The result is that the app functions like a years-long internal monologue—a lens into what someone is actually thinking. In other words, Notes is fascinating—and embarrassing.

1. Create a new note Open your Notes app and tap the compose button to make a new note. Type something quick in the note (even just "hi") so it doesn't get automatically deleted when you leave.

Your iPhone Notes app is one way to have a secret conversation with someone. We'll tell you how it works and give you some extra tips to make the most of it.

Notes, for its part, does a good job of keeping the app experience simple and intuitive despite a growing set of capabilities. In iOS 26 though, there’s a new change coming on that front.

1. Searching in your notes If you're like me, you've got countless notes in your iOS Notes app. And say you want to find an old recipe for a certain kind of chicken. All you have to do is go to ...

The Notes app is a frequently underused tool on iPhone. It’s a free product developed by Apple that comes on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Thanks to iCloud, you can seamlessly work on notes across your ...