With the new iOS 18 beta, Apple has introduced fantastic features that make hiding and locking apps easier and more secure than ever before. Imagine having the ability to control which apps are visible and protected with just a few taps!
No more cluttered screens and no more worries about unauthorized access to your sensitive apps. Whether you want to declutter your phone or add an extra layer of privacy, iOS 18’s new features have you covered.
Ready to learn how? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to hide and lock apps on your iPhone using iOS 18 beta. Let’s dive in and take control of your app privacy today!
How to Enable & Download iOS 18 Beta Version on Your iPhone
As of now, the public release of iOS is only up to 17.5.1. However, during the Apple WWDC 2024 event on June 10th, Apple announced iOS 18, which will be available for public download next fall. One of the biggest features of iOS 18 is the ability to hide your favorite apps right away. Here’s how to enable and download the iOS 18 beta version on your iPhone:
1. Open Settings: Tap on the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
2. Navigate to General: Tap on “General” in the Settings menu.
3. Select Software Update: Tap on “Software Update.”
4. Choose Beta Updates: Select “Beta Updates.”
5. Select iOS 18 Developer Beta: Choose “iOS 18 Developer Beta” and confirm your selection.
6. Download and Install: Follow the prompts to download and install the iOS 18 beta.
How to Lock, Hide, Unlock & Unhide Apps on iPhone With iOS 18 Beta?
#1 How to Hide Apps on iPhone with iOS 18 Beta
Hiding apps on your iPhone using the iOS 18 beta is a straightforward process that enhances your privacy and helps keep your home screen tidy. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to hide apps:
- Navigate to your home screen where the app icon is located.
- Long Press the App Icon: Tap and hold on the app you want to hide until a menu pops up. This is the quick action menu, which provides several options related to the app.
- Select ‘Hide App’ from the Menu: In the quick action menu, you will see an option to ‘Hide App’. Tap on this to proceed with hiding the application.
- Choose ‘Require Face ID’: Upon selecting ‘Hide App’, you will be prompted to choose if you want to require Face ID to access the app. This adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that only you or someone authorized can access the app once it is hidden.
- Confirm Your Choice: You will need to authenticate using Face ID to confirm that you want to hide the app. This step is crucial as it secures the action and ensures that it is intentionally performed.
- App Disappears from Home Screen: Once confirmed, the app will no longer be visible on your home screen. It is not deleted but simply hidden from view, allowing for a cleaner and more organized interface.
Where Do Hidden Apps Go?
Hidden apps are not visible on the regular home screen but can be accessed through the App Library. Swipe left on your home screen until you reach the App Library, where you can see all apps categorized. Hidden apps can be found in their respective categories or by using the search functionality at the top of the App Library screen.
#2 How to Lock Apps on iPhone with iOS 18 Beta
Locking apps on your iPhone using the iOS 18 beta is a great way to enhance your privacy and security. This feature allows you to use Face ID to lock and unlock apps, ensuring that only you can access them. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to lock apps:
- Navigate to your home screen where the app icon is located.
- Long Press the App Icon: Tap and hold on the app you want to lock until a menu pops up. This is the quick action menu, which provides several options related to the app.
- Select ‘Require Face ID’: In the quick action menu, you will see an option to ‘Require Face ID’. Tap on this to proceed with locking the application.
- Choose Lock Options: A new menu will appear, offering options to either “Require Face ID” or “Hide and Require Face ID”.
- Require Face ID: Select this option if you want the app to require Face ID to open but remain visible on your home screen.
- Hide and Require Face ID: Select this option if you want to hide the app from the home screen and require Face ID to access it.
- Authenticate: Use Face ID to confirm your choice. This step ensures that only you can lock or unlock the app.
- App Locked with Face ID: The app will now require Face ID to open. If you chose to hide the app as well, it will no longer be visible on your home screen and can be accessed through the App Library.
#3 How to Unhide an App on iPhone with iOS 18 Beta
- Access the App Library: Swipe left on your home screen until you reach the App Library.
- Find the Hidden Folder: In the App Library, locate the folder labeled “Hidden.” This is where your hidden apps are stored.
- Select the Hidden App: Tap on the app you want to unhide.
- Use Face ID to Unlock: When prompted, use Face ID to unlock the app. This step confirms your identity and allows you to access the app.
#4 How to Unlock a Locked App on iPhone with iOS 18 Beta
- Access the App Library: Swipe left on your home screen until you reach the App Library.
- Find the Locked App: Locate the app you want to unlock in the App Library.
- Select the Locked App: Tap on the app you want to unlock.
- Use Face ID to Unlock: When prompted, use Face ID to unlock the app.
- Long Press the App Icon: After unlocking the app, long press the app icon to open the context menu.
- Select “Don’t Require Face ID”: In the context menu, tap on “Don’t Require Face ID.” This will remove the Face ID requirement and unhide the app.
- App Now Visible: The app will now be visible on your home screen and accessible without requiring Face ID.
Final Thoughts
With iOS 18 beta, hiding and locking apps on your iPhone has never been easier. Whether you want to keep your home screen tidy or ensure your apps are secure, these new features have got you covered. By following the simple steps in this guide, you can hide and lock your apps quickly and easily using Face ID.
Give it a try and enjoy a cleaner, more secure iPhone experience. Have any thoughts or questions about these new features? Drop a comment below – we’d love to hear from you! 📱🔒
Happy exploring and stay secure with iOS 18!
