According to various sources, iOS 18 will include a new security feature allowing users to lock individual apps. This feature will enable users to lock built-in apps like Mail, Messages, Notes, Phone, Photos, Safari, and Settings, providing an additional layer of privacy and security. To unlock an app, users will need to authenticate with Face ID, and it is expected that the feature will also support Touch ID or an iPhone passcode.
It has not been confirmed whether this feature will extend to third-party apps from the App Store.
While Apple already offers the ability to lock certain content behind Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, such as notes and photos, this new feature in iOS 18 will allow for entire apps to be locked, even when the iPhone is unlocked.
Although iPhone users have previously used workarounds like Screen Time or Shortcuts to lock apps, these methods will no longer be necessary with the introduction of iOS 18.
Apple is set to unveil iOS 18 during its WWDC keynote on Monday, with the first beta likely to be available to Apple Developer Program members immediately after the event. The wider release of iOS 18 is expected in September.
