Should Apple de-bundle some of the built-in Apps like Android?

[typeadam]

Absolutely.
But not all apps. They should leave Calendar, Reminders, and other deeply integrated apps for reasons stated by posters above.
But then by that token what factors decide those apps? Stocks could be considered a deeply integrated app by some.
The simple answer is 'yes' but it's obviously more complex than that.

 

[Parise]

Sry if I wasn't clear… I feel that systems integrate better when core functionality is consistent across devices. Taking these out of the core OS makes them optional services. This fundamentally changes the nature of leveraging these linked services in your apps.
Sure it could be done, but it really is a deep change to the OS.
These are required core services (calendar/mail/contacts) and they should be part of the OS, not simply items in the App Store.

But making them items in the App Store doesnt necessarily mean that they can't be core utilities in the OS.

They can simply (like in the case of Android) be both. In the app store for nothing but updating purposes.

I think we're confusing changing the app with changing the OS API's that control said app.

 

[cambookpro]

I'd just like to see a bit of 'polishing' be done:

- Remove iTunes Store app and add relevant sections to relevant apps. E.g. music store in music app, movie store in videos etc.

- Only have Newsstand when you download anything to it, otherwise it's hidden.

- Merge Phone and FaceTime. Not sure why they were separated, now there's just another app on my screen that isn't used. (As a side note, I do use FaceTime frequently but it's always activated through the phone app)

- Possibly make Passbook, Compass, Voice Memos and Stocks downloadable, though I quite like them as it makes the phone really versatile straight out of the box.

 

[cmichaelb]

I'm wondering if Apple should consider de-bundling some of the built-in apps like calendar and such so that they can be updated more frequently with fixes and features? Google did this with Android and it seems to be working very well. Not sure if there are any down sides to doing this.

What are your thoughts?

In iOS 7, one of the new features is Apple can now update the built in apps independently of any OS update.

Prior to iOS 7, you're correct, they could only be upgraded in a system update.

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I'd just like to see a bit of 'polishing' be done:

- Remove iTunes Store app and add relevant sections to relevant apps. E.g. music store in music app, movie store in videos etc.

- Only have Newsstand when you download anything to it, otherwise it's hidden.

- Merge Phone and FaceTime. Not sure why they were separated, now there's just another app on my screen that isn't used. (As a side note, I do use FaceTime frequently but it's always activated through the phone app)

- Possibly make Passbook, Compass, Voice Memos and Stocks downloadable, though I quite like them as it makes the phone really versatile straight out of the box.

Newsstand should be treated just like iBooks but I bet to get publishers to make Newsstand compatible versions of their publications, I assume Apple promised Newsstand would be on all iOS devices.

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Plus, if Apple stopped bundling essential apps like Calendar, it would hinder the usability for a lot of people. There are a lot of people that don't post on Internet forums that don't actively seek out the best app for such and such a task. For them, the lack of a calendar on their phone would be confusing and undesirable. Compass or something, I could understand. But not something as important to the functionality of a smartphone as Calendar.

Exactly. If you take the time to post on on a macrumors forum about it, you are in a small minority of users. The majority want everything right there when they buy the phone, not to have to seek out a good app for a feature that should have been built in.

You stated it perfectly.

 

[gotluck]

There is no disadvantage to having core apps updatable independently.
There is a problem when core apps are removed such as calendar. On android, calender is both independently upgradable and unable to be removed. Sounds good to me.

 

[cynics]

Lol. Apple update core apps independently? That's funny.

Google does that as a way to keep all the versions of Android similar. At the same time they are upgrading those apps and adding tons of features. So without even updating the OS the core apps are getting better.

It will be a cold day in hell before you see Apple start to upgrade and add new features to iOS core apps. They didn't even add night mode to maps until a major iOS update!

Edit typo

 

[err404]

But making them items in the App Store doesnt necessarily mean that they can't be core utilities in the OS.

They can simply (like in the case of Android) be both. In the app store for nothing but updating purposes.

