iOS 16/iPadOS 16 already supports deleting pre-installed Find, Health, and Clock apps

IT Home June 10 news, earlier this week, the first beta version of iOS 16 was made available to developers, and we now know more about some of its new features, including a customizable lock screen and new iMessage features. In addition, Apple will now allow users to uninstall the "Find", "Health" and "Clock" apps through updates.

　　Being able to uninstall Apple apps that come pre-installed on iOS is not a new feature. Starting with iOS 10, users have been able to 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 iPhone and iPad. Now Find My, Health, and Clock are part of this list.

　　These three apps can now be removed from iOS 16 and iPadOS 16. Of course, by removing the Find My, Health, or Clock apps from your device, you may end up losing some system functionality.

　　For Find My, deleting the app does not turn off built-in Find My features, such as Find My Friends. A message reminds users that any person, device, or item associated with their Apple ID still exists after uninstalling the app, and users can still manage those options in the Settings app.

　　However, as expected, you won't be able to find your devices and accessories (like AirTags) without the app installed. Apps deleted from iOS can be reinstalled at any time through the App Store. There are only a few native Apple apps that still can't be uninstalled, such as Phone, Safari, Messages, and App Store.

　　More pre-installed apps can be removed, and the explanation for this may be related to the antitrust investigation Apple has recently faced. As early as 2020, the European Union proposed the possibility of prohibiting technology companies from forcing users to install all their own applications. Apple has also been accused of using its control over iOS to promote its own services.

　　Since iOS 14.3, Apple has added a new step in the setup process of a new iPhone or iPad to suggest some third-party apps to users in order to comply with the requirements of governments such as Russia. Therefore, letting users delete all iOS apps may reduce the company's chances of further antitrust lawsuits.