Apple's iPhone users can now finally hide the default apps they never want to see and use. With the new iOS 9.3 beta, Apple's newest iteration of its iOS 9, they can now get rid of those apps.
At the moment, the iPhone has a total of 32 native apps. Totally wiping them out might cause some problems, especially the important ones such as Settings and App Store, which is why Apple boss Tim Cook, being aware of this particular problem, made a way for users to disable the iPhone stock apps.
But while the idea of deleting these default apps sounds like a piece of cake, you might want to know that there is more to just installing iOS 9.3 for you to effectively disable the default iPhone apps that you don't need.
The ability to get rid of these home screen apps by means of the bundle ID was initially unearthed by a Reddit user.
So how do you actually do it? Here's a simple step-by-step process:
1. You have to ensure that you have the new iOS 9.3 beta installed on your device. Head to Settings > General > Software Update to download the beta. The iOS 9.3 public beta is available for download by signing up for the iOS beta program. You also have to have an Apple developer membership to download the Apple Configurator 2.2 beta.
Note: Before you go through the Apple Configurator 2.2 beta, be warned that you might be asked to accept the install and put your device in Supervised mode, which would mean wiping out your device. Therefore, make sure that you have all the files you need backed up before you do this step.
2. On the Apple Configurator 2.2 beta, create a configuration profile.
3. To save the configuration profile correctly, configure the General section by right clicking your device, Add > Profiles and then navigate to the profile that you have just saved.
4. Set the restrictions payload to "Do not allow some apps" under the "Restrict App Usage" in the Apps section of the restrictions.
5. Add the necessary bundle IDs that you want to remove from your home screen, for instance, com.apple.tips to remove the Tips.
6. Plug your device and apply the profile.
7. Voila! After applying the profile, you will now see that those icons you chose to remove will disappear from the home screen.
If you're a beginner at handling software installations on your iPhone, then you might want to delay doing this procedure. But then again, if you feel confident enough with the steps outlined here, then feel free to clear and clean your iPhone screen from the apps you no longer want to see.
You may also want to watch the video before finally giving this procedure a try.