According to the latest report, the first beta version of iOS 16 was pushed to developer preview earlier this week, and people now know more about several of its new features, including a custom lock screen and new iMessage features. Additionally, Apple will now allow users to uninstall the Find My, Health and Clock apps via an update.
Being able to uninstall Apple apps that come pre-installed on iOS isn’t a new feature. Since iOS 10, users can delete apps like Calculator, Calendar, Mail, Music, Notes, and Podcasts. Over the years, Apple has expanded the list of native system apps that can be removed from iPhones and iPads. Now, Find My, Health and Clock are also on this list.
As confirmed by 9to5Mac, the three apps can now be removed from iOS 16 and iPadOS 16. But of course, by removing the Find My, Health, or Clock apps from the device, users may end up losing some system functionality.
For Find My, deleting the app doesn’t turn off Find My’s built-in features like Find My Friends. A message will remind users that any people, devices, or items associated with their Apple ID remain after uninstalling the app, and users can still manage those options in the Settings app.
However, as you might expect, users won’t be able to find their devices and accessories (like AirTag) without the app installed. Apps deleted from the iOS system can be reinstalled via the App Store at any time. There are only a few native Apple apps that still cannot be uninstalled, such as Phone, Safari, Messages, and the App Store.
9to5Mac believes that Apple’s expansion of the delectable native system application option to important applications such as Find My, Health and Clock may be related to the company’s recent antitrust investigation. Back in 2020, the European Union raised the possibility of barring tech companies from forcing users to install all their own apps. Others have accused Apple of using its control of iOS to push its own services.
Since iOS 14.3, Apple has added a new step in the setup process of a new iPhone or iPad, recommending users some third-party apps to comply with government requirements in countries like Russia. Therefore, having users delete all iOS apps may reduce the company’s chances of being subject to further antitrust lawsuits.
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