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

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

Beyond iPhone 13 Better Blue Face ID
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.

Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18

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Top Rated Comments

Justin Cymbal Avatar
14 months ago
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
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LockOn2B Avatar
14 months ago
This is honestly great for whenever you’re letting someone borrow it for calls
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
NapZzz Avatar
14 months ago
This is an exciting innovation in privacy, well done Apple
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JosephAW Avatar
14 months ago
Wish they would allow a different passcode for the wallet. :rolleyes:
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
argentum47 Avatar
14 months ago
It will be great if they don't let passcode as a way to bypass biometrics.
Knowing Apple though, that will not happen.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
damienDevZ Avatar
14 months ago
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.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)