In the Photos app, there are a couple of different folders that could go with some extra security. However, both the Hidden and Recently Deleted folders are simply out of sight more often than not, with potentially sensitive content easily accessible by anyone who has full access to an iPhone. But that’s changing with iOS 16.
Following today’s keynote for this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple launched a dedicated site to detail the new features in iOS 16. It’s on that page that it has been revealed that Apple is going to add a bit more security to the Photos app, specifically when it comes to these aforementioned folders.
Now, with the upcoming software update, the Hidden and Recently Deleted folders will be locked by default. They will be accessible either via the device’s passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID. The default nature should mean these folders are more secure right out of the gate.
This new feature will also be present in iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura, the upcoming software updates for iPad and Mac also set to arrive this fall, alongside iOS 16.
As mentioned above, the Hidden and Recently Deleted folders are out of sight when opening the Photos app. But it doesn’t take long to find them by any means. However, you can also hide the Hidden folder in the Photos app, too:
Resource: How to hide or show the Hidden album in the Photos app
So this should be a welcomed addition for folks when the feature goes live later this year.