# Unveiling the App Concealment Features in iOS 18
With the launch of iOS 18, Apple has rolled out various new functionalities designed to boost user privacy and security. One of the standout features is the capability to lock and conceal apps using Face ID, enabling users to keep specific applications hidden and shielded from unauthorized access. This article examines how this feature operates, its impact on user privacy, and the possible vulnerabilities that have surfaced since its introduction.
## The Concealment Feature for Apps
Within iOS 18, users have the convenience of hiding apps by long-pressing on the app icon and selecting the “Require Face ID” option. From there, they can opt for “Hide and Require Face ID,” which eliminates the app icon from the home screen and relocates it to a specially obscured Hidden folder in the App Library. This feature proves particularly beneficial for those who prefer to keep sensitive applications like banking or social media apps discreetly out of sight.
Once an app is concealed, iOS 18 implements multiple measures to avert detection. Notifications from hidden apps are curtailed, and these apps do not show up in Spotlight search results. Even when users go to the Storage section in Settings, the names of concealed apps remain hidden until biometric authentication is completed.
## Possible Vulnerabilities
Notwithstanding these privacy features, users have started finding methods to identify concealed apps without requiring Face ID authentication. For instance, specific settings screens still display hidden apps, such as those in the Background App Refresh list, which can expose the presence of apps like Reddit even when they are hidden. Additionally, should a user search for a concealed app in the App Store, the listing will still show up with an “Open” button, signifying that the app is installed.
Furthermore, accessing a website linked to a hidden app, like reddit.com in Safari, will present an “Open in Reddit” banner if the app is installed. This can unintentionally reveal the existence of the hidden app to anyone using the device.
## Apple’s View on App Visibility
Apple has recognized that concealing an app does not ensure total invisibility. The user interface features a caution indicating that hidden apps may still be noticeable in certain sections, such as the Settings app. While users can verify the existence of an app, they cannot initiate it without first authenticating via Face ID or Touch ID, maintaining the security of the content within the hidden app.
## Prospective Implications
As users keep exploring the functionalities of iOS 18, it’s probable that Apple will tackle these vulnerabilities in forthcoming updates. For example, the company might improve the separation of hidden apps in diverse settings, potentially extending the hidden status to other sections, including Privacy screens.
## Final Thoughts
The app concealment feature in iOS 18 signifies a significant advancement in user privacy and security. While it provides a strong method for hiding sensitive applications, the identification of potential vulnerabilities underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing privacy with functionality. As Apple persistently enhances its operating system, users can anticipate additional upgrades that will fortify the security of concealed apps and provide a more private user experience.
