Are there any new privacy features in iOS 18

New Privacy Features in iOS 18

1. Face ID App Locking
Users can now secure individual apps with Face ID or Touch ID. This feature allows users to lock sensitive applications, ensuring that even if someone else has access to the device, they cannot open these apps without authentication. To activate this, users simply long-press the app icon and select "Require Face ID" [1][4].

2. Passwords App
A significant addition is the new Passwords app, which simplifies password management. Built on Apple’s Keychain foundation, it allows users to view, manage, and share their passwords easily. The app also alerts users if their credentials have been compromised in data breaches, promoting better security practices [2][3][6].

3. Enhanced Contact Sharing Control
iOS 18 provides improved options for managing how apps access contacts. Users can now specify which contacts to share with specific applications, rather than granting blanket access to their entire address book. This feature is particularly useful for separating work and personal contacts [1][2][3].

4. Improved Bluetooth Privacy
The update enhances Bluetooth privacy by limiting app access to Bluetooth connections without explicit user permission. This ensures that users have greater control over which apps can connect to their devices, reducing the risk of unauthorized data collection [1][4].

5. Hidden Apps Feature
Users can now hide apps in a locked folder that only they can access using Face ID or Touch ID. While system apps cannot be hidden, most third-party apps can be moved to this secure location, providing an additional layer of privacy [2][3].

6. Notifications and App Visibility Control
iOS 18 allows users to adjust settings to prevent sensitive notifications from being visible to others. This feature helps maintain privacy in shared environments by hiding app notifications that could reveal personal information [2][3].

7. Apple Intelligence Integration
Looking ahead, iOS 18 prepares devices for Apple Intelligence, an AI platform designed with privacy in mind. This system processes data on-device without collecting it for external use, ensuring user data remains private even when leveraging advanced AI capabilities [2][3].

Conclusion

With these enhancements, iOS 18 marks a significant step forward in Apple's commitment to user privacy and security. By introducing features like app locking with Face ID, a dedicated Passwords app, and improved control over contact sharing and notifications, Apple empowers users to manage their personal information more effectively while navigating their digital lives securely.

Citations:
[1] https://www.securemac.com/blog/enhanced-security-and-privacy-features-in-ios-18
[2] https://techmentor.xyz/ios-18-whats-new-in-privacy-and-security-features/
[3] https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2024/09/ios-18-is-out-here-are-the-new-privacy-and-security-features
[4] https://www.fastcompany.com/91185002/iphone-privacy-security-ios-18-apps-new-features-passwords-contacts-face-id-hide-apple
[5] https://www.pandasecurity.com/en/mediacenter/apple-released-ios-18/
[6] https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/16/biggest-new-apple-ios-18-iphone-apps-features-to-protect-your-privacy.html
[7] https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/whats-new-in-ios-18-iphfed2c4091/ios
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzZjB03vzZI

Tell me more

iOS 18 has introduced several notable privacy features, enhancing user control over personal data and app security. Here’s a deeper look into these features:

Key Privacy Features in iOS 18

1. App Locking with Face ID
One of the standout features is the ability to lock individual apps using Face ID or Touch ID. This is particularly useful for sensitive applications like Photos, Messages, or banking apps. To lock an app, users simply long-press the app icon, select "Require Face ID," and confirm their choice. Once set, accessing the app will require authentication, ensuring that unauthorized users cannot open it without permission[1][3][7].

2. Hiding Apps
In addition to locking apps, iOS 18 allows users to hide them entirely. This feature not only prevents the app from appearing on the Home Screen but also removes it from Spotlight searches and notifications. To hide an app, users can follow a similar process: long-press the app icon, select "Hide and Require Face ID," and confirm their choice. Hidden apps are stored in a special folder in the App Library[4][5][6].

3. Enhanced Notification Control
When an app is locked or hidden, its contents do not appear in notifications or Siri suggestions. This added layer of privacy ensures that sensitive information remains confidential even if notifications are visible on the device[3][4].

4. Passwords App Integration
iOS 18 introduces a dedicated Passwords app, which enhances password management by allowing users to view, manage, and share passwords securely. The app also alerts users if their credentials have been compromised in data breaches, promoting better security practices[5][7].

5. Bluetooth Privacy Enhancements
The update improves Bluetooth privacy by requiring explicit user permission for apps to access Bluetooth connections, further safeguarding against unauthorized data collection[7].

Conclusion

These new features in iOS 18 significantly enhance user privacy and security, making it easier for individuals to protect their personal information and manage app access effectively. With options to lock and hide apps, alongside improved password management and notification controls, Apple continues to prioritize user privacy in its ecosystem.