Apple’s latest iOS 18 beta, released on August 29, brings several noteworthy enhancements, including new security features for locking and hiding apps. This update arrives ahead of Apple’s iPhone launch event on September 9 and offers new ways to manage app security on your device. With the introduction of these features, users can now better protect their apps from unauthorized access, an important development for parents and anyone concerned about securing their devices.
The new security measures could prove invaluable in preventing incidents like the one reported by CBS, where a young child used a parent’s phone to make over $3,000 in purchases on Amazon. The ability to lock and hide apps with iOS 18 can help avoid such scenarios.
For those interested in exploring the iOS 18 beta, it’s advisable to install it on a secondary device rather than your main phone. The beta may contain bugs and affect battery performance, so testing it on an older model, like an iPhone XR, can prevent disruptions to your primary device.
While iOS 18 is slated for a public release this fall, a specific launch date is not yet confirmed. Here’s how you can use the new features to lock and hide apps on your iPhone:
Locking Apps on iOS 18:
- Press and hold the app icon.
- Select “Require Face ID.”
- Confirm by tapping “Require Face ID” once more.
This process will lock the app behind Face ID or your passcode. While most apps can be locked, essential ones such as Camera, Find My, and Settings are not eligible.
Hiding Apps on iOS 18: Hiding an app also locks it and involves a similar process:
- Long press the app icon.
- Tap “Require Face ID.”
- Choose “Hide and Require Face ID.”
You will need to enter your Face ID or passcode to confirm hiding the app. Once hidden, the app will be removed from your home screen and stored in a Hidden folder in the App Library, with no notifications sent from it.
To view hidden apps:
- Swipe right to access the App Library.
- Scroll down to find the Hidden folder.
- Enter your Face ID or passcode to access the hidden apps.
Unhiding and Removing Locks: To unhide or remove a lock from an app, long press the app icon, select “Don’t Require Face ID,” and authenticate with Face ID or passcode. The app will be unlocked and removed from the Hidden folder. To add the app back to your home screen, navigate to the App Library, long press the app, and choose “Add to Home Screen.”