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Amazing new iOS 18 feature lets you lock messages and apps with Face ID for extra privacy Credits: Social Media
By Ellissa Bain

Amazing new iOS 18 feature lets you lock messages and apps with Face ID for extra privacy

By Ellissa Bain

Apple’s latest operating system iOS 18 is here and there are all kinds of new features, but one extra layer of privacy has caught everyone’s attention.

As well as a new and improved calculator and upgraded flashlight, Apple has introduced the ability to lock certain apps so nobody else can see what’s inside.

Apple And OpenAI On IPhone
The Apple logo is seen with the iOS 18 operating system logo in the background on a mobile device in this illustration photo taken in Warsaw, Poland on 13 June, 2024. (Photo by Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

iOS 18 lets you lock messages and apps

The iOS 18 feature locks the app so that Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode is required to open it, adding an extra layer of security while ensuring nobody can access any personal information you don’t want them to view.

“If you want to show someone something on your iPhone but want peace of mind that they cant get into certain apps, you can lock or hide the apps,” Apple says.

When an app is locked, information won’t appear in other locations on your device either, like notification previews, search and your call history.

Almost any app can be locked, although the most popular one is messages, meaning no one else can read your private conversations. Some apps that can’t be locked are Calculator, Camera, Clock, Contacts, Find My, Maps, Shortcuts, and Settings.

Apple had made it so children under 13 in a Family Sharing group are unable to lock apps, while those aged 13 to 17 need a guardian’s permission.

https://x.com/theapplehub/status/1835697103823356153

How to lock messages and apps on an iPhone

To lock messages or other apps on your iPhone, make sure iOS 18 has been downloaded by going to Settings > Software Update.

Then, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Home Screen
  2. Find the app you want to lock
  3. Hold down on the app icon
  4. Press ‘Require Face ID’ (or Touch ID or Passcode)
  5. Tap ‘Require Face ID’ (or Touch ID or Passcode) again
  6. Authenticate using Face ID (or Touch ID or a passcode)

Now, when you click on the app it will ask for Face ID, Touch ID or your Passcode depending on the options you set up.

To unlock an app, touch and hold the icon again and press ‘Dont Require Face ID’ (or Touch ID or Passcode).

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You can also hide apps with iOS 18

You can also hide apps, meaning they no longer appear on your Home Screen but are still downloaded on your iPhone.

When you hide an app, its name will still be visible in some places including Screen Time, Battery Health and your App Store purchase history. However, the app icon won’t appear anywhere on the Home Screen or Lock Screen.

Once hidden, you can find an app in the ‘Hidden’ folder at the bottom of App Library by swiping left on the Home Screen. You can also swipe down to search for the app.

How to hide an app with iOS 18:

  1. Go to the Home Screen
  2. Choose the app you want to hide
  3. Press and hold the app
  4. Choose ‘Require Face ID’ (or Touch ID or Passcode)
  5. Tap Hide and ‘Require Face ID’ (or Touch ID or Passcode)
  6. Authenticate using Face�ID (or Touch ID or a passcode)
  7. Press ‘Hide App’

Any apps that came installed with iOS�18 cant be hidden. You can only hide ones you download separately from the App Store.