The Apple News app is a popular news aggregator available on iPhones that allows users to stay up-to-date with the latest news and articles. While many people find the app useful, there may be instances where you want to delete it from your iPhone. This could be due to various reasons such as freeing up storage space, reducing distractions, or simply preference for another news app. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to delete the Apple News app from your iPhone, catering to various iOS versions and user preferences.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Deleting the Apple News App
Deleting a built-in iOS app like Apple News can be a bit tricky as these apps are essential components of the operating system. The Apple News app is one such pre-installed app that cannot be easily deleted by tapping and holding on its icon like you would with other third-party apps. However, with a few workarounds and tweaks, it is still possible to remove this app from your iPhone.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we delve into the methods of deleting the Apple News app, there are a few things you should take note of and prepare for:
1. iOS Version: Make sure you are running the latest iOS version on your iPhone. Some methods may vary depending on the operating system.
2. Backup: It is always advisable to create a backup of your iPhone data before attempting any modifications. This will ensure that you don’t lose any important information in case something goes wrong during the process.
3. Alternative News App: If you decide to delete the Apple News app, ensure that you have another news app installed on your iPhone to continue staying updated with the latest news and articles.
Now that you are ready, let’s explore the different methods to delete the Apple News app from your iPhone.
Method 1: Using the Standard Offloading Feature
If you are running iOS 11 or later, Apple introduced a feature called Offloading that allows you to remove built-in apps without permanently deleting their data. Here’s how you can use this method to delete the Apple News app:
1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone and tap on "General".
2. Scroll down and select "iPhone Storage" or "iPad Storage", depending on your device.
3. Wait for the list of apps to load and find the "News" app.
4. Tap on the "News" app and select "Offload App". This will remove the app from your device, but preserve its data.
5. If you change your mind and want to reinstall the Apple News app in the future, you can simply download it from the App Store.
Pros:
1. Offloading the app allows you to free up storage space without permanently deleting its data.
2. You can easily reinstall the app from the App Store if needed.
Cons:
1. The app is not completely removed from your iCloud account, and it may still appear on other devices connected to the same Apple ID.
Method 2: Via iTunes on macOS Mojave and Earlier
If you are using a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, you can delete the Apple News app from your iPhone using iTunes. Here are the steps:
1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable and launch iTunes.
2. Select your iPhone from the iTunes toolbar.
3. Go to the "Apps" tab and scroll down to the "File Sharing" section.
4. In the "File Sharing" section, you should see a list of apps installed on your iPhone. Locate the "News" app.
5. Select the "News" app and click on the "Delete" button.
6. Confirm the deletion when prompted.
7. Sync your iPhone with iTunes to apply the changes.
Pros:
1. Using iTunes provides a reliable method to delete pre-installed iOS apps.
Cons:
1. This method requires a Mac computer running macOS Mojave or earlier.
2. It may not be the most convenient option for users without access to a Mac.
Method 3: Using iTunes on macOS Catalina and Later
If you are using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, iTunes has been replaced by the Finder app. Here’s how you can delete the Apple News app from your iPhone using Finder:
1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable.
2. Open a Finder window and select your iPhone from the sidebar under "Locations".
3. Click on "Apps" in the top toolbar.
4. Scroll down to the "File Sharing" section and locate the "News" app.
5. Select the "News" app and click on the "Delete" button.
6. Confirm the deletion when prompted.
7. Sync your iPhone with Finder to apply the changes.
Pros:
1. This method allows you to delete pre-installed iOS apps using the latest macOS version.
Cons:
1. It requires a Mac computer running macOS Catalina or later.
2. Users without access to a Mac may find this method inaccessible.
Method 4: Using a Third-Party iPhone Management Tool
If you prefer a more advanced approach, there are third-party iPhone management tools available that allow you to delete system apps like Apple News. One popular tool is iMazing. Here’s how you can use iMazing to delete the Apple News app:
1. Download and install iMazing on your Mac or Windows computer.
2. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Launch iMazing and select your iPhone from the device list.
4. Click on "Apps" in the left sidebar.
5. Scroll down and locate the "News" app.
6. Right-click on the "News" app and select "Delete App".
7. Confirm the deletion when prompted.
8. Apply the changes by clicking on "Sync" or "Apply" in iMazing.
Pros:
1. Third-party iPhone management tools offer more control and flexibility in managing your device.
Cons:
1. These tools may require a paid subscription or purchase.
2. Users without technical knowledge may find them more complex to use.
Why Can’t I Delete the Apple News App?
There are several reasons why you may encounter difficulties when trying to delete the Apple News app from your iPhone. Here are a few common reasons and their respective fixes:
1. App Restrictions: Check if the Apple News app is restricted on your device. Go to "Settings" > "Screen Time" > "Content & Privacy Restrictions" > "Allowed Apps" and make sure the toggle next to "News" is enabled.
2. Operating System Limitations: Certain versions of iOS may restrict the deletion of built-in apps. Make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest available iOS version.
3. App Dependencies: Some apps and services on your iPhone may rely on the Apple News app. If you are having trouble deleting it, try disabling or removing apps that depend on Apple News.
Additional Tips
Here are three additional tips to consider when deleting the Apple News app from your iPhone:
1. Clear App Data: Before deleting the Apple News app, consider clearing its data to remove any cached articles or personal data. You can do this by going to "Settings" > "General" > "iPhone Storage" > "News" > "Offload App" > "Enable".
2. Explore Alternative News Apps: There are numerous news aggregator apps available on the App Store. Take the opportunity to explore other options and find one that suits your preference.
3. Reinstall from App Store: If you decide to reinstall the Apple News app in the future, simply search for it on the App Store and download it again.
5 FAQs about Deleting the Apple News App
Q1: Can I delete other built-in apps using these methods?
A: No, these methods are specifically for deleting the Apple News app. Other built-in apps may have different restrictions.
Q2: Will deleting the Apple News app affect my iCloud or Apple ID?
A: No, deleting the Apple News app will not impact your iCloud or Apple ID. It only removes the app from your device.
Q3: Can I reinstall the Apple News app after deleting it?
A: Yes, the Apple News app can be easily reinstalled from the App Store if you change your mind.
Q4: Are there any repercussions to deleting built-in apps?
A: Deleting built-in apps may affect the functionality of other apps or services that rely on them. Make sure to consider any dependencies before deleting pre-installed apps.
Q5: Can I delete the Apple News app without a computer?
A: Yes, Method 1 (Offloading) can be performed directly on your iPhone without the need for a computer.
In Conclusion
Deleting the Apple News app from your iPhone may seem like a daunting task, but with the methods outlined in this blog post, you can easily remove it from your device. Whether you choose to use the standard offloading feature, iTunes or Finder on macOS, or a third-party iPhone management tool, make sure to follow the steps carefully and choose the method that suits your preferences and device compatibility. Remember to always backup your iPhone before making any modifications, and feel free to explore alternative news apps available on the App Store to continue staying informed with the latest news and articles.