iOS 18: Borrowing from Android with App Locking System and Dark Home Screen Icons

iOS 18: Borrowing from Android with App Locking System and Dark Home Screen Icons

With its upcoming iOS 18 release, Apple is set to incorporate features that have long been available on Android, signaling a shift in strategy to bridge the gap between the two mobile operating systems.

App Locking System

iOS 18 will introduce an app locking system, allowing users to password-protect individual apps. This feature has been a staple of Android for years, providing an extra layer of security for sensitive apps like banking or messaging. Apple’s implementation is expected to be similar, with the ability to set a passcode or biometric protection for specific apps.

Dark Home Screen Icons

Another Android-inspired feature coming to iOS 18 is dark home screen icons. When the device is in dark mode, the icons will automatically switch to a darker shade, improving visibility and reducing eye strain. This feature has been highly requested by users and will enhance the overall user experience.

Implications

The inclusion of these Android-like features in iOS 18 suggests that Apple is recognizing the strengths of its competitor and is willing to adopt successful ideas. This shift could lead to a more competitive mobile market and benefit users by providing more choice and innovation.

However, it remains to be seen whether Apple will fully embrace Android’s open ecosystem or continue to maintain a walled garden. The app locking system, for example, is likely to be limited to Apple’s App Store, preventing users from locking apps downloaded from other sources.

Overall, the addition of app locking and dark home screen icons in iOS 18 is a positive step that addresses user needs and brings Apple closer to the feature set offered by Android. It remains to be seen how these features will be implemented and whether Apple will continue to borrow from its rival in the future.