What Are Hidden Apps on iPhone? Your Complete Guide to iOS 18

Ever wondered, what are hidden apps on iPhone and why they’re tucked away on your device? With iOS 18, released in September 2024, Apple has made it easier than ever to hide apps, offering users new ways to protect their privacy, organize their Home Screen, and secure sensitive information. Whether you’re using an iPhone XR, iPhone 14, or the shiny new iPhone 16, hidden apps are a powerful feature that can declutter your interface or keep prying eyes at bay. But what do hidden apps do on iPhone? They allow you to remove apps from your Home Screen, lock them behind Face ID or Touch ID, or stash them in a secure Hidden Apps folder, ensuring only you can access them. According to a 2024 Forbes report, 50% of iPhone users have hidden at least one app for privacy reasons, like concealing dating or banking apps. This comprehensive guide dives deep into what are hidden apps on iPhone, answering questions like why are some apps on my iPhone hidden? and how can you tell if someone has hidden apps on an iPhone? Whether you’re a parent monitoring your child’s device, a professional safeguarding work apps, or just curious about iOS 18’s features, we’ll explore how to find, hide, and manage hidden apps, troubleshoot issues, and ensure your iPhone stays secure in 2025. Let’s unlock the secrets of hidden apps and take control of your iPhone experience!

Understanding Hidden Apps on iPhone

What Are Hidden Apps on iPhone and Why Do They Exist?

So, what are hidden apps on iPhone? Simply put, they’re apps that don’t appear on your Home Screen but are still installed and functional on your device. Introduced with iOS 14’s App Library in 2020 and enhanced in iOS 18 (September 2024), hidden apps can be removed from the Home Screen, tucked into the App Library, or locked in the Hidden Apps folder, which requires Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to access. This feature, detailed in a 2024 Apple Support guide, caters to users who want to keep their iPhone organized or private. For example, you might hide a banking app to prevent unauthorized access or stash a journaling app to keep personal thoughts secure. What do hidden apps do on iPhone? They maintain full functionality—running in the background, receiving updates, and storing data—but stay out of sight unless you deliberately access them. A 2024 X post noted that 40% of users hide apps like Tinder or PayPal to avoid judgment or protect sensitive info, highlighting their privacy appeal.

Hidden apps serve three main purposes: privacy, organization, and security. For privacy, hiding apps like Grindr or Journal ensures nosy friends or family can’t snoop. For organization, removing unused apps from the Home Screen creates a cleaner interface, especially on devices with dozens of apps. For security, iOS 18’s Hide and Require Face ID option locks apps in the Hidden Apps folder, making them inaccessible without authentication. A 2024 MacRumors article praised this feature for adding an extra layer of protection, especially for financial apps. There are three types of hidden apps:

• User-Hidden: Apps you intentionally hide, like social media or dating apps, to keep them private.
• System-Hidden: Apps restricted via Screen Time (e.g., parental controls) or pre-installed apps moved to App Library.
• Unauthorized: Rare cases where someone with your passcode hides an app, like spyware, though iOS 18’s security makes this challenging (Forbes, 2024).

However, hidden apps aren’t completely invisible. They may appear in Screen Time, Battery Usage, or App Store purchase history, as noted in a 2024 Tom’s Guide report. This balance ensures users can manage their apps while maintaining privacy. Whether you’re hiding a game to avoid distractions or securing a work app, understanding what are hidden apps on iPhone empowers you to customize your iPhone experience in 2025.

What Are the Most Common Hidden Apps on iPhone?

When exploring what are hidden apps on iPhone, it’s helpful to know what are the most common hidden apps? Users hide apps for various reasons, from personal privacy to professional needs, and certain apps top the list based on their sensitivity or social context. A 2024 Reddit thread and Clario’s 2025 privacy report identified the following as frequently hidden:

• Dating Apps: Apps like Tinder, Grindr, and Bumble are often hidden due to social stigma or to keep romantic activities private. A 2024 X user shared hiding Grindr to avoid awkward family moments during photo-sharing sessions.
• Financial Apps: PayPal, Venmo, and banking apps (e.g., Chase, Wells Fargo) are hidden to protect financial data. A 2024 Forbes study found 30% of users hide banking apps for security.
• Health and Journal Apps: Apple Health, Journal, and apps like MyFitnessPal contain personal data, making them prime candidates for hiding. A 2024 MacPaw article noted users hide these to keep medical or fitness goals private.
• Social Media: Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are hidden to limit visibility or curb overuse. A 2024 Clario report found 25% of teens hide social apps to avoid parental scrutiny.
• Parental Control Apps: Apps like Qustodio or Bark are hidden by parents to monitor kids discreetly, per a 2024 AirDroid guide.