I think we're confusing changing the app with changing the OS API's that control said app.

I get what you're saying. I didn't interpret OP's question in that way. Sure it would be good to augment the updated capabilities to be more granular. I'd love to see minor updates install faster and not always require a reboot. Other that that, many of the advantages can already be realized through the existing update method with nothing more then a policy change on what/when OS updates are deployed.
I still think that for the versioning of the OS is more clear if it includes the core apps. Otherwise you could have situations where somebody is on the latest OS build, but still have an outdated browser with security holes.

 

[Black Magic]

I get what you're saying. I didn't interpret OP's question in that way. Sure it would be good to augment the updated capabilities to be more granular. I'd love to see minor updates install faster and not always require a reboot. Other that that, many of the advantages can already be realized through the existing update method with nothing more then a policy change on what/when OS updates are deployed.
I still think that for the versioning of the OS is more clear if it includes the core apps. Otherwise you could have situations where somebody is on the latest OS build, but still have an outdated browser with security holes.

This is true, but if auto update apps is enabled, not a problem. Even if it isn't enabled, you will still see an app badge over the app store icon indicating action is needed.

 

[cynics]

This is true, but if auto update apps is enabled, not a problem. Even if it isn't enabled, you will still see an app badge over the app store icon indicating action is needed.

I agree, I don't find that to be a major issue. Well it isn't lol.

Plus there is a lot of times a roll back option. Don't like the new Safari? Just uninstall update.

 

[Parise]

I agree, I don't find that to be a major issue. Well it isn't lol.

Plus there is a lot of times a roll back option. Don't like the new Safari? Just uninstall update.

Forgot about the "Uninstall Update" functionality that Android offers.

Thats a solid one. Give them the core app with the OS install, then from there on out allow any updates through the App Store.

I really do not see the issue with this. At all.

 

[Max(IT)]

Nothing good about Google Android apps, but it would be nice to have the possibility of delete some bundled apps.

 

[Parise]

Nothing good about Google Android apps, but it would be nice to have the possibility of delete some bundled apps.

At least try to be somewhat objective. Maps, Chrome Browser, and the Mail app are leaps and bounds better than the Apple alternative.

 

[Max(IT)]

At least try to be somewhat objective. Maps, Chrome Browser, and the Mail app are leaps and bounds better than the Apple alternative.

Except for Maps (I have it on my iPhone also), I absolutely don't agree with you.

 

[err404]

At least try to be somewhat objective. Maps, Chrome Browser, and the Mail app are leaps and bounds better than the Apple alternative.

This is opinion.

While Google Maps does great POI searching, I prefer Apple Maps for navigation. This is due to generally better arrival ETA, Routing, and OS intergation. This is in central NJ. YMMV.

Chrome is OK and it was my go to browser under iOS6, but with iOS7 I prefer Safari. This is mainly due to the new back gester with prior page not needing to reload and the favorites page that comes up automatical when I select the address bar.

Gmail is nice if you have a single inbox. But since I use multipule email addresses Gmail is almost useless. For me Apple Mail is far better than Gmail, but my fav mail app is Mailbox.

 

[cynics]

Except for Maps (I have it on my iPhone also), I absolutely don't agree with you.

I prefer Android apps on Android devices compared to their version on iOS. However Chrome is pretty slick on iOS especially that data usage saver thing. Regardless that might be the issue.

It all boils down to was you need in the end. There are features in google maps like avoidances that Apple doesn't offer. Many however may not need that functionality.

 

[musicjunky]

If Apple's end goal is customer satisfaction, it would let us choose which apps to keep and which apps to delete. There's always going to be there on the store, so no one is going to break or brick their phone or something. It irks me to see those useless (to me) apps floating with no X next to them .

 

[IFRIT]

I really don't see a downside to having the apple apps come bundled with the OS but are able to be updated independently.

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There is no disadvantage to having core apps updatable independently.
There is a problem when core apps are removed such as calendar. On android, calender is both independently upgradable and unable to be removed. Sounds good to me.

