Siri can read out hidden notifications on locked iOS 11 iPhones

The operation was possible even though you have set your notifications hidden on the lock screen.

Simply ask Apple's voice assistant to read your notifications and it'll comply with a full rundown of your freshly received email, WhatsApp messages, and Facebook alerts, reports Brazilian site Mac Magazine. The latest update, iOS 11.2.6 has some bad UI issues and fails to address the battery drain issue.

"We are aware of the issue and it will be addressed in an upcoming software update", Apple said in a statement given to the publication.

Some iPhone users have had quite a shock lately, as a bug has been causing the device's voice assistant, Siri, to read out hidden lock screen notifications to nearly anyone that asks. The bug worked with WhatsApp and a couple of more third-party apps. Without checking if it was the user issuing the command, Siri would begin to reel off all of the notifications aloud, including those designated as hidden. To do so, go to Settings Notifications select an app and turn off Show on Lock Screen.

In this case, Apple has apparently gone slightly off-piste by admitting to the bug and saying it's working on a fix - but that's all we know so far. Do the same thing for the other apps that you don't want to send you notifications on the lock screen. Then toggle off Show on Lock Screen. This is a serious bug since it effectively removes a layer of security. The primary device user unlocks the phone and notifications with Face ID facial recognition software, which is an excellent feature for security and privacy purposes.

Interestingly, the bug does not work for Apple's native messaging app, meaning your iMessages are safe.

Thankfully there are some basic settings that can prevent Siri from reading out your personal messages without authentication, but it takes a toll at some of your convenience. To do so, go to Settings Siri & Search Disable Allow Siri When Locked. Choose the option Never.