Why these apps? They often hold sensitive or personal information that users want to shield from others. For instance, a 2024 MacRumors case study described a freelancer hiding PayPal to prevent clients from seeing transaction alerts during meetings. However, system apps like Settings, Camera, or Messages can’t be hidden in iOS 18, as they’re integral to the iPhone’s core functions (Apple Support, 2024). Knowing what are the most common hidden apps helps you understand why users leverage iOS 18’s hiding features and how they apply to your own needs, whether it’s protecting a banking app or keeping a journaling habit under wraps.

Why Are Apps Hidden on Your iPhone?

Why Are Some Apps on My iPhone Hidden?

If you’re asking why are some apps on my iPhone hidden?, there are several reasons apps might not appear on your Home Screen, ranging from intentional user actions to system settings or even rare unauthorized interference. Understanding these reasons is key to mastering what are hidden apps on iPhone and managing your device effectively with iOS 18, released in September 2024. Whether you’re using an iPhone 11, iPhone 14, or iPhone 16, hidden apps can be a deliberate choice or an accidental outcome, and knowing why helps you take control. A 2024 X post revealed that 40% of iPhone users hide apps for privacy, such as dating or financial apps, but other scenarios also play a role. Here are the most common reasons apps might be hidden:

• User Choice: You or another user with access to your iPhone intentionally hid apps to protect privacy or declutter the Home Screen. For example, hiding Venmo prevents others from seeing financial transactions when you hand over your phone. iOS 18’s Hidden Apps folder, requiring Face ID, makes this easier and more secure (Forbes, 2024).
• Accidental Hiding: Apps can get hidden during Home Screen reorganization. Swiping apps into the App Library or folders might make them seem “lost.” A 2023 Reddit thread noted users accidentally moving apps like Notes to App Library while rearranging their iPhone 13.
• Screen Time Restrictions: Parental controls or Screen Time settings can hide apps, especially for kids. For instance, setting an age limit (e.g., 12+) in Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions can hide apps like TikTok, per a 2025 Clario report. Parents often use this to limit gaming or social media access.
• iOS Updates: Since iOS 14, the App Library allows apps to be removed from the Home Screen without deletion, and iOS 18 introduced the Hidden Apps folder for secure hiding. These updates make hiding apps more intuitive but can confuse users if apps vanish unexpectedly (Tom’s Guide, 2024).
• Unauthorized Access: In rare cases, someone with your passcode might hide apps, such as monitoring tools like mSpy, to track activity discreetly. However, iOS 18’s robust security and App Store restrictions make this difficult without jailbreaking, per a 2024 Forbes article.

While iOS 18 enhances privacy with features like the Hidden Apps folder, hidden apps aren’t entirely invisible. They may show up in Screen Time reports, Battery Usage, or App Store purchase history, ensuring transparency for the device owner. For example, a 2024 MacRumors case study described a parent discovering a hidden Snapchat app on their teen’s iPhone 15 via Screen Time, prompting a family discussion. If you’re wondering why are some apps on my iPhone hidden?, checking these areas can reveal whether it’s a deliberate choice or an oversight, helping you manage your iPhone with confidence in 2025.

How Do Hidden Apps Differ from Deleted or Offloaded Apps?

To fully grasp what are hidden apps on iPhone, it’s crucial to understand how they differ from deleted or offloaded apps, as these terms are often confused. Each state affects an app’s presence and functionality on your iPhone XR, iPhone 14, or iPhone 16 running iOS 18 differently, and mixing them up can lead to frustration when managing your device. A 2024 MobileAppDaily guide emphasized that 60% of iPhone users misunderstand these distinctions, so let’s break it down clearly to avoid confusion when exploring what do hidden apps do on iPhone.

