The Apple iOS 18 update is now available, and these are the top new iPhone security features to safeguard your privacy.

• Apple's new iOS 18 operating system for the iPhone was released Monday.
• Although the new iPhone 16 and Apple Intelligence AI features have garnered a lot of attention, some tech experts believe that the new hardware is only incremental, while the AI is currently in beta testing.
• Now, all iPhone users can adopt several key security and privacy features included in the new software update.

Apple released the latest version of its iPhone operating system, iOS 18, on Monday, featuring new security and privacy features. This release comes a week after the company unveiled new versions of the iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch. Preorders for the new iPhones began on Friday and will be widely available on September 20.

According to some consumer tech experts, the new iPhone hardware can be considered incremental, and early data suggests that demand may be sluggish. Therefore, the phone and new artificial intelligence features may not necessarily lead to an upgrade supercycle. However, for iPhone users, it is important to familiarize themselves with the new operating system's Password Manager app and additional options for accessing data. This includes controls related to personal and business contacts, as well as new ways to safeguard sensitive apps and associated information on shared devices.

Updates for iOS 18, which has been available since July as a public beta version, should simplify privacy protections for consumers, according to privacy professionals.

Red Clover Advisors' chief executive and privacy consultant, Jodi Daniels, stated that Apple consistently strives to provide privacy for its users and simplify it for their understanding.

Some new security and privacy features are available, and here's how to access them.

A new Passwords app to improve on iCloud keychain

A separate app for storing user passwords has been created by Apple, making access easier, according to privacy professionals. Previously, passwords could be stored in iCloud Keychain, the password management system integrated into Apple devices.

The new app includes features to encourage privacy, such as alerting users if their passwords or account information may have been involved in data breaches, which can aid in fraud prevention. Additionally, users will be notified if their password is weak or has been used before, allowing them to update their credential.

Thorin Klosowski, a security and privacy activist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, stated that the broader objective is to increase the use of unique passwords and enhance overall online security.

Passwords can't be accessed by Apple, but users can do so on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro, and Windows with the iCloud for Windows app. Users of the AutoFill function will have their passwords automatically added to the Passwords app.

Users can easily access categories of credentials such as verification codes, passkeys, and Wi-Fi passwords. Passwords can also be organized into shared groups like work or family.

A way to lock and hide apps

Apps on a phone can be either locked or hidden for added privacy, according to an Apple spokesperson. However, basic functional apps cannot be hidden, and apps available on the App Store can be concealed.

In instances where individuals pass their phones to friends or allow temporary access to children, they may not desire unrestricted access for others.

If an app is locked or concealed, the content within it, such as messages or emails, cannot be searched, and notifications will not appear. Apps can be locked and unlocked using Face ID, Touch ID, or the device passcode.

Apple has implemented measures to prevent young children from using certain features to evade parental monitoring. Specifically, Apple states that accounts for users under the age of 13 do not have the option to lock or conceal apps. Users aged 13 to 18 can utilize these features, but parents can still monitor their app downloads and usage through Screen Time. Apple cautions older users about the consequences of locking or hiding apps, as parents will still have access to that information.

More control over contact-sharing

In iOS 18, users can control how their contacts are shared with apps. They can choose to share all, none, or specific contacts. For instance, a person who uses an app solely for work may opt to share only work-related contacts with the app. Access can be updated at any time.

With the release of iOS 18, users will have the ability to modify their app settings, giving them a moment to consider whether they truly require an app to access their contacts.

A better view of data apps are accessing

Apple users can now easily view which apps have access to their data, including location services, tracking, calendars, files and folders, contacts, and health information. By tapping on a specific category, users can see a list of apps and their level of access, such as limited or full.

AI privacy protections

Apple is set to launch Apple Intelligence, an AI platform created by the company. This platform will feature on-device processing, which means it will be aware of your personal data, but Apple won't need to collect or store it. Additionally, it will have a new system that can handle more complex requests while still protecting user privacy.

Privacy protections are crucial for users who want to utilize AI but are concerned about the privacy implications, such as their private data being used to train models, which is a concern even for many AI enthusiasts.

Daniels stated that keeping it local to the device minimizes the risk.