How to Lock and Hide Apps on iPhone with iOS 18

Apple's latest iOS update, iOS 18, introduces a significant upgrade in security and privacy features for iPhone users. One of the most notable additions is the ability to lock and hide specific apps, adding an extra layer of protection to sensitive data. This guide will walk you through locking and hiding apps on your iPhone with iOS 18, explaining the steps and implications of these new features.

Securing Your Apps: Individual Face ID Lock and Hidden Folders

iOS 18 allows you to set individual locks for Apple's native and third-party apps. This means that accessing these apps will now require your Face ID or Touch ID authentication, adding an extra step for unauthorized users.

Furthermore, you can hide specific apps entirely by placing them in a hidden folder. This folder is not visible on your Home Screen and remains locked until you unlock it using Face ID or Touch ID.

Unveiling the Benefits of Locking and Hiding Apps:

The ability to lock and hide apps in iOS 18 offers a substantial boost to your iPhone's security and privacy. Here's how:

• Data Isolation: By hiding and locking sensitive apps, you prevent unauthorized access to their contents. This ensures that your personal data remains secure and protected from prying eyes.

• Reduced Visibility: Hidden apps are invisible on your Home Screen and App Library. This means they won't appear in search results, Spotlight suggestions, or even Siri suggestions.

• Enhanced Privacy: Locking apps with Face ID or Touch ID prevents others from accessing your private data even if they have physical access to your phone.

• Limited Sharing: Locking and hiding apps limits the visibility of your app usage to others, further enhancing your digital privacy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Locking and Hiding Apps:

To lock and hide apps on your iPhone with iOS 18, follow these simple steps:

1. Ensure iOS 18 is Running: Verify that your iPhone is running the latest iOS 18 update.

2. Select an App: Long-press on the app you wish to lock or hide.

3. Enable Face ID Lock: Tap on "Require Face ID" (or "Touch ID" if your iPhone supports it). Some native Apple apps, such as Settings and Camera, may not offer this option.

4. Hide and Lock (Optional): If you want to hide the app, tap "Hide and Require Face ID" once the Face ID lock is enabled.

5. Accessing Hidden Apps: To view your hidden apps, navigate to your App Library by swiping from right to left. Then, swipe to the bottom of the App Library to access the Hidden folder. You must authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID to view the hidden apps.

Important Notes for Third-Party Apps:

• Lock and Hide Functionality: The lock and hide feature is currently available for third-party apps. Apple has yet to extend this functionality to all native iOS apps, which can only be locked now.

• App Visibility: It's worth noting that hiding an app removes it from your Home Screen and App Library. It will only be visible in the Hidden folder once you unlock it.

Unlocking and Returning Apps to Your Home Screen:

If you wish to move a hidden app back to your Home Screen or remove the lock, you can follow these steps:

1. Locate the App: Long-press on the app in your Hidden folder.

2. Remove Face ID Lock: Tap "Don't Require Face ID" to unlock the app.

3. Return to Home Screen (Optional): After removing the Face ID lock, you can move the app back to your Home Screen by long-pressing it and selecting "Move to Home Screen."

The Future of App Security in iOS 18:

The introduction of locking and hiding apps in iOS 18 signifies a notable advancement in iPhone security and privacy. While the feature is currently limited to third-party apps, the potential for expansion to native iOS apps is evident. This development opens doors for a more personalized and secure experience, allowing users to meticulously control the accessibility and visibility of various apps on their iPhones.

With its intuitive interface and comprehensive features, iOS 18 provides a user-friendly approach to enhancing iPhone data protection and privacy. As Apple continues prioritizing user security, we can anticipate further advancements in this area, solidifying iOS 18's position as a game-changer in mobile security.