In an increasingly connected world, privacy is the first compromise users are forced to make. However, with iOS 18, Apple now lets you hide your apps from others. It’s a handy little feature that not only prevents others from accessing the contents of your app, but also keeps them in the dark about which apps you’ve hidden.

But what exactly does hiding an app do? We explain.

The main purpose of hiding apps on your iPhone is to prevent your friends and family from finding out what apps you have when they borrow your phone.

When an app is hidden, it is not visible on your home screen and can only be accessed through a Hidden folder located at the bottom of the App Library.