There's no official "hiding" feature for apps in iOS 18 (or any previous iOS version). The closest you can get to hiding an app is by removing it from your home screen. However, this doesn't delete the app; it simply removes the icon from view. This guide will show you how to do this, and what happens to the app afterward.
Understanding "Hidden" Apps in iOS 18
It's crucial to understand the difference between a truly deleted app and an app that's been removed from your home screen. Deleting an app permanently removes it from your iPhone, along with all its associated data. Removing an app from your home screen simply hides its icon; the app and its data remain intact. You can easily restore it to your home screen.
Removing an App from Your iPhone Home Screen (iOS 18)
Here's how to effectively remove an app's icon from your iPhone home screen, simulating a "hidden" app:
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Locate the App: Find the app you wish to remove from your home screen.
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Long Press: Press and hold your finger on the app's icon until it starts to wiggle. This activates "jiggle mode."
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Tap the "X": A small "X" will appear in the upper-left corner of the app's icon. Tap this "X."
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Confirm Removal: A pop-up will ask you to confirm that you want to remove the app from your home screen. Tap "Remove."
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Return to Normal: The app icon will disappear. Tap the "Done" button in the upper-right corner of the screen to exit jiggle mode.
Recovering a "Hidden" App
Want to get that app back on your home screen? It's easy!
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Open the App Library: Swipe left to the last home screen page to access your App Library. This alphabetically organizes all of your apps.
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Find and Add the App: Locate the app you wish to restore and tap and hold its icon.
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Drag and Drop: Drag the app icon to the home screen location you desire and release.
Important Considerations:
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App Data: Removing an app from your home screen does not delete its data. The app will still take up storage space on your device. To completely remove an app and its data, you must delete it from your iPhone's settings.
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iOS Updates: Future iOS updates may change the interface slightly, but the core process of removing an app from your home screen remains consistent.
This guide offers a clear and concise way to manage your apps on iOS 18, effectively achieving the desired effect of hiding them from the main home screen while retaining access through the App Library. Remember to always double-check your actions to ensure you're removing the correct app and preserving your important data! By following these steps, you'll be able to effectively manage and organize your iOS 18 device's apps.
