iOS 18 is scheduled to launch later this year and many people are looking forward to all the app updates and redesigns. However, one of the areas that we think has been overshadowed by all the shiny new features is the series of security updates that the system will receive.
We've seen some of the improvements, such as the Password app to help people manage accounts and verification codes, among other things. What you may not know, however, is that Apple will change the way third-party apps interact with your iPhone.
At launch, iOS 18 will allow users to choose which contacts to share with an app. TechCrunch explains that every time an iPhone owner is asked to give access to their address book, a “new two-step permissions pop-up screen” will appear.
The first window will ask you if you want to sign up and the second will allow you to adjust your selection. Currently, iOS 17 only gives you two options: allow full access or deny access.
There are a couple of reasons why this is an improvement. Security company Mysk says this change would limit the amount of data third-party apps could collect. LinkedIn, for example, was found to gain access to users' contacts and calendars. The company felt that the service received too much authorization, to the point that it asked Apple to add limitations.
The second effect of the update is that it could (although it is not confirmed) prevent the software from repeatedly requesting “access even after it has been done.” [have already] been denied.” The idea here is that if you give limited permissions to the software, you should close them forever since the criteria have technically been met.
Lock and hide
In addition to upcoming contact controls, iOS 18 will also introduce the ability to lock and hide apps. Apple says that blocking software protects “your content from view,” while hiding it prevents others from seeing the app entirely. All hidden apps will live in a single folder, which you will need to authenticate to gain access to.
When you lock or hide an app, your iPhone will ask you to authenticate using biometrics or a password. The feature is intended to give you peace of mind so that you don't accidentally expose sensitive information to nosy people.
2024 is shaping up to be an important year for the technology giant. For more information, check out TechRadar's roundup of everything that was announced during WWDC 2024.
