iOS 26 has arrived, bringing with it a plethora of highly anticipated features, from enhanced privacy controls to groundbreaking AR capabilities. But amidst the splashy announcements, Apple has quietly slipped in a revolutionary productivity tool so subtle, many users are completely missing it. We’re talking about a hidden way to set reminders that completely redefines how you capture your thoughts and tasks on the go.
For years, setting a reminder meant either explicitly opening the Reminders app, dictating to Siri, or navigating through several menus. While functional, these methods often break your flow, especially when you’re immersed in an email, browsing a webpage, or chatting with a friend. That momentary interruption can be enough for a critical thought to vanish into thin air.
Enter what we’re unofficially calling ‘Momentum Reminders’ in iOS 26. This ingenious feature leverages Apple’s advanced on-device AI to understand context and anticipate your needs. It’s not a new app or a new Siri command; it’s an intelligent, gestural shortcut that lives within almost every corner of your iOS experience.
So, how does this magic happen? It’s surprisingly simple, yet incredibly powerful. Whenever you encounter a piece of actionable information—be it a date, a time, a location, a product name, or even a specific task mentioned in text—within any app (Messages, Mail, Safari, Notes, third-party apps!), simply perform a discreet two-finger long-press gesture on that specific data point. iOS 26’s AI instantly analyzes the surrounding context and offers a pre-filled reminder suggestion right then and there.
Imagine:
- You’re reading an email about a ‘meeting scheduled for next Tuesday at 3 PM.’ Two-finger long-press on ‘Tuesday at 3 PM,’ and a small pop-up appears: ‘Set reminder for Meeting on Tuesday, 3 PM?’ with a quick ‘Confirm’ button.
- Browsing a shopping list in Notes and see ‘buy organic milk.’ Two-finger long-press on ‘organic milk,’ and iOS 26 suggests: ‘Reminder: Buy organic milk?’
- A friend texts you an address for a restaurant. Two-finger long-press on the address, and you get: ‘Set reminder to go to [Restaurant Name/Address] at [suggested time]?’
The AI is smart enough to infer details like location-based reminders or time-sensitive alerts.
This seamless integration means you never have to leave your current app, interrupt your train of thought, or waste precious seconds. Momentum Reminders transforms your iPhone from a simple device into a proactive, intuitive assistant that keeps your life organized without you even trying. It’s a true game-changer for anyone striving for peak productivity.
While Apple hasn’t officially highlighted this feature, its presence in iOS 26 is a testament to their commitment to subtle, yet profound, user experience improvements. Try it out yourself the next time you’re about to jot down a quick note or dictate a reminder. You might just find that this hidden gem becomes your most indispensable productivity hack. Have you discovered it yet? Share your thoughts below!