Until now you could cheat a bit to read smaller print, or get a closer look at a small item by using the zoom function in your iPhone’s Camera app. However, with the release of iOS 10, Apple has given the nearsighted among us an even better way to view the small print. It’s called “Magnifier,” and it allows you to use your iPhone’s camera as a super-duper magnifying glass, even allowing you to zoom in to read even the tiniest, “for lawyers only” contract text.
The Magnifier feature isn’t on by default. You’ll need to visit “Settings” -> “General” -> “Accessibility” -> “Magnifier.” Now, tap the “Magnifier” toggle switch to turn it on. (It’ll turn green, as seen below left.)
Now, whenever you need to access the Magnifier, just triple-click the Home button. (It might take awhile to get the knack, but you can do it.) When the Magnifier app loads, it’ll look like the screen shown above right.
As shown in the photo above, we’ve pointed out all the buttons and sliders on the Magnifier screen, and what they do:
Unlike some of the new iOS 10 features, the Magnifier feature is available on any iPhone that is compatible with iOS 10. The feature is particularly nice for those of us who are already rocking bifocals and still have to squint to read the fine print on our Social Security forms. Use it in good health!
This how to is based on an original tip by Sal Conigliaro.