iOS users may eventually be able to remove unwanted default apps, says Apple's Tim Cook
Apple is looking at allowing iOS users to delete some preloaded apps, though others will probably have to remain, according to CEO Tim Cook.
"This is a more complex issue than it first appears," he said in a BuzzFeed interview on the way to the Fifth Avenue Apple Store in New York City on Wednesday. Cook made an appearance alongside SVP of Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue.
"There are some apps that are linked to something else on the iPhone," Cook continued. "If they were to be removed they might cause issues elsewhere on the phone. There are other apps that aren't like that. So over time, I think with the ones that aren't like that, we'll figure out a way," he said.
The executive added that the company is actively considering the problem, but didn't offer a timeline.
iOS has gradually accumulated a large number of default apps. Some such as Maps, Weather, and Safari are widely used, but others -- like Tips, Stocks, Newsstand, and Apple Watch -- are not always helpful and can take up storage and homescreen space. The homescreen problem is often solved by dumping apps into a single folder.
Apple is unlikely to fix the broader issue until sometime in 2016. iOS 9 is due to launch on Wednesday, and while 9.1 may be ready by November, there has be no sign of improved app deletion in current betas.
"This is a more complex issue than it first appears," he said in a BuzzFeed interview on the way to the Fifth Avenue Apple Store in New York City on Wednesday. Cook made an appearance alongside SVP of Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue.
"There are some apps that are linked to something else on the iPhone," Cook continued. "If they were to be removed they might cause issues elsewhere on the phone. There are other apps that aren't like that. So over time, I think with the ones that aren't like that, we'll figure out a way," he said.
The executive added that the company is actively considering the problem, but didn't offer a timeline.
iOS has gradually accumulated a large number of default apps. Some such as Maps, Weather, and Safari are widely used, but others -- like Tips, Stocks, Newsstand, and Apple Watch -- are not always helpful and can take up storage and homescreen space. The homescreen problem is often solved by dumping apps into a single folder.
Apple is unlikely to fix the broader issue until sometime in 2016. iOS 9 is due to launch on Wednesday, and while 9.1 may be ready by November, there has be no sign of improved app deletion in current betas.
Comments
Just hide them on a different screen if they're really that bothersome. Some people... ????
I think we all do that. I can understand people wanting to remove them to save space, but at least let us hide them in the freaking launcher.
It's ridiculous that this hasn't happened as of yet. Pull your collective finger out
Its ridiculous that anyone thinks this needs to happen at all.
To those who say "Just move them to a folder." it's a nice idea but that doesn't solve the issue that they still remain on your phone taking up space and memory.
I want them gone. Permanently.
If you're a cheapskate, maybe the iPhone isn't for you.
Epitome of first world problems.
Bout damn time. I like to remove apps I don't use or need. They just take up precious space I could be using for other apps and media.
We should just be thankful our iPhone's don't come preloaded with all the useless phone carrier apps that come on Android phones.
How generous of him. Of the 30 stock apps that come with the iPhone 15 I don't use or care to. Apple Watch? I am not now or in the foreseeable future getting a Watch so this app is useless. Game Center, Health, Newsstand, Passbook, iBooks, Notes, Reminders, Stocks, Podcasts, Tips - same thing, all useless to me and ones I wish I could delete.
To those who say "Just move them to a folder." it's a nice idea but that doesn't solve the issue that they still remain on your phone taking up space and memory.
I want them gone. Permanently.
You're an idiot.
I've long used the folder idea to stack low used and unused apps. Don't recall seeing a list of their sizes but that would make choices easier I suppose.
ETA: Some (most) sizes appear under Settings..general..usage.... manage storage, but not Tips etc.
How generous of him. Of the 30 stock apps that come with the iPhone 15 I don't use or care to. Apple Watch? I am not now or in the foreseeable future getting a Watch so this app is useless. Game Center, Health, Newsstand, Passbook, iBooks, Notes, Reminders, Stocks, Podcasts, Tips - same thing, all useless to me and ones I wish I could delete.
To those who say "Just move them to a folder." it's a nice idea but that doesn't solve the issue that they still remain on your phone taking up space and memory.
I want them gone. Permanently.
Do you have a number for how much space they take up? I've long been curious but haven't ever seen an actual number.
This will be quite welcome. I'd much rather be able to delete (or at least hide) some default apps like Newsstand, Stocks, Weather, Voice Memos, Podcasts, Apple Watch and Tips, than keep them locked up in a folder. But eh, it's hardly urgent.
Get a phone with more memory if that's your main concern.
If they're taking up memory, buy a phone with more memory. Goodness, you make a big deal over NOTHING. Why worry about the amount of Apps you have on your phone? Sure, phones are good, but it's better spending time with people IN PERSON and not constantly being on our phones.
It'd be nice if they at least made the option available to hide them, like on the Apple TV. I'm not too worried about memory issues, just clutter on my home screen. Just a slider switch menu to hide apps I don't want to see would be good enough me.