New Apple iOS update sparks controversy as it’s branded ‘a cheaters paradise’

As Apple rolls out the latest iOS for iPhones, users are exploring a host of new features in iOS 18. Among these is Apple Intelligence, a new AI-powered system across all official Apple platforms and devices. This system can solve problems, respond to user prompts, and create new text and images—essentially, the latest evolution of Siri.

However, another addition to the Apple interface has generated significant discussion—and some find it more concerning than exciting.

At its Worldwide Developers Conference on June 10, Apple announced that users can now lock and hide apps by moving them to a hidden folder, detailing the feature’s purpose.

“Locked and hidden apps offer users peace of mind that information they want to keep private, such as app notifications and content, will not inadvertently be seen by others,” Apple explained. “Users can now lock an app; and for additional privacy, they can hide an app, moving it to a locked, hidden apps folder.”

iOS 18 is ushering in a new era of tech for the company. (Filip Radwanski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

“When an app is locked or hidden, content like messages or emails inside the app is hidden from search, notifications, and other places across the system.”

The new feature is designed to give users more control over who sees their apps, and is presented as a way to keep things like banking apps private, ensuring greater security for parents who want to prevent their children from making unauthorized purchases.

Apple emphasized that the new feature provides users with more control over who can see their apps, how contacts are shared, and how their iPhone connects to accessories.

However, many people have expressed concerns on social media about how this feature might be misused.

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One user posted, “A new privacy feature in iOS is going to help f***bois all the world round, by letting you hide certain apps even when you hand your phone over to someone else to change the music or something. Nice.”

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Calling it a ‘cheater’s paradise,’ another commented, “On the apple update you can hide and lock apps, and they won’t even come up if you search words in the search bar.”

A third user said, “IOS 18 update lets you lock a specific app….apple making it way too easy to hide your suspicious activities lmao.”

Though an exact release date wasn’t provided, iOS 18 is expected to be available later this year.