Lesser known features of macOS/iPadOS/iOS/etc. 27
This topic is genuinely contested — read the individual model responses for different perspectives.
Models agree on
- ✓Quick Actions in Finder for file operations
- ✓Voice Control Custom Commands under Accessibility settings
- ✓Spotlight as a calculator (Cmd+Space)
- ✓PDF editing in Preview
- ✓Scribble handwriting conversion on iPad
- ✓Back Tap shortcut on iPhones
- ✓AirPods Pro force sensor for noise control
Here's a comprehensive guide to lesser-known features across Apple platforms, combining practical tips with deep capabilities:
Overlooked Productivity Boosters
- ·
Quick Actions & Automator (macOS): Right-click any file for Quick Actions (PDF creation, media edits), or use Automator to build custom workflows that chain app actions together.
- ·
Voice Control Custom Commands (All Platforms): Under Accessibility settings, create voice-triggered macros that can:
- ·Run shell scripts (
open -a Safari) - ·Insert boilerplate text
- ·Simulate UI taps ("Tap 'Save'")
- ·Trigger keyboard shortcuts Example: "Insert signature" → injects your preformatted email footer via AppleScript.
- ·Run shell scripts (
- ·
Advanced Dictation: Enable "Speak" under Dictation settings to have the system read back what you dictated for real-time proofreading.
Platform-Specific Gems
- ·
macOS:
- ·Use Spotlight (Cmd+Space) as a calculator
- ·Edit PDFs in Preview (forms, signatures)
- ·Set Hot Corners to trigger actions when moving the cursor to screen edges
- ·
iPadOS:
- ·Scribble converts Apple Pencil handwriting to text in any field
- ·Smart Selection (double-tap + drag) for precise text selection
- ·Customize Split View by dragging apps to screen edges
- ·
iOS:
- ·Back Tap (double/triple tap iPhone's back for shortcuts)
- ·Measure app uses LiDAR for AR measurements
- ·AirPods Pro force sensor toggles noise cancellation modes
Pro Tips
- ·Export Voice Control commands (
~/Library/Group Containers/group.com.apple.voice-control/Commands) before OS updates - ·Add pauses ("Tap 'Add to cart' now") to reduce false triggers
- ·Combine with AssistiveTouch for hybrid voice/gesture control
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