Apple Watch Allows Users To Delete Built-In Apps In WatchOS 6

Maya Bhagat - Jul 10, 2019

Apple Watch is going to release WatchOS 6 which allow users to remove its built-in apps.

Soon, Apple Watch users will be able to remove unused apps from their Watch thanks to the launch of watchOS 6 later this year. With this, users can delete many built-in apps from the Watch, including some apps which were previously unremovable such as Remote, Timer, Alarm, Radio, Camera Remote, Stopwatch, and more. Users can even remove health apps named Breathe, ECG, Cycle Tracking, and Noise.

Apple-Watch-users-can-remove-unused-apps-from-their-Watch-1 — Apple Watch users can remove unused apps from their Watch

As we know, Apple Watch users can currently delete third-party apps installed through the App Store. To do this, users just need to press and hold on them to make the “X” appear on the icon, then tap on it to delete. There is another way: Going into the app settings of the Apple Watch and turn off the “Show on Apple Watch” switch.

Moreover, users can remove the apps through their iPhone that is connected to the Apple Watch.

However, it is impossible to delete some dedicated apps such as Timer and Radio as there are no iOS counterparts for uninstalling.

Nonetheless, watchOS 6’s launch will change this situation.

Recently, users saw the App Store listings of the apps which were previously unremovable, meaning they will be deletable. With the App Store listings, users can reinstall them if they need them later. To remove these apps, users just do the same process as they did with third-party apps. This process is unavailable in the present watchOS 6 beta; however, it was illustrated to users through sources which are accustomed to the plan about the way to delete these apps.

With-the-App-Store-listings-users-can-reinstall-them-if-they-need-them-later-2 — With the App Store listings, users can reinstall them if they need them later

Apple Watch users, however, can not remove some built-in apps like Messages and Heart Rate.

This move to allow users to be more free with default apps will likely satisfy many Apple Watch users. This is like when Apple allowed users to delete several built-in iOS apps with iOS 10’s release some years ago.

After all, the full default apps set is not suitable for everyone. For example, some do not need the Breathe app or Cycle Tracking app is only for women.

This change surfaces after WWDC 2019 in June with Apple’s announcement of watchOS 6 bringing the App Store to the Apple Watch. This will make Watch apps more independent from the iPhone or iPad counterparts. In fact, it's not a must for developers to make their iOS versions.