App Library is one of the most recent additions to the iOS ecosystem, debuting in the 2020 release of iOS 14. Dubbed as a “virtual filing cabinet” for apps, the App Library serves as a centralized location for organizing and accessing all the apps on an iPhone. With the ever-growing number of apps available in the App Store and the limited screen real estate on our devices, the App Library is a game-changer for iPhone users. In this article, we will discuss some tips and tricks for maximizing the use of App Library on your iPhone.
1. Understand the App Library Layout
The App Library is divided into two sections – the automatically organized App Library, and the customizable App Library. The automatically organized section is accessed by swiping to the right on the last page of your Home screen. This section categorizes your apps into different folders such as Suggestions, Recently Added, Social, and Utilities. At the bottom of this section is the App Library Search bar. The customizable section, on the other hand, allows you to create your own folders and add your most used apps for easy access.
2. Optimize Your Home Screen
One of the most significant advantages of the App Library is the ability to declutter your Home screen. With the App Library at your fingertips, you can declutter your Home screen by keeping only the most essential apps and widgets. You can then access all your other apps from the App Library, making it easier to find and use them.
3. Create Custom Folders
The customizable App Library is a handy feature that allows you to declutter your Home screen even further. You can create custom folders and add your frequently used apps, just like you would on your Home screen. To create a new folder, long-press on any app in the App Library, select “Edit Home Screen,” and then drag the app onto another app to create a folder. You can then add more apps to the folder by dragging them onto the folder.
4. Use App Suggestions
The Suggestions folder in the App Library is based on usage patterns and suggests apps that you are likely to use at a particular time of day or location. This feature is especially helpful for productivity apps that you may need at work or social media apps that you may use during your free time. The more you use your iPhone, the more accurate the Suggestions folder becomes in predicting your app usage.
5. Keep Unused Apps in the App Library
If you have apps that you rarely use but do not want to delete, you can keep them in the App Library rather than cluttering your Home screen. This way, you can easily access them through the App Library search bar or by scrolling through the categories. This also helps in keeping your Home screen clean and organized.
6. Hide Home Screen Pages
With the App Library, you can hide specific pages on your Home screen to further declutter it. To hide a page, tap and hold on an empty space on your Home screen until the apps start jiggling. Then, tap on the dots at the bottom of the screen and uncheck the pages you want to hide. This way, you can have a clean and organized Home screen with just the apps and widgets you need.
7. Utilize App Library Sort Options
The App Library offers three sorting options – Recents, Alphabetical, and Recently Updated. You can change the sorting order by tapping on the search bar in the App Library and choosing the desired option. This makes it easier to find a specific app when scrolling through the categories.
In conclusion, the App Library is a powerful tool that can help you declutter your iPhone and make it more organized. By understanding its layout and utilizing its features, you can easily access all your apps without having to search through multiple pages on your Home screen. So, give these tips and tricks a try and make the most out of the App Library on your iPhone.