• Hidden Apps:
  • Definition: Apps installed but removed from the Home Screen or locked in the Hidden Apps folder in iOS 18’s App Library.
  • Status: Fully functional, receiving updates, and accessible via App Library, Spotlight (unless disabled), or Hidden Apps folder with Face ID or Touch ID.
  • Use Case: Hiding Tinder to keep it private; it remains in App Library or Hidden Apps folder and works normally.
  • Visibility: Not on Home Screen; visible in App Library, Screen Time, or Battery Usage.
  • Example: A 2024 X user hid Journal to keep personal entries private but accessed it via App Library on their iPhone 16.
• Deleted Apps:
  • Definition: Apps completely removed from the iPhone, requiring reinstallation from the App Store to use again.
  • Status: No longer installed; data may persist in iCloud for some apps (e.g., Notes).
  • Use Case: Deleting Candy Crush to free space; it’s gone until redownloaded.
  • Visibility: Absent from App Library, Screen Time, or device storage.
  • Example: A 2024 Reddit user deleted Zoom after a project ended, removing it entirely from their iPhone 13.
• Offloaded Apps:
  • Definition: Apps removed to save storage, but their data and icon remain; re-downloadable without losing settings.
  • Status: Not functional until reinstalled; icon shows a cloud symbol in Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
  • Use Case: Offloading Procreate to save space while keeping sketches; tap to reinstall.
  • Visibility: Icon remains on Home Screen or App Library with a cloud; listed in iPhone Storage.
  • Example: A 2024 MacPaw article described an artist offloading Photoshop Express on iPhone 14, preserving project data.

Feature	Hidden Apps	Deleted Apps	Offloaded Apps
On Home Screen	No	No	Yes (with cloud icon)
In App Library	Yes (or Hidden Apps folder)	No	Yes
Functional	Yes	No	No (until reinstalled)
Data Retained	Yes	No (unless in iCloud)	Yes
Reinstallation	Not needed	Required from App Store	Tap to re-download

Understanding these differences ensures you can manage apps intentionally. For instance, hiding PayPal keeps it secure but accessible, while deleting it removes all traces, and offloading balances storage and data retention. A 2024 Tom’s Guide report noted that iOS 18’s Hidden Apps folder clarifies hiding, reducing confusion compared to iOS 14’s simpler App Library. When exploring what are hidden apps on iPhone, knowing these distinctions helps you decide whether to hide, delete, or offload apps based on your privacy and storage needs in 2025.

How to Find Hidden Apps on iPhone

How Can You Tell If Someone Has Hidden Apps on an iPhone?

Figuring out how can you tell if someone has hidden apps on an iPhone is essential for parents, partners, or anyone curious about their device’s contents, and it’s a key part of understanding what are hidden apps on iPhone. With iOS 18, released in September 2024, Apple enhanced app-hiding features, making apps harder to spot but not impossible to find with the right methods. Whether you’re checking your own iPhone 14, iPhone 16, or a family member’s device, hidden apps can be uncovered through systematic checks, though iOS 18’s Hidden Apps folder adds a Face ID or Touch ID barrier for extra security. A 2024 Clario report noted that 35% of parents regularly check for hidden apps to monitor their kids’ activities, highlighting the demand for these techniques. Here are the best ways to detect hidden apps:

• Check App Library: Swipe left past all Home Screen pages to reach the App Library, introduced in iOS 14. Browse categories (e.g., Social, Utilities) or use the search bar to find apps not on the Home Screen. Hidden apps often lurk here unless moved to the Hidden Apps folder (AirDroid, 2024).
• Access Hidden Apps Folder: In iOS 18, the Hidden Apps folder at the bottom of App Library stores apps locked with Face ID or Touch ID. You’ll need authentication to view or open them, ensuring privacy (Apple Support, 2024). Without Face ID, you’re locked out unless you have the passcode.
• Use Spotlight Search: Swipe down on the Home Screen to open Spotlight, then type an app’s name (e.g., “Tinder”). Hidden apps may appear unless the owner disabled Show App in Search in Settings > Siri & Search (Clario, 2025).
• Review Screen Time: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions to check for restricted apps. Hidden apps may show up in usage reports (See All Activity), revealing apps like Snapchat used despite not being visible (Tom’s Guide, 2024).
• Check App Store Purchases: Open App Store > tap your profile > Purchased to see all downloaded apps, including hidden ones. This works even if apps are in the Hidden Apps folder, per a 2024 MobileAppDaily guide.
• Monitor Usage Signs: Unusually high battery drain or data usage (Settings > Battery or Cellular) may indicate hidden apps running in the background, such as spyware or monitoring tools, though this is rare due to iOS 18’s security (Guru99, 2024).

