Apple’s latest iOS 18 update has introduced a feature that allows users to lock and hide apps on their iPhones, enhancing privacy like never before. While this is a welcome change for privacy-conscious users, it's also a tool that can be misused, especially by young people who might want to hide their online activities. As a parent who supports the mission of the Breck Foundation, which is dedicated to raising awareness about online safety for children, understanding this new feature is crucial.
The ability to lock and hide apps on iOS 18 is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it allows users to protect sensitive information by requiring Face ID to access specific apps or hiding them from the home screen altogether. On the other hand, it can enable children to conceal their digital footprints from their parents, making it harder to monitor online activities and ensure their safety.
How to Lock and Hide Apps on iOS 18
The process of locking and hiding apps is straightforward. Users can simply long-press on an app and select "Require Face ID" to lock it, or "Hide and Require Face ID" to hide it entirely from the home screen. Hidden apps are moved to a "Hidden Apps" folder, which can only be accessed via Face ID.
While this feature can be used to protect privacy, it also presents a challenge for parents trying to keep their children safe online. The ability to hide apps means that children could potentially conceal harmful or inappropriate content, making it harder for parents to detect risky behaviour.
What Parents Can Do
Stay Informed: Make sure you’re familiar with how iOS 18’s locking and hiding features work. Regularly check the "Hidden Apps" folder to ensure your child isn't hiding apps that could pose a risk.
Open Communication: Encourage open dialogue with your children about their online activities. Discuss the importance of transparency and the reasons why some apps should remain visible and accessible.
Use Parental Controls: iOS offers a range of parental control options that can help you manage your child’s online experience. You can restrict certain apps, limit screen time, and monitor online activities through settings in Family Sharing.
Regular Checks: Periodically review your child’s iPhone, including the "Hidden Apps" folder. This can help you stay aware of any apps they might be trying to conceal.
Educate Your Child: Teach your child about the dangers of the internet, emphasizing why it's important to avoid certain content and be cautious about whom they interact with online.
The Breck Foundation’s mission to protect children from online dangers is more relevant than ever with these new technological advancements. By staying vigilant and proactive, parents can ensure that iOS 18’s privacy features are used to safeguard their children rather than to shield harmful activities from view.
For more detailed instructions on how to use these new features, you can refer to the original article on Mashable by Cecily Mauran, iOS 18: How to lock and hide your iPhone apps.
