The update to watchOS 9.4 released today includes a hidden feature that makes it possible to delete built-in applications directly from the Apple Watch. In the release notes for the update, Apple did not make any mention of this function. Nevertheless, an updated support document on deleting built-in apps from various devices has been made available.
Suppose you are using watchOS 9.4 or a later version. In that case, Apple claims that you can remove the following applications from your Apple Watch:
- Activity
- Depth
- Emergency Siren
- Find My
- Heart Rate
- Maps
- Wallet
- Workout
- World Clock
Before the release of watchOS 9.4, you could delete an app from your Apple Watch by deleting it from your iPhone; however, the app had to be deleted from both the iPhone and the Apple Watch. With watchOS 9.4, it is now possible to delete apps like Activity or Maps from your Apple Watch while maintaining full functionality on your iPhone.
Apple warns that removing built-in apps could compromise the device’s essential functionality. Imagine for a moment that you decided to uninstall the Heart Rate app. If this is the case, the Apple Watch will be unable to send any notifications regarding high heart rate, low heart rate, irregular rhythm, or cardio fitness.
As a result of Apple’s criticism for mandating that its apps be installed on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch devices, the company has been hard at work developing methods for removing the apps over the past few years. iOS 14, in particular, added support for deleting a wide variety of apps that were built-in into the operating system. This is helpful for users who would rather use third-party alternatives.