For example, a 2024 X user found a hidden Instagram app on their teen’s iPhone 15 by checking Screen Time usage, which showed activity despite no Home Screen icon. iOS 18’s Hidden Apps folder is a game-changer, but without authentication, you can still use Spotlight or App Store history to uncover apps. If you suspect unauthorized apps (e.g., spyware), look for anomalies like unknown apps in Battery Usage, though iOS 18’s anti-malware protections make this unlikely (Certo, 2024). These methods ensure you can answer how can you tell if someone has hidden apps on an iPhone? while respecting privacy boundaries in 2025.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Hidden Apps in iOS 18

To dive deeper into what are hidden apps on iPhone, here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to finding them in iOS 18, tailored for iPhone XR to iPhone 16 users in 2025. Whether you’re hunting for apps you hid or checking a shared device, iOS 18 offers multiple pathways to locate hidden apps, from the App Library to the secure Hidden Apps folder. A 2024 Tom’s Guide article emphasized that iOS 18 makes hidden apps more private but traceable with the right tools, ensuring users can manage their devices effectively. Follow these steps to uncover hidden apps:

1. Search App Library:
   • Swipe left past all Home Screen pages to reach App Library.
   • Tap the search bar at the top or browse categories (e.g., Productivity, Social).
   • Type an app name (e.g., “PayPal”) to locate it. Long-press and select Add to Home Screen to unhide if desired.
   • Use Case: A 2024 Reddit user found Notes in App Library on their iPhone 13 after accidentally removing it from the Home Screen.
2. Check Hidden Apps Folder:
   • In App Library, scroll to the bottom and tap Hidden Apps.
   • Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to view locked apps.
   • Tap an app to open or long-press to select Don’t Require Face ID to move it back to App Library.
   • Note: Without authentication, this folder is inaccessible, per Apple Support (2024).
3. Inspect Settings:
   • Go to Settings > Apps > scroll to Hidden Apps (requires Face ID or passcode).
   • View the list of locked apps; tap to manage or unhide.
   • Alternatively, check Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions for restricted apps hidden by age limits or parental controls.
4. Review Home Screen Pages:
   • Long-press the Home Screen > tap the page dots above the dock.
   • Look for unchecked pages (hidden from view). Check them to restore, then tap Done.
   • Use Case: A 2024 X post described a user finding a hidden Home Screen page with TikTok on their iPhone 16 after a sibling unchecked it.

iOS 18 enhances privacy by suppressing notifications and Spotlight results for apps in the Hidden Apps folder, making them harder to find casually (MacRumors, 2024). For example, a 2024 MacPaw case study noted a business owner hiding Slack to prevent work notifications from appearing during personal time, only accessing it via App Library. If you suspect hidden apps but lack Face ID, use Screen Time or App Store purchase history to confirm their presence. These steps make finding what are hidden apps on iPhone straightforward, ensuring you stay in control of your device in 2025.

How to Hide and Unhide Apps on iPhone

How to Hide Apps on iPhone in 2025

Hiding apps on your iPhone is a powerful way to protect privacy, declutter your Home Screen, or restrict access, and it’s central to understanding what are hidden apps on iPhone. With iOS 18, released in September 2024, Apple offers multiple methods to hide apps on iPhone 11, iPhone 14, or iPhone 16, from simple Home Screen removal to secure locking in the Hidden Apps folder. A 2024 Avast guide reported that 45% of iPhone users hide apps to safeguard sensitive data, like banking or health apps. Whether you’re hiding what are the most common hidden apps like Tinder or PayPal, these steps ensure your apps stay out of sight but functional in 2025:

1. Remove from Home Screen:
   • Long-press an app icon (e.g., Venmo) > tap Remove App > select Remove from Home Screen.
   • The app moves to App Library, accessible by swiping left past all Home Screen pages.
   • Use Case: A 2024 X user removed Instagram from their iPhone 15 Home Screen to reduce distractions but kept it in App Library.
2. Hide and Lock in iOS 18:
   • Long-press an app > tap Require Face ID > choose Hide and Require Face ID.
   • Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode, then tap Hide App.
   • The app moves to the Hidden Apps folder in App Library, requiring authentication to access (Apple Support, 2024).
   • Use Case: A 2024 MacRumors thread described a user hiding Journal on iPhone 16 to keep personal entries secure.
3. Use Screen Time Restrictions:
   • Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > enable Content & Privacy Restrictions.
   • Tap Apps > set an age limit (e.g., 12+) to hide apps above that rating (e.g., TikTok).
   • Ideal for parental controls, per a 2024 Clario report.
4. Disable Siri & Search:
   • Go to Settings > Siri & Search > select the app > toggle off Show App in Search and Show Content in Search.
   • Prevents the app from appearing in Spotlight, enhancing privacy (AirDroid, 2024).

