Upon unboxing a new iPhone, users are greeted with a wide array of preinstalled applications. While this can be seen as beneficial, providing immediate functionality such as web browsing, email access, music streaming, and note-taking, not every app will be useful for every individual.

Eliminating unwanted applications helps to free up storage space on the device and prevents unnecessary data usage from ongoing app updates. Apple has progressively made many of its applications optional, allowing users to delete more than they might realize. If the need arises, these apps can be conveniently re-downloaded from the App Store.

Steps to Remove Apps

To uninstall an app from your iPhone, press and hold the app icon on the home screen until a menu appears. Then select Remove App > Delete App > Delete. Alternatively, apps can also be uninstalled from the App Library: long-press the icon and choose Delete App > Delete.

List of Removable Preinstalled iOS Apps

Many apps can be uninstalled from your device. Here’s an overview of the preloaded applications that can be removed:

• Books:
  If e-books do not interest you, feel free to delete this app, which has been part of iOS since 2014.
• Calculator:
  Those who prefer a different calculator or excel at math can uninstall this app, present since the original iPhone’s release in 2007.
• Calendar:
  The Apple Calendar is integral to many, but it can be removed from your iPhone despite its long history dating back to 2007.
• Clock:
  Since 2007, the Clock app has been standard on every iPhone, yet it can be eliminated if alternatives are preferred.
• Compass:
  Introduced in 2009, this app can be safely removed if you don’t foresee a need for it.
• Contacts:
  Surprisingly, this app debuted in 2008 but can be deleted; however, your contacts will remain in the Phone app.
• FaceTime:
  This video call service since iOS 4 in 2010 can be uninstalled while still allowing voice calls via the Phone app.
• Files:
  Although considered fundamental, you can remove this app introduced with iOS 11 in 2017.
• Find My:
  Even though it feels indispensable, this app has been present since 2019 and can be uninstalled.
• Freeform:
  Launched in late 2022, this brainstorming app can be deleted if not needed.
• Health:
  Introduced in 2014, this app can be removed while keeping your health data intact in the iOS Settings.
• Home:
  The Home app, designed for smart home management, can easily be removed if it does not suit your needs.
• iTunes Store:
  If digital purchases aren’t on your agenda, the iTunes Store, which has existed since 2008, can be uninstalled.
• Journal:
  Introduced in 2023, this journaling app can be removed if it doesn’t fit your style.
• Magnifier:
  This utility app has been available since 2020, and can be uninstalled without any hassle.
• Mail:
  Users who prefer different email clients can choose to uninstall this preinstalled option from 2007.
• Maps:
  While Apple Maps has improved since its release in 2012, it’s possible to delete it if alternative navigation apps are preferred.
• Measure:
  This utility can be removed if measuring tools are not needed on your device.
• Music:
  If another music service is your go-to choice, feel free to delete this app, which replaced the iPod app in 2011.
• News:
  If Apple’s News app is not your main source for articles, it can be uninstalled without issue.
• Notes:
  Though often considered vital, those who do not use this app can easily remove it.
• Playground:
  Available since 2024 for creating AI images, this app can be deleted if it’s not of interest.
• Passwords:
  If this 2024 app for managing logins and data isn’t necessary, it can be safely removed.
• Podcasts:
  Users can choose to delete Apple’s podcast app if they prefer different podcast platforms.
• Reminders:
  For those who rely on alternative apps for task management, this option from 2011 can be deleted.
• Shortcuts:
  Individuals who do not find this automation tool helpful can also uninstall it as it was introduced in 2019.
• Stocks:
  This app has been available since 2007, and can be discarded if stock tracking is unnecessary.
• Tips:
  Although this app has been providing assistance since 2014, it can be removed if not deemed useful.
• Translate:
  This language translation app has been on iPhones since 2020 and is not mandatory for use.
• TV:
  If your media consumption comes from other sources, the Apple TV app can be uninstalled.
• Voice Memos:
  Introduced in 2009, this app can be removed if audio memos are unnecessary.
• Wallet:
  Interestingly, the Wallet app can also be deleted, having been part of iOS since 2012.
• Watch:
  For those without an Apple Watch, this app can be uninstalled, provided the paired watch is unlinked first.
• Weather:
  Finally, the Weather app, which has been present since the first iPhone, can also be eliminated if you prefer other sources for forecasts.