First, ensure your device is updated to iOS 18. Navigate to Settings, then General, and select Software Update to confirm. Once updated, follow these steps for hiding app names:

Apple's iOS updates bring a slew of new features and customization options, and iOS 18 is no different. One of the nifty new features is the ability to hide app names on your iPhone. Whether you prefer a clean, minimalist look or want to keep your app names undisclosed for privacy reasons, iOS 18 makes it easy. This step-by-step guide, complete with screenshots, covers how to hide app names on iPhone in iOS 18 and do the same for folders and widgets.

Why Hide App Names?

There are several reasons you might want to hide app names on your iPhone. For one, it creates a cleaner, minimalist look on your home screen. By hiding app names, you may also enhance your privacy by preventing onlookers from easily identifying the apps you use frequently. Furthermore, it can simplify navigation for those who are more visually inclined, making icons the only focus.

Preparing Your iPhone

Before diving into the steps, ensure your iPhone is updated to iOS 18. You can check for updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Make sure you have a stable Internet connection, and if an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

Step 1: Accessing Home Screen Settings

The first step to hiding your app names is to access the Home Screen settings. You can do this by long-pressing on any blank area of your home screen until the icons start to jiggle. Once you're in this customizable mode, tap the three dots at the bottom to view all your home screen pages.

Step 2: Entering Edit Mode

Once you're viewing all your home screen pages, look for the option labeled 'Edit Home Screen'. Tap on it to enter edit mode. This will allow you to make Changes to the layout and appearance of your apps and folders.

Step 3: Selecting the App Icons

In edit mode, you can now individually select the app icons whose names you wish to hide. Long-press on an app icon until a menu appears. In the menu, select 'Edit Home Screen' once again to keep the icons jiggling but enable individual customization.

Step 4: Hiding App Names

To hide an app name, tap the minus sign (-) at the top left corner of the app icon. This will not remove the app but will bring up an option to 'Remove App'. Instead of removing, choose 'Remove App Name' from the newer options listed under iOS 18 features. Confirm your choice, and the app name will disappear from the home screen.

Step 5: Confirming Changes

To ensure the changes are effective, exit the edit mode by pressing the home button or swiping up from the bottom on models without a home button. The app names should now be hidden. If any app names are still visible, repeat the process to ensure all changes are applied correctly.

Applying the Same to Folders

Folders can be treated similarly. Instead of long-pressing individual apps, long-press on a folder. Choose the 'Edit Folder' option and then tap the name field. You can either leave the name field blank or type a space, then press 'Done' to save the changes. This will effectively hide the folder name.

Widgets Customization

Widgets can also clutter your home screen with text. To hide the names in widgets, long-press on the widget, select 'Edit Widget', and if the option is available, toggle 'Show Name' off. Custom widget apps like Widgetsmith or Color Widgets often offer built-in options for hiding names as well.

Customizing Your Dock

Don't forget to customize your dock. Long-press on the apps in the dock, choose 'Edit Home Screen', and follow the same steps to hide app names. This keeps the consistency of a minimalist look throughout your home screen.

Creating a Consistent Look

For a consistent, clean look, consider using custom icons for your apps. Many third-party services provide minimalistic icon packs compatible with shortcuts. Therefore, not only will your app names be hidden, but the icons themselves will represent a single, clean aesthetic.

Using Shortcuts for App Icons

The Shortcuts app can be used to create custom app icons and remove names. Create a new shortcut, select 'Open App', choose your app, then tap the three dots to add to the home screen. From there, pick a new icon image and purposely omit the name field to keep it blank.

Benefits of a Minimalist Look

iPhones with hidden app names and consistent iconography are easier on the eyes and provide a modern, streamlined experience. By focusing only on icons, users may find their device less cluttered and more intuitive to navigate.

Final Steps and Tweaks

After making these changes, spend a few moments tweaking your layout. You can arrange your icons methodically or adopt aesthetic spacing principles such as evenly distributed app rows.

Dealing with Widget Names

Some widget names stubbornly remain visible despite customization. In such cases, it's worthwhile to look into third-party widget apps that offer more granular controls over name visibility for a truly personalized home screen.

Reverting Changes

If at any point you wish to revert to displaying app names, simply return to edit mode, tap on the app or folder, and either re-enter the name manually or toggle the visibility settings back on.

Sharing with Others

Once you've perfected your minimalist setup, consider sharing screenshots with friends or on social media for inspiration. There are numerous community groups and forums where users share home screen layouts and tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can't find the option to hide app names? Double-check your iOS version; this feature is exclusive to iOS 18. Also, ensure you're following each step precisely. Can I hide names for all apps at once? Incidental bulk changes aren't currently available; customization is app-by-app. Do I need third-party software? While not necessary, third-party apps can offer extra customization.

Conclusion

Hiding app names in iOS 18 is a reasonably straightforward process that can vastly improve the aesthetic and practicality of your iPhone's home screen. By following the steps outlined here, you can enjoy a fresh, uncluttered look, enhancing your user experience. Stay up-to-date with 9to5Mac for more tips and guides on making the most out of iOS 18.