Note: System apps like Settings, Messages, or Camera cannot be hidden, as they’re core to iOS 18’s functionality (Avast, 2025). Hiding apps doesn’t affect their performance—they still run in the background and receive updates. For example, a 2024 Reddit user hid PayPal in the Hidden Apps folder, accessing it securely for transactions without cluttering their Home Screen. These methods make hiding what are hidden apps on iPhone flexible, catering to both casual and security-conscious users in 2025.

How to Unhide Apps on iPhone

Unhiding apps is just as important as hiding them when exploring what are hidden apps on iPhone, ensuring you can restore access when needed on your iPhone XR, iPhone 14, or iPhone 16 running iOS 18. Whether you’ve hidden apps for privacy or accidentally tucked them away, iOS 18 offers clear ways to bring them back to the Home Screen or remove security restrictions. A 2024 AirDroid guide noted that 30% of users unhide apps after reorganizing their Home Screen or changing privacy needs. Here’s how to unhide apps in 2025:

1. From App Library:
   • Swipe left to App Library > find the app in a category or use the search bar.
   • Long-press the app (e.g., Notes) > tap Add to Home Screen to restore it.
   • Use Case: A 2024 X user restored Notion to their iPhone 13 Home Screen after finding it in App Library.
2. From Hidden Apps Folder:
   • In App Library, tap Hidden Apps at the bottom > authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
   • Long-press the app > tap Don’t Require Face ID > the app moves to App Library and can be added to Home Screen.
   • Use Case: A 2024 MacRumors user unhid Grindr on iPhone 16 after a privacy concern passed, removing Face ID protection.
3. Adjust Screen Time:
   • Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > enter passcode if prompted.
   • Tap Apps > set to 17+ or Allow All Apps to unhide restricted apps.
   • Use Case: A 2024 Clario report described a parent raising the age limit to restore Snapchat for their teen.
4. Restore Home Screen Pages:
   • Long-press Home Screen > tap the page dots > check any unchecked pages to restore them.
   • Tap Done to save changes.
   • Use Case: A 2024 Reddit thread noted a user finding a hidden Home Screen page with TikTok on their iPhone 14.

Tip: Before resetting your Home Screen layout (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout), take screenshots to remember your app arrangement, as this restores all apps but disrupts custom layouts (AirDroid, 2024). iOS 18 ensures unhiding is intuitive, with the Hidden Apps folder streamlining access to locked apps. For example, a 2024 Tom’s Guide case study highlighted a student unhiding Evernote after completing a private project, restoring it to their Home Screen effortlessly. These steps ensure you can manage what are hidden apps on iPhone with ease, balancing privacy and accessibility in 2025.

Privacy and Security Concerns with Hidden Apps

Are Hidden Apps a Security Risk on iPhone?

When exploring what are hidden apps on iPhone, a common concern is whether they pose a security risk, especially with iOS 18’s enhanced privacy features in 2024. Hidden apps are generally safe and user-controlled, designed to protect sensitive data like financial or personal information, but rare scenarios involving unauthorized apps raise questions about what do hidden apps do on iPhone in terms of risks. A 2024 Forbes article estimated that 95% of hidden apps are legitimate, hidden by users for privacy or organization, but understanding potential risks ensures your iPhone 11, iPhone 14, or iPhone 16 stays secure. Here’s a deep dive into the security landscape of hidden apps:

• Spyware Concerns: Hidden apps like mSpy or other monitoring tools could theoretically be installed and hidden by someone with your passcode to track activity (e.g., texts, location). However, iOS 18’s strict App Store policies and anti-malware protections make this rare without jailbreaking, which voids security (Certo, 2024). Signs include unexplained battery drain, data spikes, or unfamiliar apps in Settings > Battery.
• Unauthorized Hiding: If someone has your passcode, they could hide apps like Qustodio to monitor you discreetly. A 2024 MacPaw guide noted this is uncommon due to iOS 18’s Face ID requirements for the Hidden Apps folder, but checking Screen Time or App Store purchases can reveal such apps.
• Privacy Trade-Offs: iOS 18’s Hidden Apps folder is highly secure, suppressing notifications and Spotlight results, but hidden apps remain visible in Screen Time, Battery Usage, or Settings > Apps, ensuring transparency (Reddit, 2024). This balances privacy with accountability.
• Legitimate Uses: Most hidden apps, like PayPal or Journal, are hidden for privacy, not malice. A 2024 X case study described a parent hiding Bark on their child’s iPhone 14 to monitor online safety discreetly, showing positive use.

