Digital Compass

Why You Should Be Using the App Library on Your iPhone or iPad

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When Apple introduced the App Library with iOS 14, it quietly revolutionized how we interact with our iPhones and iPads. While some users may have overlooked this feature, it is one of the most efficient tools Apple has ever added to its devices. For those of us who were accustomed to swiping endlessly through pages of apps, trying to locate the one we needed, the App Library offers a streamlined, organized solution. If you’re not already using it, you’re missing out on a simple yet powerful way to manage your apps and save time.

Declutter Your Home Screen

One of the most obvious benefits of the App Library is that it allows you to declutter your home screen. For years, the only way to organize apps was to manually move them into folders, which could be a tedious process. Even then, there was no way to hide apps from view unless you deleted them entirely. With the App Library, you can remove apps from your home screen without deleting them. This lets you focus on the apps you use most frequently while keeping your home screen clean and distraction-free​.

For instance, if you only use certain apps occasionally – such as travel apps, banking tools, or subscription services – you can hide them from your main view and access them only when needed. This feature is especially useful for those who like to keep a minimalist aesthetic on their home screens.

Smart App Organization

The App Library goes beyond simple folders by automatically categorizing your apps into smart groups. These groups are labeled with categories like Social, Productivity, Entertainment and more. You don’t have to lift a finger to organize them – Apple does it for you. The categorization is intuitive and often reflects how you naturally think about your apps. For example, all your messaging apps might fall under Social, while your task managers and note-taking apps will land in Productivity.

This automatic organization eliminates the time and effort spent manually sorting your apps. If you download a lot of apps, this feature is a lifesaver, keeping your app collection manageable and easy to navigate.

Quick Search and Access

One of the standout features of the App Library is its search functionality. At the top of the App Library screen, you’ll find a search bar that lets you quickly locate any app on your device. Instead of swiping through multiple home screens or opening folders, you can simply type the app’s name and access it in seconds.

This feature alone can significantly reduce the time spent searching for apps, especially if you’re in a hurry. Additionally, the App Library provides an alphabetic list of all your apps, allowing you to scroll through them quickly if you’re unsure of their exact name.

Suggested and Recently Added Apps

The App Library also has a “Suggestions” section, which displays apps based on your usage patterns. For example, if you frequently open your weather app in the morning and your fitness app in the evening, these apps will appear in the Suggestions area during those times. This personalized approach ensures that your most-used apps are always at your fingertips.

Another handy feature is the “Recently Added” section, which highlights apps you’ve recently downloaded. This is especially useful if you’ve just installed a new app and haven’t had a chance to pin it to your home screen or remember its name.

Enhancing Productivity and Focus

For those looking to enhance their productivity, the App Library is a perfect tool. By hiding less-used apps and minimizing the clutter on your home screen, you can create a more focused environment. Studies have shown that digital clutter can contribute to stress and reduced efficiency, so taking control of your app layout can have a positive impact on how you use your device.

For example, you might organize your home screen to display only the apps you need for work or study, while everything else is tucked away in the App Library. This separation can help you stay on task without distractions.

How to Start Using the App Library

Using the App Library is simple. To access it, swipe to the last page of your home screen, and you’ll see the App Library. From here, you can:

  1. Search for Apps: Use the search bar at the top.
  2. Open Categories: Tap on a category to see all the apps within it.
  3. Hide Apps from Home Screen: Long press​ an app, select “Remove from Home Screen,” and it will be moved to the App Library.

If you prefer a clean slate, you can even remove all apps from your home screen and rely solely on the App Library for navigation.

Final Thoughts

The App Library is more than just a storage area for your apps – it’s a powerful tool for organization and productivity. By decluttering your home screen, automatically organizing your apps, and providing quick access to the ones you need, it can transform how you use your device. For me, the App Library has significantly reduced the time I spend swiping through screens, allowing me to focus on what truly matters.

If you haven’t explored the App Library yet, try it. It’s one of those features that you didn’t know you needed until you start using it – and then you won’t want to live without it.