With iOS 18, Apple introduced the ability to hide apps like Instagram and Snapchat in a secret folder, making them invisible on the home screen and in the search bar. While this feature is intended for decluttering devices, it poses serious concerns for parents. Tweens and teens can easily exploit this function to conceal apps from their guardians, making it harder to monitor their digital activities. Hidden apps could facilitate risky behaviours like cyberbullying, sexting, or interactions with strangers without parents being aware.
To address these risks, parents must stay proactive by utilising available tools such as Screen Time, which tracks app usage even if the app is hidden, and reviewing battery usage and purchase histories for signs of concealed apps. However, relying solely on technology isn’t enough. Open communication with children about their online life, is crucial. By blending these technical strategies with ongoing, honest conversations, parents can foster a safer, balanced online environment for their children while staying one step ahead of hidden risks.
While hiding apps might seem harmless, it can create several challenges for parents trying to monitor their child's online activity:
How Apps are Hidden on iOS 18
To hide an app on an iPhone running iOS 18, follow these steps:
Ensure the Device is Running iOS 18
First, make sure the iPhone or iPad is updated to iOS 18. You can check this by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Hold Down on the App Icon
Select the app you want to hide, such as Snapchat or Instagram. Press and hold the app icon until an options menu appears.
Select "Hide App"
A pop-up menu will give you the option to Require Face ID. After selecting this, the device will give you the option to select Hide and Require Face ID.
Final Confirmation
After confirming, you will receive a message that the app is now hidden. It will no longer show up on the home screen or in the search bar. However, it can still be accessed through Settings, but it will require Face ID or a passcode to open it.
Hidden Communication Channels
Apps like Snapchat and Instagram are commonly used for messaging, often in ways parents may not approve of. When hidden, these apps no longer appear in obvious places, such as the home screen or search results, making it difficult for parents to identify that these apps are being used. Teens could be using these hidden apps to communicate without supervision, potentially engaging in risky behaviours like sexting, cyberbullying, or sharing inappropriate content.
Increased Exposure to Inappropriate Content
Hidden apps can also facilitate access to inappropriate material. Whether it’s adult content, dangerous social media challenges, or interactions with strangers, hidden apps make it harder for parents to intervene and monitor usage.
False Sense of Security
Many parents rely on scanning their child’s home screen for potentially harmful apps. However, with the ability to hide apps, parents may feel a false sense of security if they can’t see any risky apps, even though they may still be in use.
How to Check if Your Teen is Using Hidden Apps on iOS 18
Despite the ability to hide apps, there are several ways parents can still monitor whether their teen is using these hidden apps:
Use Screen Time to Track App Usage
Apple’s Screen Time feature logs the time spent on each app, even if the app is hidden. Parents can view how much time their child has spent on different apps and determine if any hidden apps are in use.
How to Access Screen Time:
Go to Settings > Screen Time > See All App and Website Activity.
This will show a detailed report of app usage. If you notice apps that don’t appear on the home screen but show up in the activity log, this indicates the app may be hidden.
Check Battery Usage Reports
Even though apps are hidden, they still use up battery life. You can check battery usage reports to identify if any hidden apps are consuming power in the background.
How to Check Battery Usage:
Go to Settings > Battery.
Scroll down to the Battery Usage by App section. If an app shows up in this list but isn’t on the home screen, it’s likely hidden.
Search for Hidden Apps via Settings
Hidden apps won’t appear on the home screen or in the search bar, but they can still be found through Settings. Parents can look at the list of installed apps and check for any unfamiliar or suspicious ones that don’t appear on the home screen.
How to Find Hidden Apps:
Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
This will display a full list of all installed apps, including any that are hidden. This list cannot be altered by hiding apps.
Check App Store Purchase History
Hidden apps will still show up in the purchase history of your child's App Store account. By reviewing this history, you can see which apps have been downloaded on the device, even if they are currently hidden.
How to Access Purchase History:
Open the App Store app.
Tap on the Profile icon in the upper-right corner.
Select Purchased > My Purchases to see a list of all apps downloaded on the device.
Additional Steps Parents Can Take
Enable Parental Controls
Use Apple’s Screen Time feature to set parental controls. You can restrict app downloads, block certain apps, or set limits on how much time your teen spends on different platforms. These controls also allow you to monitor app usage, including hidden apps.
How to Set Parental Controls:
Go to Settings > Screen Time > Turn on Screen Time.
From here, you can set app limits, monitor usage, and restrict access to specific apps.
Have Regular Conversations
Open communication is essential. Talk to your teen about the apps they use and why they might be hiding them. Foster trust by establishing rules that are fair and consistent. Explain the importance of using technology responsibly and the risks associated with certain apps.
Set Clear Boundaries
Establish clear rules around app usage and make sure your teen understands that hiding apps could bypass important safety measures. Let them know that you are monitoring their device to keep them safe and that using hidden apps without your knowledge is a violation of your trust.