New Apple iOS 18 feature slammed by users after being branded a ‘cheater's paradise’

Apple latest new update has got people hitting back at the tech brand, with some people pointing out that new privacy features could be used for the wrong reasons.

The latest update - which was revealed by the technology giant at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) at Apple Park in California - includes new apps and icons, as well as the opportunity to rearrange apps, meaning freedom for how the phone screen can look.

One big part of this feature that's been hotly debated is that it now means apps can be 'hidden' from view.

The official Apple website states: "iOS 18 gives users even more control with tools to manage who can see their apps, how contacts are shared, and how their iPhone connects to accessories.

"Locked and hidden apps offer users peace of mind that information they want to keep private, such as app notifications and content, will not inadvertently be seen by others.

"Users can now lock an app; and for additional privacy, they can hide an app, moving it to a locked, hidden apps folder.

The new Apple iOS update has been revealed. (Apple)

When an app is locked or hidden, content like messages or emails inside the app are hidden from search, notifications, and other places across the system."

Yet the new details and features have seen the update be slammed on social media, as one person wrote on X that it was a 'cheaters paradise'.

They wrote: "On the Apple update you can hide and lock apps, and they won’t even come up if you search words in the search bar."

A second added: "This new iOS18 update was made for cheaters by cheaters only. Now you can lock and hide apps. Ladies just focus on yourself and let that man cheat in peace. You don’t need that stress."

"This new iOS 18 update is messy as hell," claimed another. "They have a feature to 'lock an app' so if someone gets in your phone they can’t get to any of social media.

Changing how the phone screen can look can also mean apps will be 'hidden' from view. (Apple)

"It will need a passcode or Face ID. Some IT developer at Apple got caught cheating and said 'Nah, let me fix this'."

However, not everyone thought it was bad, as some were excited for the new iOS 18.

One person shared online: "iOS 18 is bringing so many quality of life changes. I'm excited for Scheduled Messaging, customizing home icons, and ANDROID MESSAGE SUPPORT (no more random group chats all the time)."

Another added: "Really excited for iOS 18. Lots of nice quality-of-life changes and Apple finally adding RCS support Ngl I’m just happy to finally get scheduling in iMessage and a cleaner Photos app."