With iOS 18, Apple is once again setting standards in the area of data protection and privacy. The latest operating system version offers you innovative functions that allow you to lock and hide your apps. Below you will learn how you can use these new features to protect your data even better.
Data protection is of key importance in today's digital world. With iOS 18, Apple has once again shown that they take their users' privacy seriously. The ability to lock and hide apps not only gives you more control over your personal data, but also ensures that your device remains safe even if it falls into the wrong hands.
Lock apps with Face ID or Touch ID
One of the standout new features in iOS 18 is the ability to lock apps using Face ID or Touch ID. Here's how to do it:
- Long press on the app: Press and hold the app icon until the context menu appears.
- Select the “Require Face ID” option: Tap this option to lock the app. On iPhone SE, select “Require Touch ID.”
After enabling this feature, when you open the locked app, a pop-up window will appear asking for a second authentication. This additional layer of security ensures that no one can access the app without your permission.
Restrictions and Availability
Not all apps can be locked. Apple has excluded certain apps from this feature, such as Maps, Clock, Calculator, and Stocks. However, you can lock almost any other app, including third-party ones. These restrictions are designed to ensure that system-critical apps remain available while you retain control over your sensitive applications.
Hide apps
In addition to locking, iOS 18 also offers the ability to hide apps completely. This means that the app is moved to a special folder that can only be accessed with authentication. Here's how to hide an app:
- Long press on the app: Press and hold the app icon.
- Select Hide option: Select this option to move the app to the hidden folder.
Hidden apps do not appear in search, notifications, or other areas of the operating system. This further protects your privacy, as the hidden apps are only visible to you if you perform the appropriate authentication.
Management of hidden and locked apps
Locked or hidden apps are stored in a special folder. To unlock an app, follow these steps:
- Long press on the app: Press and hold the app icon.
- No Face ID required option: Select this option to disable the lock.
A Face ID scan is required to make this change, which ensures that the lock cannot be disabled without your knowledge. These features are available not only on iPhone but also on iPad, allowing you to protect your devices across platforms and ensure that your data remains safe wherever you are.
iOS 18: How to protect your personal data
With iOS 18, Apple has taken data protection to a new level. The ability to lock and hide apps gives you additional security and control over your personal data. Use these new features to protect your privacy and keep your iOS device safe. Try it out and experience how easy it is to stay safe with iOS 18. Are you looking for new accessories? Then take a look in our Amazon Storefront - there you will find numerous products from leading providers, also for HomeKit and Co.! (Photo by Unsplash / Jaime Marrero)