Exactly. Calender on Android is a system app so can not be removed unless the phone is rooted but is independently upgradable from Google Play.

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This is opinion.

While Google Maps does great POI searching, I prefer Apple Maps for navigation. This is due to generally better arrival ETA, Routing, and OS intergation. This is in central NJ. YMMV.

Chrome is OK and it was my go to browser under iOS6, but with iOS7 I prefer Safari. This is mainly due to the new back gester with prior page not needing to reload and the favorites page that comes up automatical when I select the address bar.

Gmail is nice if you have a single inbox. But since I use multipule email addresses Gmail is almost useless. For me Apple Mail is far better than Gmail, but my fav mail app is Mailbox.

Gmail only supports 1 email address because you can set up gmail to check the mail boxes of other email address's.

 

[Armen]

I'm wondering if Apple should consider de-bundling some of the built-in apps like calendar and such so that they can be updated more frequently with fixes and features? Google did this with Android and it seems to be working very well. Not sure if there are any down sides to doing this.

What are your thoughts?

Apple Could in theory make all the default apps uninstallable under a few conditions:

1. They add a "restore all Apple apps" feature in the software somewhere (probably in the reset section under general settings).

Worst case scenario if you have a oops! moment and delete Safari you can just restore it again (assuming the install package is stored on the device).

2. Apple has to change iOS to allow users to choose default application associations.

Example: Let's say you uninstall Safari how would iOS know how to handle a hyperlink in an e-mail if you cannot "tell" it to redirect that function to Chrome or another browser? (I don't see Apple doing this)

 

[djtech42]

I don't think they should de-bundle any of the apps. They should just let you click the X to hide any of the defaults apps. You could go into Settings to see which apps are hidden and make them visible again. It would be nice if they could possibly update the built-in apps through the App Store instead of having to release another whole OS update. It would allow for faster updating.

 

[haruhiko]

In iOS 7, one of the new features is Apple can now update the built in apps independently of any OS update.

Prior to iOS 7, you're correct, they could only be upgraded in a system update.

Really? That is great! Thanks for the info!

 

[cmichaelb]

Really? That is great! Thanks for the info!

You're welcome. It was announced in the WWDC 2013 keynote when they debuted iOS 7.

 

[Ashin]

I don't think people quite understand how Android does it.

Android still installs Calendar, Chrome, Email by default... but these apps are updated outside of the entire OS... and even removable if wanted.

This is how Apple should do it.

Sure, install News Stand by default, but let me uninstall it

 

[Parise]

I don't think people quite understand how Android does it.

Android still installs Calendar, Chrome, Email by default... but these apps are updated outside of the entire OS... and even removable if wanted.

This is how Apple should do it.

Sure, install News Stand by default, but let me uninstall it

They dont. The fan boys just hear "Android" and all of a sudden disregard any comment you make after the fact.

Its a solid system they have in place when it comes to that.

 

[Stuntman06]

Hell why we even discussing going down an android upgrade path, havent we learned where that leads. Things work as they are. If you dont want to see these apps just shove them in the back of a folder.

The way Android updates these independent apps has been very well received by Android users. It allows updates to these apps without having to push out an entire OS update or wait until the next OS update is available.

I don't know how easily this can be done on iOS. The various build-in iOS apps are deeply tied to the OS. Alternative apps do not have the same OS integration.

 

[Stuke00]

The way Android updates these independent apps has been very well received by Android users. It allows updates to these apps without having to push out an entire OS update or wait until the next OS update is available.

I don't know how easily this can be done on iOS. The various build-in iOS apps are deeply tied to the OS. Alternative apps do not have the same OS integration.

Apple would just release a new small iOS update. Android does their core apps separately because most android phones will never see a new OS version and would never see the new functionality. The S4 doesn't even had Android 4.3 (latest version) and it came out back in July. Any iOS updates, iPhone users will get the same day. It works best this way for both systems.