Apple has detailed several new privacy and security capabilities coming with iOS 18, emphasizing enhanced user control and stronger protections for personal data.
According to Apple’s official Newsroom articles, iOS 18 focuses on giving users more control over sensitive information and device behavior. Although the platform also includes broader personalization and intelligence features, privacy improvements remain a central theme of this update.
One notable privacy feature in iOS 18 is improved app locking and hiding capabilities, which allow users to put selected apps into a locked folder that requires authentication such as Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. This ensures that sensitive applications remain hidden and protected from unauthorized access even when a device is shared with others.
Apple also enhances control over what information apps can see and how that information is shared. For example, iOS 18 allows users to share specific contacts with an app rather than granting full access to the entire address book, a move designed to limit unnecessary data exposure.
In addition, iOS 18 reinforces privacy protections across messaging and system behavior. Certain system notifications and alerts are handled with more granular privacy controls, and the overall system bolsters encryption and data protection defaults designed to keep user information safe.
iOS 18 also delivers broad improvements across device intelligence and personalization, including updates to core apps and system responsiveness, but the privacy and security enhancements are expected to be among the most impactful for everyday users.
