The feature may be initially limited to first-party Apple apps only, it is speculated.
iOS 18 is expected to be showcased at the Apple WWDC 2024 on Monday.
Photo Credit: Unsplash/ Thom Bradley
iOS 18 is expected to bring Dark Mode to the app icons on iPhone's home screen, according to a report. Toggling the setting may reportedly add a dark tint to the app icons. Apple is also tipped to roll out a feature that lets users lock apps using Face ID with its next operating system for the iPhone, which is expected to be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 on Monday. iOS 18 is also said to offer several AI features that could be called Apple Intelligence.
According to a MacRumors report, Dark Mode is likely to be extended to the iPhone's home screen. The feature, which made its debut with iOS 13 in 2019, changes the colour scheme of the handset system-wide. Apple says it gives the iPhone a look that is “perfect for low-light environments.”
Currently, only some elements of the home screen, such as folder icons, are influenced by dark mode. But with iOS 18, it is reported to be implemented for all app icons. However, the report suggests that it may initially be limited to first-party Apple apps only. An API supporting Dark Mode in third-party apps is speculated to be introduced later.
Additionally, iOS 18 is also reported to bring another new feature to the iPhone - the ability to lock individual apps. It is speculated to allow users to lock in-built iPhone apps such as Mail, Safari, Phone, Notes, Messages, Photos, Phone, and more. These apps would need Face ID for authentication, potentially adding a layer of security.
While Apple does currently allow certain locked elements such as 'Recently Deleted' and 'Hidden' folders in its Photos app and certain notes, an app lock feature would work much better. While there are workarounds to it, like using Shortcuts or Screen Time, apps cannot be locked system-wide.
As per the report, this feature may also work with Touch ID and the iPhone's passcode, apart from Face ID. Apple is expected to roll out this feature with the iOS 18 developer update following the WWDC 2024 showcase. However, it is speculated to be available to the public only in September, alongside the upcoming iPhone 16 series.
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