Apple’s iOS 18 update dubbed cheater’s paradise by worried iPhone users. Why is everyone panicking?

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Published Jun 11, 2024 at 01:21 PM

Reading time: 2 minutes

58707

One of the new tools, included in Tech giant Apple’s latest iOS 18 update, is causing quite a stir online, with social media users divided over a feature that some have it rebranded as a ‘cheater’s paradise’.

The new feature, allowing iPhone users to hide or lock apps on their home screens, has sparked a heated debate. On one side, some netizens have praised the feature as a practical tool for privacy. On the other hand, there are also users who think that the tool is equivalent to a gift-wrapped package for those with the slyest intentions among us.

Apple’s announcement about iOS 18, unveiled on 10 June 2024, stated: “iOS 18 gives users even more control with tools to manage who can see their apps, how contacts are shared, and how their iPhone connects to accessories.” Sounds pretty straightforward, right?

Apple proudly touted the new ability to lock and hide apps, aiming to keep sensitive information away from prying eyes. The update promises to help users protect their banking apps, keep kids from running up Amazon bills, and ensure personal data stays private. But, let’s be honest, it doesn’t take a genius to see how this could be a dream come true for anyone looking to keep secrets from their partner, for example.

@ijustine

Locking and hiding apps coming in iOS 18 #wwdc

♬ original sound - iJustine

“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,” Apple explained during the demo. While this is great news for parents wanting to hide certain apps from their kids, it’s also a potential game-changer for those looking to conceal more ‘suspicious activities.

As expected, social media has been buzzing with reactions. One TikTok user wrote: “Someone at Apple is CHEATING, cheating.” Another chimed in, “iOS 18 update lets you lock a specific app… Apple is making it way too easy to hide your suspicious activities lmao.”

One especially excitable netizen wrote: “iOS18 is a sneaky link’s update… You can hide apps and they aren’t even visible on search. Can hide apps and lock them with Face ID. Hidden apps are in the app library but won’t show unless your Face ID unlocks it. Sneaky link summer.”

It’s clear that while Apple’s intentions might have been pure, the execution has opened Pandora’s box of possibilities—many of which have users laughing, but also a bit concerned.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk had plenty to say about Apple’s latest move. Apparently, another feature set to be embedded in the upcoming iOS update is a collaboration with OpenAI. Musk didn’t hold back, stating, “It’s patently absurd that Apple isn’t smart enough to make their own AI, yet is somehow capable of ensuring that OpenAI will protect your security and privacy! Apple has no clue what’s actually going on once they hand your data over to OpenAI. They’re selling you down the river.”

Apple will also add a new feature that allows you to create an emoji for any occasion. This AI-powered feature is called Genmoji.

So, as we await the full rollout of iOS 18 on 13 June, it’s safe to say that iPhone users will be exploring these new features with a mix of excitement and caution. Whether you’re a parent trying to keep your kids from emptying your bank account, or someone with, shall we say, more clandestine motives, the new update is sure to shake things up.

Keep On Reading

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have agreed to fight each other. No, we’re not joking 

By Alma Fabiani

All the terrifying AI videos made using OpenAI’s Sora so far

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

As more US Open players complain about weed smell on the court, the source remains a mystery

By Charlie Sawyer

How much are the Love Island All Stars contestants getting paid?

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Who is Ziwe Fumudoh? Unpacking the comedy genius putting white people in the hot seat

By Charlie Sawyer

A guide on how to save on your energy bills after CEO of British Gas owner admits he can’t justify his £4.5M salary

By Charlie Sawyer

Conservatives are spreading dangerous misinformation about birth control on TikTok

By Emma O'Regan-Reidy

The return of 2012’s most divisive shoe: Why wedge sneakers are making a comeback in 2024

By Charlie Sawyer

Delulu: The Gen Z slang term for delusional explained

By Charlie Sawyer

Meta faces backlash from Instagram users over new political content limitation feature

By Abby Amoakuh

Trump to face trial in hush money case, as Fani Willis defends romantic relationship in Georgia case 

By Abby Amoakuh

Political fandoms are ruining democracy. Here’s how we can fix it

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Fashionably late to the satirical bash, conservatives finally get the message behind The Boys

By Charlie Sawyer

JoJo Siwa fans shocked to discover performer’s mother started bleaching her hair when she was 2 years old

By Abby Amoakuh

Is Donald Trump going to jail? A full breakdown of his impending legal doom

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Julia Fox’s recent fashion statement sparks intense criticism from FGM survivors

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Dakota Johnson fails to name a single Tom Holland Spider-Man movie during Madame Web promo

By Charlie Sawyer

Mystery girl behind Nigel Farage milkshake saga sparks online theories

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Succession star Brian Cox says the Bible is one of the worst books ever

By Abby Amoakuh

Bride walks out on her own wedding after the groom smashed a cake in her face, and she’s not the first one!