In today’s world, it’s common for families and friends to share devices like iPhones and iPads. Whether it’s handing your phone to your kids for a game, letting your spouse make a quick call, or sharing apps with a roommate, we’re often happy to give out our passcodes. But what happens when you want to keep some information—like your private diary, banking apps, or work-related apps—away from prying eyes?

Apple’s new iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 have introduced a fantastic feature that helps you take control of your app security. You can now use Face ID or Touch ID to lock specific apps, ensuring that only you can access them. Even better, you can choose to hide these apps entirely from the Home Screen.

Here’s how it works:

1. Protect Individual Apps with Face ID/Touch ID
   If you have apps you want to protect, like personal journals, banking apps, or anything sensitive, this feature is for you. Touch and hold the app’s icon on your Home Screen, and tap the new “Require Face/Touch ID” option. When prompted, select:

   • Require Face/Touch ID to keep the app visible on your Home Screen but lock it behind biometric authentication.

   • Hide and Require Face/Touch ID to lock the app and remove its icon from the Home Screen entirely.

2. Accessing Hidden Apps
   If you choose to hide an app, it won’t disappear forever. Hidden apps will be stored in a new “Hidden” folder in the App Library, which you can access by swiping to the far-right screen of your device. Once you’re in the App Library, scroll to the bottom to find the Hidden folder, where you can open these apps after authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID.

This feature provides an extra layer of privacy and peace of mind, especially if you regularly share your devices with family members, friends, or even colleagues. You no longer have to worry about someone accidentally—or intentionally—stumbling upon sensitive information in your apps.

At Gravity Repair Shop, we’re here to help you stay up to date with all the latest tech features. If you need assistance setting up these new security tools or have questions about protecting your Apple devices, don’t hesitate to reach out!