Apple’s iOS updates are usually packed with headline features, but sometimes the most powerful tools are hidden in plain sight. With the arrival of iOS 26, a subtle yet incredibly useful feature for setting reminders has been quietly introduced, and if you haven’t discovered it yet, you’re likely missing out on a more streamlined way to manage your tasks. Forget the usual tap-tap-tap into the Reminders app; this new method is all about speed and intuition.
The secret lies within your everyday interactions with your iPhone. Have you ever received a text message, email, or even seen a website that prompts a thought like, “I need to remember to do that later”? Previously, this involved a multi-step process: screenshotting, navigating to Reminders, creating a new reminder, and perhaps copying and pasting information. iOS 26 changes the game.
While not explicitly marketed, this feature leverages the power of long-press gestures and intelligent contextual menus. Simply long-press on a piece of text – whether it’s an address in an email, a date in a message, or even a specific phrase on a webpage – and a new contextual menu will appear. Among the familiar options like Copy, Share, and Look Up, you’ll now find “Remind Me.” Tapping this instantly creates a pre-populated reminder, often including the relevant text or link, and even suggesting a time based on the content itself (like a date or appointment).
This hidden gem is a testament to Apple’s philosophy of making technology more integrated and less intrusive. It transforms your iPhone into a proactive assistant, ready to capture your thoughts and commitments the moment they arise, without pulling you out of your current workflow. Imagine seeing a restaurant address and, with a single long press, having a reminder to “Go to [Restaurant Name]” set for the evening. Or receiving a crucial piece of information in an email and instantly creating a reminder to “Follow up on [email subject].”
Mastering this subtle feature can significantly boost your productivity. It’s the kind of innovation that, once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. So, next time you’re browsing, texting, or emailing, remember to long-press. Your future self, effortlessly reminded of important tasks, will thank you.