# Your iPhone Has a Hidden Powerful Document Scanner The document scanner in iOS's Preview app could replace third-party alternatives. - **Source:** [Lifehacker](https://brifing.si/source/f1400ced-a26b-4e58-a567-6187eca3708d) - **Published:** 2026-07-13 - **Topic:** [Product Management](https://brifing.si/c/product) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7e57e8b2-52e0-46bb-80ef-542b3735a2cc ## iPhone's Hidden Scanner Feature The Preview app introduced with iOS 26 contains a powerful document scanner many users overlook. Integrated directly with the Files app, this feature offers fast scanning without subscriptions. Users can now digitize documents without relying on third-party apps. ## How It Works When tapping 'Scan Documents' in Preview, an interface with automatic edge detection appears. After each page scan, the camera automatically prepares for the next page. Completed scans save directly to iCloud Drive without additional steps. ## Why It's Better Than Apple Notes Preview offers a more user-friendly experience compared to Notes' scanner. Notes requires multiple steps and stores outputs within notes. Preview provides one-tap access and saves files directly to the Files app. ## Auto-Scan Feature Preview's standout feature is its ability to automatically detect document edges and scan instantly. Users can disable this for manual control if preferred. Basic customization options like flash settings and color filters are also available. ## Third-Party Alternatives Apps like Adobe Scan offer OCR and advanced PDF editing features. However, even free versions often require account creation, which can negatively impact user experience. Preview's scanner provides a more practical solution for basic needs. ## Why Choose It Preview's scanner simplifies users' lives through full iOS ecosystem integration. Being free, fast, and requiring no additional apps makes it particularly advantageous for less tech-savvy users who need a straightforward solution. ## Sources covering this story - https://lifehacker.com/tech/iphone-hiding-powerful-document-scanner?utm_medium=RSS — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._