Introduction

As an iOS developer, you may have several reasons for wanting to conceal your apps from prying eyes. Perhaps you’re working on a top-secret project and don’t want anyone else to see what you’re up to. Maybe you’ve created an app that you don’t want your friends or family to discover, or maybe you just want to keep your personal apps hidden away for privacy reasons. Whatever the reason may be, there are several ways to conceal apps on iOS 18.

Method 1: Using a Third-Party App

There are several third-party apps available that can help you conceal your apps on iOS 18. These apps work by creating fake folders or icons that act as placeholders for the real apps.

1. Download and install a third-party app from the App Store, such as Hide Me! or Stealthy.
2. Open the app and select the app you want to hide.
3. Choose a folder or icon to act as a placeholder for the hidden app.
4. Set up a password or touch ID to access the fake folder or icon.

One of the main benefits of using a third-party app is that it’s easy to set up and requires no jailbreaking. Additionally, these apps allow you to create multiple fake folders or icons, which can be helpful if you have several apps you want to conceal. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to be aware of:

• These apps may not work perfectly on all devices, especially older models.
• Some third-party apps may use up a lot of space on your device if you have multiple fake folders or icons.
• There’s always a risk when downloading and installing third-party apps from the App Store, as they may contain malware or viruses.

Method 2: Changing the App Icon

Another way to conceal your apps on iOS 18 is by changing the app icon. This method involves creating a custom icon for the app and replacing the original icon with it.

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on “Add Action” in the top right corner of the screen.
3. Search for “Custom Icon” and select it from the list of actions.
4. Choose an image file that you want to use as the custom icon, and adjust the size and color settings as needed.



5. Tap on “Done” to create the custom icon.
6. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
7. Scroll down and tap on “General”.
8. Tap on “Device Management”.
9. Select the device management profile that’s associated with your app development account.
10. Tap on the name of your app, then select “Edit”.
11. Choose the custom icon you just created, then tap on “Save”.

One of the main benefits of changing the app icon is that it’s a simple and effective way to hide your app from prying eyes. Additionally, it doesn’t require any third-party apps or jailbreaking, which makes it a good option for developers who want to keep their work private. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to be aware of:

• Some users may still recognize the app icon even if it looks different, especially if they’re familiar with your branding or design.
• Changing the app icon can make it more difficult for other developers to find and use your code, which could slow down your development process.

Method 3: Using Apple’s Built-in Features

There are also several built-in features in iOS that you can use to conceal your apps from others. These features include using the “Hide App” function, changing the app’s name or location, and using Touch ID or Face ID to restrict access to the app.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on “General”.
3. Tap on “Hidden”.
4. Toggle the switch next to the app you want to hide on and off.
5. To change the app’s name or location, go to the “App Library” section of the Settings app and tap on the app’s icon.
6. Tap on “Name” or “Location”, then make the desired changes.
7. To use Touch ID or Face ID to restrict access to the app, go to the “Access Control” section of the Settings app and toggle the switch next to the app on and off.

One of the main benefits of using Apple’s built-in features is that they’re easy to set up and don’t require any third-party apps or jailbreaking. Additionally, these features are designed specifically for iOS devices, which means they’re optimized for use on iPhones and iPads. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to be aware of:

• Some users may still recognize the app even if it’s hidden or renamed, especially if they’re familiar with your branding or design.
• Changing the app’s name or location can make it more difficult for other developers to find and use your code, which could slow down your development process.

Summary

In conclusion, there are several ways you can conceal your apps on iOS 18. Whether you prefer using a third-party app, changing the app icon, or Apple’s built-in features, it’s important to choose a method that works best for your needs and skill level. Just remember to be careful when downloading and installing third-party apps from the App Store, and always use strong passwords and authentication methods to protect your apps from unauthorized access.