Delete certain built-in apps from your iPhone or iPad in the European Union
If you have iOS 18.2 or later or iPadOS 18.2 or later, and you’re based in the European Union, you can delete additional built-in apps on your iPhone or iPad.
Features in this article are available to users only in countries or regions of the European Union.
Built-in apps that can be deleted in the European Union
Any iPhone or iPad user can delete most built-in apps that come pre-installed on their device. For users based in the European Union, these additional built-in apps can be deleted.
Messages
App Store
Camera
Photos
Safari
About deleting the Messages app
To delete the Messages app from your iPhone or iPad, you first need to install an alternative messaging app and set it as your default for messaging.
After you delete the Messages app, certain system features change their behavior:
If you’re not using Messages in iCloud, all photos, videos, and other items shared with you will be deleted from your device. If you have iCloud turned on for Messages, this data will continue to be stored in iCloud.
Your device will not be able to send or receive text messages, including verification codes used to confirm your identity for accounts. Learn about what RCS and SMS/MMS messages are.
Emergency SOS via satellite, government text messages, and other emergency text services will not be available. You’ll continue to receive emergency and government alerts.
You won’t be able to manage any features for Messages in Settings.
Data charges may still apply, even if you’re not receiving text messages on your device.
If you delete the Messages app, people that you’ve shared your location with can still see your location. To stop sharing your location, use Find My.
How to redownload the Messages app
If you want to use the Messages app or send and receive text messages on your iPhone, you’ll have to redownload the Messages app in the App Store.
About deleting the App Store app
To delete the App Store from your iPhone or iPad, you’ll first need to install an alternative app marketplace and set it as your default for app installation.
After you delete the App Store app, you can still manage alternative app installation features at Settings > Apps > App Installation. Certain system features change their behavior:
You won’t receive automatic updates for apps that you previously downloaded from the App Store, and you won’t be able to manually update them either.
If you delete other built-in Apple apps, you won’t be able to redownload them without first restoring the App Store to your device.
You can still manage your subscriptions in Settings, but you won’t be able to manage them in the App Store app.
If you subscribe to Apple Arcade, you’ll be notified and can continue playing games that you previously downloaded on your device. If you want to download new Apple Arcade games, or update or restore Apple Arcade apps, restore the App Store to your device. You can cancel your Apple Arcade subscription in Settings.
How to reinstall the App Store app
If you want to download or update any apps from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, the App Store is required. You can also go to Settings > Apps > App Installation, then tap Reinstall App Store at the bottom of the page.
You might also see an option to reinstall the App Store when you tap any links to apps that can be downloaded from the App Store.
About deleting the Camera app
After you delete the Camera app, certain system features change their behavior:
Gestures and buttons that open the Camera app are removed, including on the Lock Screen and Control Center.
Some features and control options will be removed from Settings > Camera.
Apps will still be able to access and use the hardware camera built in to your iPhone or iPad.
How to redownload the Camera app
If you want to use the Camera app or any of its features on your iPhone or iPad, you’ll have to redownload the Camera app in the App Store.
About deleting the Photos app
After you delete the Photos app, certain system features change their behavior:
Your library of photos is not deleted and remains on your device using storage. You can’t manage or delete photos to free up space without the Photos app.
Memories will not be available.
You will not be able to view or use Hidden or recently deleted photos.
Your Settings app will change. You can still manage certain features at Settings > General > Photo Library.
Any other apps which you allow to access your library of photos will continue to be able to access it. You’ll still be able to manage access in Settings.
How to redownload the Photos app
If you want to use the Photos app or any of its features on your iPhone or iPad, you’ll have to redownload the Photos app in the App Store.
About deleting the Safari app
To delete Safari from your iPhone or iPad, you’ll first need to install an alternative web browser and set it as your default browser app.
After you delete the Safari app, certain system features change their behavior:
Deleting Safari also deletes your browsing history and website data stored on your device.
Your Settings app will change. You can still manage certain features at Settings > General > In-App Web Browsing.
How to redownload the Safari app
If you want to use the Safari app or any of its features on your iPhone or iPad, you’ll have to redownload the Safari app in the App Store.
