watchOS 9.4 Lets You Delete Built-In Apps Right From Apple Watch

[MacRumors]

The watchOS 9.4 update that came out today has a hidden feature that is designed to allow you to delete built-in apps directly from the Apple Watch. Apple did not mention this function in the release notes for the update, but a support document on deleting built-in apps from various devices has been updated.

According to Apple, the following apps can be deleted from the Apple Watch if you are running watchOS 9.4 or later:

• Activity
• Depth
• Emergency Siren
• Find My
• Heart Rate
• Maps
• Wallet
• Workout
• World Clock

Prior to watchOS 9.4, you could remove an app from your Apple Watch by removing it from your iPhone, but the app needed to be deleted from both devices. With watchOS 9.4, you can delete an app like Activity or Maps on your Apple Watch, leaving it intact on the iPhone.

Apple warns that deleting built-in apps can affect core device functionality. If you delete the Heart Rate app, for example, the Apple Watch is not able to send high heart rate, low heart rate, irregular rhythm, and cardio fitness notifications.

Apple has come under fire for requiring that its apps be installed on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch devices, so it has been implementing tools for deleting the apps over the last several years. iOS 14 in particular added support for deleting a wide variety of built-in apps, which is useful for those who prefer to use third-party alternatives.

Article Link: watchOS 9.4 Lets You Delete Built-In Apps Right From Apple Watch

 

[zachz]

I wish we could delete any app that is not critical to its functioning.

99% of the apps I never use and will never use, but have to have them there.

 

[patent10021]

Too bad we can't delete apps via Siri.

"Siri, delete all apps I haven't used in three months".

 

[macsplusmacs]

I wanted to do this just this morning.

Nice.

 

[ps3zocker]

This was possible for some time. At least since watchOS 9.0.

 

[WaffleBoi_15]

Great change, but the only one I actually wanted to delete is News. Its Watch app is so useless

 

[Awsaim]

Still can’t delete the ovulation tracking app 💀

 

[IIGS User]

Still can’t delete the ovulation tracking app 💀

Are you ovulating? You know you can't delete an app or file that's actively being used.

 

[vegetassj4]

Too bad we can't delete apps via Siri.

"Siri, delete all apps I haven't used in three months".

I tried to delete my most unused app with Siri. Apparently it already isn't on my phone:

 

[TwistedMarbles]

Still can’t delete the ovulation tracking app 💀

It was already previously removable. From the watch itself on the grid view screen showing all apps just press and hold screen then choose “edit apps” and then tap the X on the app to remove it. I long ago removed it from mine.

 

[mlody]

I really want to delete the following apps: Audiobooks, Music, Podcasts, Photos to name the few. I also wish, I could independent control what goes into Apple Wallet on watch. I don't want all the loyalty cards on my watch for instance.

 

[caliguy]

The biggest issue is restoring stock apps. I wish there was a way to see which ones I've accidentally deleted. I think the way right now is knowing the name by memory and searching the App Store.

 

[diskrisk]

How in the world can we delete apps like Activity and Heart Rate but not Audiobooks?

 

[alayal]

How in the world can we delete apps like Activity and Heart Rate but not Audiobooks?

you are right this is insane, I ****ing hate to have an audiobook app I will never use

 

[timmodugdale]

It was already previously removable. From the watch itself on the grid view screen showing all apps just press and hold screen then choose “edit apps” and then tap the X on the app to remove it. I long ago removed it from mine.

i had no idea. Thanks!

 

[Deadeyeshark]

Battery Health increased by 2%.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

removed

Learned another word from you today. Thanks!

Imminent removed.

 

[emulator]

Now let us uninstall the useless crap from MacOS.

 

[svish]

Good to see this. Regulations across the world may be causing these changes.

 

[_Spinn_]

This is a great little feature!

 

[Verified Whiskey]

Oh wow, that’s pretty cool. I don’t think I’ve ever had an issue with storage on my Watch, but having this control is a welcome change!

 

[imnotthewalrus]

I’ve been trying since yesterday to install watch 9.4 and it keeps coming up with error message after attempting 10 to 15 minutes. I restored my watch, still won’t update. Any (non sarcastic) suggestions?

 

[menace3]

I’ve been trying since yesterday to install watch 9.4 and it keeps coming up with error message after attempting 10 to 15 minutes. I restored my watch, still won’t update. Any (non sarcastic) suggestions?

Keeps saying paused and watch needs to be at 50% and on charger. Was 85% on charger and nada. Even rebooted it.

 

[imnotthewalrus]

Keeps saying paused and watch needs to be at 50% and on charger. Was 85% on charger and nada. Even rebooted it.

I finally gave up. It's "just" an SE and I use it just for the simple things. It goes against my OCD, but I decided it's just not going to update. I'll wait until the next couple updates are released and I'll (maybe) try again then. Sorry yours failed, but I appreciate you letting me know I wasn't alone. Cheers.

 

[imnotthewalrus]

Keeps saying paused and watch needs to be at 50% and on charger. Was 85% on charger and nada. Even rebooted it.

Thought I'd give you a heads up; My iPhone had a message on it when I woke up this morning to agree to T and C to install the 9.4 watch update and the download/install went quickly and smooth as silk.