With the release of iOS 18, Apple has introduced a long-awaited feature that allows users to hide app, folder, and widget names on their iPhone’s home screen. This new functionality provides a cleaner, more minimalistic look for those who prefer an uncluttered interface.
Customizing the home screen has always been a popular aspect of using an iPhone. Users can place their favorite apps and widgets where they want them and choose from various wallpapers to create a personalized experience. However, one element remained constant—the labels for apps, folders, and widgets—which could sometimes disrupt the visual harmony of the layout.
iOS 18 changes this by giving users the option to hide these labels. The process to do so is simple. After updating to iOS 18, users can long-press on any app icon, folder, or widget until they enter the “jiggle mode.” Then, by tapping on the newly introduced “hide name” option that appears in the context menu, the corresponding label will disappear from view.
This feature is especially beneficial for those who use custom app icons or enjoy intricate wallpaper designs. Without the text labels obstructing the view, users can fully appreciate their chosen aesthetics. Moreover, hiding names can also enhance privacy by preventing others from easily identifying particular apps at a glance.
Despite this new ability to conceal names, iOS 18 ensures that functionality isn’t compromised. Users can still access Siri suggestions and search for specific apps by swiping down from the home screen or using Spotlight Search. For organizational purposes within folders, hidden names reappear when you open a folder but remain invisible on the main display.
The ability to hide app, folder, and widget names adds yet another layer of customization to the iPhone experience. It aligns with Apple’s ongoing commitment to giving users more control over their devices’ appearance and functionality while keeping everything intuitive and accessible.
As more users update to iOS 18 and experiment with this feature, it will be interesting to see how home screen designs evolve within the community. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek minimalist look or just want your wallpaper to shine through unhindered, this latest update offers a new avenue for personal expression on your device.
In conclusion, hiding app labels in iOS 18 is a small but significant enhancement that underscores Apple’s dedication to user experience customization. It’s one more way that Apple’s software continues to evolve in response to user feedback and trends in digital aesthetics. If you haven’t upgraded to iOS 18 yet, this new feature might be just the motivation you need to take that step and start optimizing your home screen like never before.
