This article was written by Kayelene Kerr from eSafeKids.
Apple’s iOS 18.0 has rolled out, bringing with it a range of new features. Among the additions is a hidden app feature. In this blog I'll explore what this feature is, how it works and why it can be both a blessing and a curse.
What is the Hidden App Feature?
The hidden app feature in iOS 18.0 allows users to lock an app and for additional privacy, you can hide an app, moving it to a locked, hidden apps folder. When an app is locked or hidden, content like messages or emails inside the app are hidden from search, notifications and other places across the system.
This is particularly useful for those who want to minimise distractions or want to keep certain apps private without deleting them altogether. It can also be used by children and young people to hide apps from their parents. As apps won't appear on the device or be found by the search function it makes it easy for kids to conceal their activity. While hiding apps can be harmless it can also hinder parental supervision and oversight.
Why Use the Hidden App Feature?
Enhanced Privacy
In a world where privacy is paramount, this feature lets you hide sensitive apps, such as banking or personal messaging apps, from prying eyes. If you lend your phone to a friend or family member, they won’t accidentally stumble upon your private apps or apps that you don't want them to easily access.
Focus Mode Compatibility
The hidden app feature works seamlessly with Focus modes. By hiding distractions during work hours or study sessions, you can enhance your productivity while still having access to essential apps.
Organise by Use
You can hide apps that you rarely use. This keeps your main home screen focused on what matters most to you.
Hiding Apps From Parents
With the new hidden apps feature a cursory look at your child's home screen won't be sufficient and may lull parents into a false sense of security. Kids can use the hidden app feature to hide apps from their parents making it difficult to maintain supervision and oversight.
How to Use the Hidden App Feature
Using the hidden app feature is straightforward.
Find the App You Want to Hide Locate the app you wish to hide.
Hide the App Press and hold the app icon until the options menu appears. Select the option to "Hide App" or "Require Passcode" then "Hide and Require Face ID/Passcode". After confirming you will receive a message, "This app will require your passcode or FaceID to open or show content in other apps. App content will not appear in notification previews or Spotlight."
How to Detect if the Hidden App Feature is Being Used
There are several different ways you can detect if the hidden app feature is being used on a device.
Screen Time
Screen Time provides a log of the time spent on each app. This feature still works even if an app is hidden.
Settings
Open Screen Time
See All App & Website Activity - This will show the most used apps and websites, including hidden ones.
Battery
Hidden apps will use the battery.
Settings
Battery
Battery Usage By App - This will show the apps using battery power, including hidden ones.
Storage
Settings
General
iPhone Storage
Hidden Apps will appear at the bottom of the list. You will need FaceID/passcode to access this.
AppStore
Hidden apps will appear in the purchase history.
App Store
Profile Icon
Purchased
My Purchases
A Final Thought
By following the above steps you can effectively manage the hidden app feature on your child’s device. This is a good reminder not to set and forget parental controls, they need regular monitoring and review.
You can read more about all of the iOS 18.0 updates here.
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About The Author
Kayelene Kerr is recognised as one of Western Australia’s most experienced specialist providers of Protective Behaviours, Body Safety, Cyber Safety, Digital Wellness and Pornography education workshops. Kayelene is passionate about the prevention of child abuse and sexual exploitation, drawing on over 27 years’ experience of study and law enforcement, investigating sexual crimes, including technology facilitated crimes. Kayelene delivers engaging and sought after prevention education workshops to educate, equip and empower children and young people, and to help support parents, carers, educators and other professionals. Kayelene believes protecting children from harm is a shared responsibility and everyone can play a role in the care, safety and protection of children. Kayelene aims to inspire the trusted adults in children’s lives to tackle sometimes challenging topics.
About eSafeKids
eSafeKids strives to reduce and prevent harm through proactive prevention education, supporting and inspiring parents, carers, educators and other professionals to talk with children, young people and vulnerable adults about protective behaviours, body safety, cyber safety, digital wellness and pornography. eSafeKids is based in Perth, Western Australia.
eSafeKids provides books and resources to teach children about social and emotional intelligence, resilience, empathy, gender equality, consent, body safety, protective behaviours, cyber safety, digital wellness, media literacy, puberty and pornography.
eSafeKids books can support educators teaching protective behaviours and child abuse prevention education that aligns with the Western Australian Curriculum, Australian Curriculum, Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Framework: National Quality Standards (NQS).
