Despite the new iOS 18 feature sparking fear of increased cheating, we all have apps on our devices that could do with added privacy. Money managing apps, portfolio tracking services, or just certain social media platforms you don’t want your kids accidentally opening — being able to lock apps is a much-needed convenience. Once you’re done updating your iPhone to iOS 18, you are only a few taps away from locking apps:
- First, make sure you have either Face ID or Touch ID set up on your iPhone or iPad.
- Next, on your home screen, touch and hold an app you wish to lock.
- From the options that appear, select “Require Face ID” or “Require Touch ID”, depending on your device model.
- Confirm the prompt once again, and let the device scan your face or fingerprint to proceed.
- Tap on “Done.”
The next time you try to launch the app, you will have to use either Face ID or Touch ID to unlock it. So far, there doesn’t seem to be an option to use a password in the event your biometric scan fails. The app is immediately locked the moment you go home or switch to another app. Locked apps also get blurred on the apps switcher screen. A few exceptions for now include system services like Clock, Calculator, and Settings — which is understandable given as how nobody would benefit from having these apps locked in the first place.
