Hidegrid vs SPV Secret Photo Vault
An honest look at how Hidegrid and SPV Secret Photo Vault differ, so you can pick the right one for you.
The short answer
SPV – Secret Photo Vault by Maple Labs is a PIN-locked vault that keeps photos only on your device. Hidegrid also keeps data on your device but adds a published encryption design, pattern unlock, multiple vaults with separate keys and an optional encrypted iCloud backup.
Hidegrid and SPV Secret Photo Vault side by side
| Feature | Hidegrid | SPV Secret Photo Vault |
|---|---|---|
| How you unlock | Pattern on a 5×5 grid | PIN |
| Encryption details published | Yes: AES-256-GCM, key from PBKDF2 with 600,000 iterations | Not stated in the listing |
| Account needed | No | Not mentioned |
| Backup and sync | Encrypted backup to your own iCloud; iPhone and iPad sync (Pro, coming in a free update) | None stated; device only |
| Decoy or duress option | Duress pattern that silently erases a vault (Pro) | Not stated in the listing |
| Break-in photo alerts | No | Not stated in the listing |
| Disguised app icon | Yes (Pro) | Not stated in the listing |
| Private in-app camera | Yes | Not stated in the listing |
| Separate vaults with separate keys | Yes, each with its own pattern | Not stated in the listing |
| Platforms | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro |
| Pricing model | Free plan; Pro as subscription or one-time purchase | Free with in-app purchases, including weekly plans |
We checked SPV Secret Photo Vault against its public App Store listing, website or support pages on 28 October 2026. Features and prices change, so check the current listing. If something here is out of date, tell us and we will fix it.
Sources: apps.apple.com
Where SPV Secret Photo Vault is strong
SPV is simple, highly rated and keeps everything on your device, with no server storage.
Where Hidegrid is different
Hidegrid states how files are encrypted, lets you back up to your own iCloud without giving up encryption, and supports several vaults with different patterns.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose SPV if you want a simple PIN vault and never want a backup.
- Choose Hidegrid if you want documented encryption, pattern unlock and an encrypted backup.
Questions
Is "Secret Photo Vault" one app?
No. Several App Store apps use that name. This page compares Hidegrid with SPV – Secret Photo Vault by Maple Labs.
Can I back up Hidegrid?
Yes. Hidegrid can back up encrypted vaults to your own iCloud.
Does Hidegrid use a PIN?
No. Hidegrid uses a pattern on a 5×5 grid, which also creates the encryption key.
Keep private things private
Download Hidegrid and set up your first vault in under a minute.
Coming soon to the App StoreFree to start. No account needed.