How to secure apps using iOS 18

App security is a critical concern for all developers, especially those who build applications for the iOS platform.

With the recent release of iOS 18, Apple has introduced several new features and enhancements that can help improve app security, such as App Library and App Clips. In this article, we will explore how to secure apps using iOS 18 and provide some best practices and techniques to protect your app from common threats.

App Library: A New Feature for App Security

One of the new features introduced in iOS 18 is App Library. This feature allows users to organize their apps into different categories, making it easier for them to find and access the apps they need. While this feature does not directly improve app security, it can help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information by keeping apps organized and hidden from prying eyes.

To take advantage of App Library, follow these steps:

  1. Open your home screen on your iOS device.
  2. Tap on the “Library” icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
  3. Select a category to view apps in that category.
  4. To move an app to a different category, simply drag it and drop it into the desired category.

App Clips: A New Way to Secure Apps with Passcodes

Another new feature introduced in iOS 18 is App Clips. This feature allows users to quickly access specific parts of an app without having to open the full app. This can be particularly useful for apps that require a lot of setup or have complex user interfaces.

To use App Clips, follow these steps:

  1. Open the app you want to create an App Clip for.
  2. Tap on the “Share” icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
  3. Select “Create App Clip.”
  4. Choose which part of the app you want to include in the App Clip.
  5. Save the App Clip and share it with your users.

Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an essential security measure that can help prevent unauthorized access to your app. With MFA, users are required to provide two or more forms of authentication, such as a password and a fingerprint, before they can access your app.

To implement MFA in your app, follow these steps:

Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

  1. Go to the App Store Connect website and sign in with your Apple ID.
  2. Select your app from the list of apps.
  3. Click on the “Capabilities” tab.
  4. Scroll down and check the box next to “Multi-factor authentication.”
  5. Follow the prompts to set up MFA for your app.

Using App Transport Security (ATS)

App Transport Security (ATS) is a security measure that helps prevent man-in-the-middle attacks on your app. ATS ensures that all traffic between the app and the server is encrypted, making it more difficult for attackers to intercept sensitive information.

To enable ATS in your app, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the App Store Connect website and sign in with your Apple ID.
  2. Select your app from the list of apps.
  3. Click on the “Capabilities” tab.
  4. Scroll down and check the box next to “App Transport Security.”
  5. Follow the prompts to configure ATS for your app.

By enabling ATS, you can help protect your app from man-in-the-middle attacks, ensuring that sensitive information is