iOS 18: Data privacy in focus – New features at a glance

At WWDC 2024, Apple unveiled a number of new features for the iPhone that will be available with the iOS 18 update in the fall. While Apple Intelligence and expanded customization options attracted the most attention, it's the new privacy features that really stand out. Below, you'll learn all about the new privacy features in iOS 18 and how they make your digital life more secure.

Privacy is a key concern for Apple, and with each new iOS version, protections continue to improve. iOS 18 is no exception. New features include locking and hiding apps, improved contact permissions, Private Cloud Compute, and a standalone password app. These features help protect your data even better and give you more control over your digital information.

Private Cloud Compute

Apple Intelligence (AI) marks Apple's entry into the emerging trend of artificial intelligence. The technology is used through a combination of on-device and server-based AI models. Private Cloud Compute ensures that only the most necessary data is sent to the servers to process requests, without this data being stored or viewed by Apple. Here's how Private Cloud Compute works:

Analyze requests: Apple Intelligence checks whether a request can be processed locally.
Send data: If not, only relevant data will be sent to the cloud for secure processing.
Data protection: The data will only be used to fulfill the requests and will not be stored afterwards.

Lock and hide apps

With iOS 18, you can now lock or hide any app on your home screen. This feature protects sensitive content, especially when you share your device or show others your screen. Steps to lock and hide apps:

Press and hold: Press and hold any app.
Require Face ID: Select “Require Face ID.”
Hide and lock: Select “Hide and require Face ID” to completely remove the app from the home screen and place it in a hidden folder.

Improvements to contact permissions

Before iOS 18, you only had the option of granting an app full access to your contacts or none at all. With the new version, you can now specify exactly which contacts should be shared with an app. This significantly increases your control over the information shared. Here's how it works:

Select contacts: Individually select which contacts an app can use.
Maintain privacy: Share only the necessary information to protect your privacy.

Passwords app

Managing passwords is much easier with iOS 18. The new Passwords app replaces the keychain that was previously hidden in the settings and offers a central point of contact for all your passwords. Main functions of the Passwords app:

Access from any device: Access your passwords from all Apple devices and even Windows.
Alerts: Get notifications about weak or reused passwords, as well as passwords that have appeared in data leaks.

Additional data protection functions

The Accessory Setup Kit allows developers to create a user-friendly method for pairing accessories without allowing apps to access information about other devices on the network, ensuring a smooth and secure connection.

iOS 18: More privacy and control for your data

iOS 18 brings a number of significant privacy improvements that give you more control over your personal data. From the ability to lock and hide apps to improved contact permissions and the new Passwords app, Apple is once again setting new standards in data security. Stay tuned for the new features that will be available in the fall and make your iPhone more secure than ever. Are you looking for new accessories? Then take a look in our Amazon Storefront - there you will find numerous products from leading providers, also for HomeKit and Co.! (Image: Apple)