5 Unknown IOS 16 Features We Didn't Expect to Find

Apple's iOS 16 is expected to launch sometime in the fall, with a host of high-end features that include a completely revamped lock screen, with widgets and extensive customization and the ability to unblock and modify text messages and make sure that you don't make embarrassing mistakes.

These features are just the beginning. You'll be delighted to discover that there are numerous hidden features that can completely change the way you use your iPhone.

If you want to take a closer look at the hidden gems iOS 16 has to offer including password-protected photo albums and easy access to Wi-Fi passwords, here's what you need to be aware of.

Read more: Does Your iPhone Run iOS 16? Some won't be compatible

If you're looking to know more about Apple's most recent mobile operating system, we've got brand new iOS 16 features that you'll love and a couple of Apple Maps features that will improve how you travel.

You can also download iOS 16 right now. Check out how to download and install the second beta version on your iPhone.

Connect Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons with your iPhone

Apple has long permitted you to connect third-party controllers like the PS5 Sony DualSense and Xbox Core Controller and Xbox Core Controller, to your iPhone and iPad, in order to play more comfortably games on the go, such as the Apple Arcade library, Minecraft and Call of Duty. You can also add a second console controller.

If you own a Nintendo Switch, you can now connect your Joy-Con controllers with your iPhone or iPad running iOS 16. To begin, press the small black button that pairs the Joy-Con until the green lights start going in a zigzag fashion. This will indicate that the device is in pairing mode. The next step is to open your iPhone and go to Settings >Bluetooth and select the Joy-Con from the list. Repeat this process with the other Joy-Con.

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Hidden and Recently Deleted albums are now password secured

The Hidden album within the Photos App is clearly visible and is easily accessible. This makes it difficult to hide private photos or videos. Apple offers an option to make the Hidden Album "invisible" however anyone with access to it can see everything within and make it visible again.

Thanks to iOS 16 you can now secure the Hidden album. You don't need to do anything to turn this feature on. If you'd like to test it out, start the Photos app and go to the Albums tab at the bottom of the screen. If you scroll down, you'll notice an unassuming lock next to the Hidden and Recently Deleted albums. Face ID or your passcode are required to view the contents.

Share and view saved Wi-Fi passwords Apple has allowed iOS users to share Wi-Fi passwords for quite a while however, only by placing two Apple devices next to each other. And if that feature wasn't working and you didn't have the option of digging out the password from your settings. You had to know the password if you wanted to share your Wi-Fi password to another person like an Android user or someone using a PC. Until now.

Continue reading your saved Wi-Fi passwords can be viewed now on an iPhone

In Settings Go to Wi-Fi, and then tap the tiny icon for information to the right of the network you want the password for. To view the network password click the Password section, then use Face ID or enter your password to view it. Then, tap Copy to copy the password to your clipboard, and then share it with friends.

Find and eliminate duplicate images or videos. Maybe you've saved the same photo several times or downloaded a video more than once, and you've got duplicates scattered throughout your album of photos. If you have enough storagespace, this shouldn't be a problem. However, if you don't, it might be worth going back to your photo album and removing every duplicate. This is easy to do on iOS 16.

You will now see a brand new Duplicates Album under Utilities. This is where Apple checks all your photos and will show you any image or video that you've saved more than once. Presta live From there, you can delete any duplicates, or press Merge to save photos with the highest quality (and relevant information) and then move the others to the trash.

While you'll likely want to go through each set of duplicates, to make sure they're exact copies and not similar photos, you could also select Select > Select All > Merge to get rid of every single image and video that Apple thinks is a duplicate in one go.

Save your favorite tabs in Safari Safari limits your open tabs at 500. And if you're nearing that limit, it may be pretty darn hard to locate the tab you're seeking. There's an easier way to find exactly the tab you're looking for than scrolling around endlessly.

If you click on an open tab in Safari and then press the tab down, you will be able to Pin Tab. This will bring the tab to the top of Safari which will show it as preview of the tab. You can tap to view it.

If you press down and release a tab, it will be moved to the top of your grid of tabs that are open.