Parental Prompts for Hidden Apps in iOS 18

Apple’s iOS 18 introduces the ability to lock and hide apps behind Face ID, but child accounts managed through Family Sharing interact differently with these privacy features. This article outlines the specific prompts, alerts, and approval requests that appear on both a child’s device and a parent’s device when a child attempts to download, install, or hide apps under iOS 18 parental controls.

How iOS 18 Restricts Hiding Apps on Child Accounts

Under iOS 18, Apple restricts standard child accounts (managed via Family Sharing and Screen Time) from independently using the native "Hide and Require Face ID" feature. When a child long-presses an app icon, the option to hide the app into the locked "Hidden" folder is either disabled or completely unavailable depending on the age associated with the Apple ID and the active Screen Time content restrictions. This design prevents children from concealing apps from parental oversight on their Home Screen or App Library.

Prompts Displayed on the Child's Device

If a child attempts to install an app from the App Store—whether it is an app previously hidden on the family purchase history or a new app—the standard Screen Time and Ask to Buy frameworks govern the process:

  1. Ask to Buy Notification: When the child taps "Get" or the download cloud icon, a system modal appears stating:
    "Ask Permission: You need permission from [Parent's Name] to get this app."
    The child is presented with two options: Ask in Person or Send Request.
  2. Age Rating Restriction Alert: If the app exceeds the age threshold set in Screen Time (Content & Privacy Restrictions), the download is blocked immediately with an alert stating:
    "Restricted: You cannot download this app because it is rated [Age Rating] and exceeds your allowed rating."
    In this scenario, no request is sent to the parent unless the parent temporarily enters the Screen Time passcode to adjust the restriction.
  3. Hidden Folder Access Attempt: If a child attempts to open a protected folder or bypass settings, iOS prompts for authentication via Face ID or the device passcode. If authentication fails, access is denied without an override option unless the primary Screen Time passcode is provided.

Prompts Displayed on the Parent's Device

When a child sends a download request for any app, the parent receives an interactive push notification through Family Sharing:

  • Notification Alert: "[Child's Name] would like to get [App Name] ([Age Rating])."
  • Actionable Options: Expanding the notification shows the app description, developer info, and age rating, along with two direct choices: Approve for 15 Minutes, Approve All Day, or Decline.

Once approved, the app downloads directly to the child's Home Screen and App Library in standard view. Because the iOS 18 hiding feature is restricted on managed accounts, parents maintain clear visibility over all installed applications directly on the device and within the Screen Time activity dashboard.