Apple and Google introduce native app locking features

Major mobile operating systems are enhancing native privacy features by allowing users to lock and hide specific applications using biometric authentication or PINs.

Apple has integrated app locking and hiding directly into iOS 18. Users can require Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to open an app. Additionally, the system allows users to completely hide an app icon, moving it to a locked, hidden folder to ensure total discretion.

Google is introducing similar functionality through the Android 17 QPR2 beta. This native feature allows users to lock an app via a long press on the icon, requiring a PIN or biometric validation to launch it. To prevent workarounds, the system also masks related notification content and removes associated widgets and shortcuts from the home screen.