Many iPhone and iPad users have recently noticed something called AuthKitUIservice (sometimes written as Auth Kit UI service) showing up in their Screen Time reports. Some users report seeing it active for several hours per day and are unsure what it is or if they should be concerned. With the release of iOS 18, this service seems to appear more frequently, raising questions about its purpose and safety.

What is AuthKitUIservice?

AuthKitUIservice is a built-in system feature in iOS, used by Apple to handle secure logins. The word “Auth” stands for “authentication,” and the “UI” means “user interface.” This service helps show the login screens you see when signing into your Apple ID, iCloud, or other apps that use Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple password.

In simple terms, AuthKitUIservice is the part of your iPhone or iPad that shows the secure pop-up windows when you need to enter your Apple ID or allow an app to access your account. It also helps third-party apps use Apple’s secure sign-in methods.

Why Is It Showing Up in Screen Time?

People often see Auth Kit UI service active for long periods in Screen Time, even though they don’t remember using it directly. This can happen for a few reasons:

• You may have used Face ID or Touch ID for unlocking apps.
• You might have signed into a service using your Apple ID.
• Some apps use this service in the background when checking your login status.

Because of these background actions, AuthKitUIservice may seem like it’s running for hours—even if you didn’t see anything happen on screen.

Should You Be Worried?

No, there’s no need to worry. AuthKitUIservice is a normal and safe part of iOS 18. It doesn’t spy on you or harm your device. It only appears more clearly now in Screen Time, which is why people are noticing it more than before.

However, if you’re seeing unusual activity or very high usage, it might help to restart your device or review which apps are using your Apple ID login.

Final Thoughts

AuthKitUIservice on your iPhone or iPad is simply doing its job to keep your logins secure. With more focus on privacy and security in iOS 18, it’s no surprise that these services are more active than before—and now more visible, too.