Apple has released the fifth public beta for iOS18 on August 20, more than two months after the tech giant announced the software at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June. The update brings many new features, such as the ability to Schedule messages for later sending and more customizable lock screento the iPhones of developers and beta testers. Two new features are designed to add an extra layer of security to your apps by letting you lock or hide them from others.
These features can be especially helpful for parents with young children. According to CBS, a 5-year-old used her mother’s phone to buy over $3,000 worth of items from Amazon last year. The mother was able to return the items after explaining the situation to Amazon, but it was probably a stressful situation nonetheless. With the new app locking and hiding features in iOS 18, you can take steps to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
Read more: Everything you need to know about the iOS 18 public beta
I recommend only downloading a beta on a device other than your primary device. Since this is not the final version of iOS 18, the update may be buggy and battery life may be short. These issues are best addressed on a secondary device. I downloaded the betas on my old iPhone XR to keep issues away from my iPhone 14 Pro.
Note that the beta is not the final version of iOS 18, so more features may be available on your iPhone when iOS 18 is released. Apple said iOS 18 would be released this fall, but there is no final date yet.
How to lock and hide your iPhone apps from your kids and others.
How to lock apps on iOS 18
1. Long press an app.
2. Knock Face ID required.
3. Knock Face ID required again.
By blocking some apps, you can prevent your kids from purchasing random games or apps on your iPhone.
Now every time you try to access that app, it will require your Face ID or passcode to open it. You can’t lock every app on your iPhone. Some apps, like Camera, Find My, and Settings, can’t be locked. However, you can lock most apps — like the App Store, Messages, and third-party apps.
How to hide apps on iOS 18
Hiding apps on your iPhone will also lock them and follows the same process as locking apps. The option is not available for all apps. In my experience with the iOS 18 betas, you can only hide third-party apps like Instagram and Twitter.
Here’s how to hide these apps on your iPhone.
1. Long press an app.
2. Knock Face ID required.
3. Knock Hide and request Face ID.
The Hidden folder will now appear to show apps, regardless of how many apps you hide.
Your iPhone will then ask for your Face ID or passcode and then if you’re sure you want to hide the app.
A new menu will appear on your phone stating that hiding an app will remove the app’s icon and name from your home screen and place it in a hidden folder in your App Library. The menu will also state that you will not receive notifications from the app. Tap Hide app at the bottom of the menu and your iPhone will hide the app.
To view your hidden apps, swipe right until you are in your App Library. Scroll to the bottom of the page where you will see a folder labeled Hidden with an icon that looks like a crossed-out eye. Tap this folder and enter your Face ID or passcode. The folder will then display your hidden apps.
How to show and remove app locks
If you want to make an app lock visible or remove it, long press the app, tap Face ID not required and enter your Face ID or passcode.
Locked apps will now be unlocked and hidden apps will be removed from the Hidden folder. Unhiding apps will not bring them back to your Home screen. To add an app back to your Home screen, go to your App Library, long-press the app, and tap Add to Home Screen.
For more information about iOS 18, see my hands-on experience with the iOS 18 betas, how Remove the flashlight from your lock screen and what you should know about T9 dialing on your iPhone. You can also use our Cheat Sheet for iOS 18.
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