For example, a 2024 Reddit user noticed high data usage on their iPhone 15 and found a hidden monitoring app installed by a family member, which they removed after resetting their passcode. iOS 18’s security features, like Locked Apps and App Store verification, minimize risks, but vigilance is key. If you suspect foul play, use how can you tell if someone has hidden apps on an iPhone? methods (e.g., Screen Time, Battery Usage) to investigate. Hidden apps are typically safe, but understanding their potential risks ensures what are hidden apps on iPhone remain a tool for empowerment, not vulnerability, in 2025.

How to Protect Your iPhone from Unauthorized Hidden Apps

To keep your iPhone secure and ensure what are hidden apps on iPhone are only those you’ve chosen, proactive steps can prevent unauthorized apps from being hidden or installed. With iOS 18 powering iPhone XR to iPhone 16 in 2025, Apple’s robust security minimizes risks, but users must stay vigilant, especially against rare cases of spyware or monitoring apps. A 2024 Certo report found that 98% of iPhone users avoid unauthorized apps by following basic security practices. Here’s how to protect your device from unwanted hidden apps:

• Change Passcode Regularly: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Change Passcode to update your code. A unique, strong passcode prevents others from hiding apps like mSpy. A 2024 X user thwarted a sibling’s attempt to hide a monitoring app by updating their iPhone 14 passcode.
• Monitor Usage: Check Settings > Battery or Settings > Screen Time > See All Activity for unfamiliar apps consuming resources. Hidden apps, even in the Hidden Apps folder, appear here (MacPaw, 2024).
• Avoid Jailbreaking: Jailbreaking disables iOS 18’s security, allowing spyware to be hidden. A 2024 Forbes article noted 99% of spyware requires jailbreaking, which is rare among iPhone users.
• Use Anti-Spyware Apps: Install Certo AntiSpy or iVerify (App Store, $4.99-$9.99) to scan for hidden or malicious apps. These tools flag anomalies, per a 2024 Certo guide.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security > Two-Factor Authentication to protect your Apple ID from unauthorized app downloads.
• Review App Store Purchases: Check App Store > Account > Purchased to spot unfamiliar apps, even if hidden (MobileAppDaily, 2024).

For example, a 2024 MacRumors case study described a user detecting a hidden Qustodio app on their iPhone 16 via Screen Time, prompting them to enable two-factor authentication. Regularly updating iOS (e.g., iOS 18.3.1, April 2025) via Settings > General > Software Update ensures the latest security patches. These steps keep what are hidden apps on iPhone under your control, safeguarding your privacy and security in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hidden Apps on iPhone

What happens to hidden apps in iOS 18?

Hidden apps move to the Hidden Apps folder in App Library, require Face ID or Touch ID to access, and don’t show notifications or appear in Spotlight (Apple Support, 2024).

Can I hide pre-installed Apple apps?

No, system apps like Settings, Messages, or Camera cannot be hidden, as they’re core to iOS 18 (Apple Support, 2024).

How do I know if a hidden app is spyware?

Check for battery drain, data spikes, or unfamiliar apps in Settings > Battery or Screen Time. Use Certo AntiSpy for scans (Guru99, 2024).

Can hidden apps still run in the background?

Yes, unless disabled in Settings > General > Background App Refresh, allowing normal functionality (Clario, 2025).

Can I see hidden apps without Face ID?

No, iOS 18’s Hidden Apps folder requires authentication, but Screen Time or App Store purchases may reveal them (Tom’s Guide, 2024).

How do I find hidden Home Screen pages?

Long-press Home Screen > tap page dots > check unchecked pages to restore them (AirDroid, 2024).

Master Hidden Apps on iPhone with iOS 18

Mastering what are hidden apps on iPhone unlocks a world of privacy, organization, and security for your iPhone XR, iPhone 14, or iPhone 16 in 2025. With iOS 18’s Hidden Apps folder, Face ID protection, and App Library, you can hide sensitive apps like PayPal or Journal, declutter your Home Screen, and keep your data safe. This guide covered what do hidden apps do on iPhone, from protecting privacy to enabling parental controls, and provided steps to find, hide, and secure apps against risks like spyware. Whether you’re answering why are some apps on my iPhone hidden? or using how can you tell if someone has hidden apps on an iPhone? to monitor a device, iOS 18 empowers you to customize your iPhone with confidence. Try hiding an app today or check your App Library for surprises!