iOS 18 Will Let You Lock Apps Behind Face ID, Sources Say

[MacRumors]

iOS 18 will offer a new security feature that allows users to lock individual apps, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

This feature will give users the option to lock built-in iPhone apps like Mail, Messages, Notes, Phone, Photos, Safari, Settings, and more, providing an extra layer of privacy and security. Unlocking an app would require Face ID authentication, and it is likely that the feature will also work with Touch ID or an iPhone's passcode.

We have not confirmed if the feature will work with third-party apps from the App Store.

Apple already allows certain content to be locked behind Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, such as notes in the Notes app and photos in the "Recently Deleted" and "Hidden" albums in the Photos app. This new iOS 18 feature will take things further by allowing for apps to be locked entirely, even if the iPhone is unlocked overall.

iPhone users have already found ways to lock apps with Screen Time or Shortcuts, but these methods will no longer be necessary on iOS 18.

Apple will unveil iOS 18 during its WWDC keynote on Monday. The first iOS 18 beta will likely be made available to Apple Developer Program members immediately after the keynote, and the update should be widely released in September.

Article Link: iOS 18 Will Let You Lock Apps Behind Face ID, Sources Say

 

[Justin Cymbal]

That will be a great feature to have!

Some apps let you currently do this (like Venmo and various banking applications) but it would be great if the setting was a systemwide setting that could be set from within the iOS settings instead of having apps decide whether they want to include the feature or not

 

[NapZzz]

This is an exciting innovation in privacy, well done Apple

 

[LockOn2B]

This is honestly great for whenever you’re letting someone borrow it for calls

 

[Homme]

Another great feature the XR will get but the X won’t😁

 

[Shirasaki]

Face ID/Touch ID to lock arbitrary apps? Finally? Or is this rumour stays as a rumour?

 

[argentum47]

It will be great if they don't let passcode as a way to bypass biometrics.
Knowing Apple though, that will not happen.

 

[JosephAW]

Wish they would allow a different passcode for the wallet.

 

[JosephAW]

It will be great if they don't let passcode as a way to bypass biometrics.
Knowing Apple though, that will not happen.

Or require both Face ID and Passcode option.

 

[Kris .dev]

This is honestly great for whenever you’re letting someone borrow it for calls

Great thought! Maybe they’ll tie it in within a Focus Mode setup.

 

[LockOn2B]

Great thought! Maybe they’ll tie it in within a Focus Mode setup.

Ooh I’d love that.

 

[mystery hill]

It doesn’t seem as comprehensive as Private Space in Android 15, but it’s still an improvement.

Private Space uses a separate user profile. When private space is locked by the user, the profile is paused, i.e. the apps are no longer active. The user can choose to use the device lock or a separate lock factor for private space.

Private space apps show up in a separate container in the launcher, and are hidden from the recents view, notifications, settings, and from other apps when private space is locked.

User generated and downloaded content (media, files) and accounts are separated between the private space and the main space.

The system share sheet and the photo picker can be used to give apps access to content across spaces when private space is unlocked.

 

[adammusic]

Ok so can i disable face id to login and just require face id on important apps.

So then Siri can do simple tasks without having to require phone to be unlocked?

 

[damienDevZ]

This will be good for finance apps. Some allow you to process transactions with just your pin. Someone could simply learn it by looking over your shoulder and steal your phone. This protects against that.

 

[trip1ex]

Great for giving your phone to the Chick Fil A girl in the drive thru so she scan your app for a free Spicy Chicken biscuit.

 

[PhantomStar]

This is actually a useful feature I’ve been looking for in awhile. More secure in many scenarios especially if your phone got stolen.

 

[Blue Nova]

It’s about time, it elementary Doctor Watson. They should have that feature from day one we are so brainwashed with what Apple gives us.

 

[nfl46]

Finallllly. This was well needed!

 

[contacos]

Finally! I remember having this back in the jailbreak days and wondered why Apple never implemented it besides Notes

 

[Surf Monkey]

Should have had this basic feature ages ago.

 

[svish]

Will be great to have this. Currently using Shortcuts to achieve this.

 

[bushman4]

Finally a big move in the right direction by locking Apps to biometrics.
Sounds good

 

[voodoo111]

If this comes to fruition, this feature is EXTREMELY overdue.
I appreciate everyone will have differing opinions on Jailbreaking (and that is fine), however this feature was available as a Jailbreak tweak, 10 years ago.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Finally, my Pokémon are safe from Team Rocket.

 

[shenfrey]

I love WWDC time, where Mark Gurman and Co will just keep naming features until something comes true lol