Apple recently unveiled the new features for its upcoming iOS 18, which has sparked concerns among some individuals who fear it may facilitate cheating in relationships. The company revealed that users will soon have the ability to lock and hide apps on their iPhones’ home screens, providing enhanced privacy and security. This feature is particularly useful for keeping banking apps confidential and preventing unsupervised purchases by children.
By locking an app, users can ensure that its content, such as messages and emails, remains hidden from search results, notifications, and various other areas within the system. The option to hide an app moves it to a locked, hidden apps folder, further safeguarding sensitive information. While these capabilities are intended to offer peace of mind, critics argue that they may provide an opportunity for partners to engage in unfaithful behavior.
Although it is already possible to hide apps on an iPhone by disabling search functionality or placing them in obscure folders, the addition of the hidden apps feature in iOS 18 adds another layer of protection for those who wish to keep their actions clandestine. This feature not only obscures the app’s icon and name on the home screen but also allows users to pause notifications. Apple asserts that locked and hidden apps enable users to maintain privacy by preventing others from accidentally stumbling upon personal information.
However, creating a “Hidden App” folder will clearly indicate its presence on the home screen, potentially raising suspicions among tech-savvy partners. Apple users can also lock pre-installed apps like Mail, Messages, Notes, Phone, Photos, and Safari behind Face ID authentication, adding an additional level of security.
Upon the announcement of the hidden apps feature, social media platforms were flooded with mixed reactions. Some users expressed concerns over the potential for increased infidelity facilitated by iOS 18, jokingly claiming that relationships are doomed. Others criticized Apple for allegedly catering to people who engage in cheating behavior.
In addition to hidden apps, the iOS 18 update brings other exciting features. Users will now have the ability to customize their home screens, arranging icons according to their preferences. This departure from the traditional grid system used since the first iPhone’s release in 2007 offers a more personalized user experience.
Apple also introduced Apple Intelligence, an AI-powered system that responds to prompts, generates new text and images, and solves problems for users. With the integration of ChatGPT from OpenAI into Siri and Writing Tools, users will have access to expert assistance without the need to switch between different applications. Apple Intelligence even offers a Rewrite tool, allowing users to rephrase complex messages in a manner that suits their needs, whether it be friendliness, professionalism, or conciseness.
Furthermore, Apple Intelligence revolutionizes visual expression by enabling users to create unique and personalized images and Genmoji. The Image Wand feature transforms rough sketches into complementary visuals for notes, while custom memory movies can be generated based on user-provided descriptions.
While the hidden apps feature in iOS 18 has raised concerns about potential infidelity, it is important to recognize that Apple is primarily focused on providing users with enhanced privacy and customization options. The company’s commitment to integrating AI technologies like Apple Intelligence demonstrates its dedication to improving user experiences and simplifying complex tasks. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for individuals to establish open and honest communication within their relationships, rather than solely relying on the presence or absence of certain features on their devices.
