iOS 18 introduces a new feature that allows users to lock and hide apps, removing them from the Home Screen and App Library. These hidden apps are only accessible through a special Hidden Apps folder, which requires Face ID or Touch ID authentication to open. While this feature significantly enhances privacy, it’s not entirely foolproof.
When an app is hidden, it disappears from most visible locations on your iPhone. Notifications and calls from these apps are suspended, Spotlight search won’t find them, and even Siri can’t access them. They’re also absent from common places in Settings, like the main app list or iPhone Storage (where they’re placed in a separate, authenticated “Hidden apps” category).
However, there are still ways to detect the presence of hidden apps on an iOS 18 device:
Method 1: Battery usage settings
The most straightforward way to find hidden apps is through the Battery settings. If the app has been used recently, it will appear in the “Battery Usage by App” section, regardless of its hidden status.
Method 2: Privacy settings
Hidden apps may still be visible in various Privacy & Security settings categories. For instance, if an app previously requested location access, it will be listed under “Location Services,” even if it’s currently hidden and doesn’t have active location permissions.
Method 3: App Store search
Searching for a hidden app in the App Store can reveal its presence. Instead of showing “Get” or the cloud icon for download, the store will display an “Open” button next to the app. Tapping this button will prompt for authentication to access the hidden app.
Method 4: Website banners
If you visit the website version of a hidden app, you may see an “Open App” banner at the top of the page, indicating that the app is installed on your device.
It’s worth noting that Apple doesn’t claim complete invisibility for hidden apps. The app hiding process does mention that apps may still be visible in certain areas of Settings. However, many users might assume that hidden means completely undiscoverable, which isn’t the case.
For those concerned about privacy, it’s important to understand these limitations. While the Hidden Apps feature significantly improves app privacy, it’s not an absolute guarantee of secrecy. Future iOS updates may address these issues, possibly by creating separate “Hidden Apps” categories in all relevant Settings sections.
Remember, while it’s generally no one’s business to know what apps are on your phone, real-life situations can be complex. The mere presence of a Hidden Apps folder doesn’t necessarily mean someone has hidden apps, but it’s also not impossible to find traces of hidden apps if someone is determined to look.