Apple improves user privacy on iPhones with this iOS 18 feature: How will it help users

Apple’s next iOS version is set to arrive with multiple new features including a security feature that will allow iPhone users to lock or hide apps. This feature, called Lock App, will be available with iOS 18, which the company introduced at its annual developer conference, WWDC 2024. Apart from this privacy feature, the Cupertino-based tech giant also announced several new features that are coming to iOS 18 as well as upcoming software updates for other products like Vision Pro, iPads, Macs and more.
Apple iOS 18 update availabilty: A timeline
The developer beta of iOS 18 is available through the Apple Developer Program at developer.apple.com starting today, and a public beta will be available through the Apple Beta Software Program next month at beta.apple.com. iOS 18 will be available later this year in autumn as a free software update for iPhone Xs and later.

App Lock on iOS 18: How will it help users

With the upcoming update, users will be able to lock individual apps for situations they have to hand over their phones to others. Apple’s App Lock feature will provide an extra layer of security by ensuring that if someone tries to access a locked app, they will need to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode.

Additionally, when this feature is enabled on a specific app, its data won’t appear on search results and notifications to maintain user privacy. Apple will also allow users to hide apps they don’t want others to know about. With iOS 18, users will be able to place apps in a hidden, locked folder for added security.

Alongside the App Lock feature, iOS 18 will finally allow iPhone users to customise app icons to free them from the grid layout and will offer more personalisation options. With this update, Apple will also offer significant enhancements to Control Center, iMessage, Mail and other key apps to improve the overall user experience.
The combination of these new features will ensure that iOS 18 will not only improve security and privacy but will also provide greater flexibility and customisation for iPhone users.