passport ID is a giant step toward digital identity convenience.

AirPlay for CarPlay turns your car time into more fun and productive downtime.

These aren’t gimmicks—these are quality-of-life improvements that show Apple’s move toward practical innovation.

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Final Thoughts
Apple’s iOS 26 might be famous for its makeover, but the true gem is in features such as Adaptive Power Mode, Digital Passport ID, and AirPlay for CarPlay. These features indicate Apple’s continued effort to balance style, security, and functionality.

If you haven’t checked them out yet, do it now. Whether you’re traveling lighter, stretching battery life smarter, or enhancing car rides more fun, iOS 26 has systematically laid the groundwork for a more efficient and more connected future.

Tune in to IndTech365 for more Apple ecosystem deep dives, secret software tools, and tech expertise guides.