Is it Safe to Delete iPhone's "Default Apps"? A Complete Guide to "Deletion" and "Restoration"

1. First, Organize: There are Three Ways to "Remove" Standard Apps

When you say "I want to remove standard apps" on an iPhone, it actually means one of the following:

A) Remove from Home Screen (Only Visually Remove)

The app itself remains on the iPhone (specifically in the App Library) and can be launched by searching. This is for those who want to organize their home screen. Apple's instructions clearly include the option to "Remove from Home Screen." Apple Support+1

B) Delete the App (Remove the App Itself)

The app disappears from the iPhone. Some standard apps can also be deleted. Apple’s guide notes that "related user data and configuration files are also deleted" for standard apps. Apple Support+1

C) Offload Unused Apps

This is an "intermediate" mechanism that frees up space by removing the app itself while keeping documents and data. Apple's user guide explains that you can enable "Offload Unused Apps" automatically when storage is low. Apple Support

If Unsure: Start with A (Remove from Home Screen)
If "truly unnecessary," "understand the impact," or "want to free up space," then B (Delete)
If "might use again, but space is tight," then C (Offload)

2. Conclusion: It's Generally "OK to Delete" Standard Apps, But There Are Exceptions and Side Effects

2-1) Standard Apps That Are Not Critical Even If Deleted (Examples)

Calculator, Compass, Notes, Reminders, Voice Memos, Tips, Stocks, Weather, etc., can be deleted and restored by re-downloading (examples of built-in apps that can be deleted as listed by Apple). Apple Support+1

2-2) "Deletable But Understand the Impact First" Examples

Apple lists the following "chain reactions" as examples of the impact of deleting built-in apps.

• Deleting Podcasts will make Podcasts unavailable on CarPlay Apple Support

• Deleting Stocks/Weather will make them unavailable in notifications and other places Apple Support

• Deleting Calculator will remove it from the Control Center Apple Support

• Deleting an app on iPhone may also remove the same app from a paired Apple Watch Apple Support+1

In other words, what you thought was "just removing an icon" could affect other pathways like cars, watches, and notifications.

3. Which Standard Apps Can Be Deleted? (Apple's Official Representative List)

Apple states that "some built-in apps can be deleted if you have iOS 14 or later" and provides a list of deletable built-in apps. Apple Support

Representative examples include (with notes on those not available on iPad, etc.):

• Apple Books / TV / Music / Podcast

• Calculator / Calendar / Clock / Compass

• Contacts / FaceTime / Files / Find My / Freeform

• Health / Home / iTunes Store / Mail / Maps

• Measure / News (depending on region) / Notes / Reminders / Shortcuts

• Stocks / Tips / Translate / Voice Memos / Wallet / Watch / Weather, etc. Apple Support+1

On the other hand, Apple also states that "some built-in apps cannot be deleted" (mentioned in the explanation for when they cannot be deleted). Apple Support

4. Important: The Number of "Deletable Standard Apps" May Increase Depending on Country/Region (Affects Japan)

In recent years, there are "additional built-in apps that can be deleted" according to regulations and systems of countries and regions. Apple provides information on additional built-in apps that can be deleted in specific countries and regions, mentioning Japan in addition to the EU. Apple Support+1

Point of Interest in Japan: Under Certain Conditions, "Safari (iPhone Only)" Can Be Subject to Deletion

According to Apple's guidance, there are cases where Safari can be additionally deleted in Japan (iPhone only). Apple Support+1
Additionally, it is explained that to delete Safari, "you need to install an alternative browser and set it as the default," among other preconditions and changes in behavior after deletion (such as deletion of history/site data). Apple Support

Global Point:
The issue of "my friend could delete it but I can't" can occur not only due to "OS generation differences" but also "country/region differences."

5. [Practical] How to Delete Standard Apps (Home Screen/App Library)

5-1) Operation on the Home Screen: Choose "Remove" or "Delete"

1. Long press the app on the home screen

2. Tap "Delete App"

3. Choose to Remove from Home Screen(Keep in App Library) or Delete App(Delete from iPhone) Apple Support

5-2) Completely Delete from App Library

The flow of long press on the App Library side → "Delete App" → "Delete" is also described in Apple's guide. Apple Support+1

5-3) Cautionary Points When Deleting Standard Apps

Apple warns that "deleting built-in apps may also delete related data and configuration files, potentially affecting system functions." Apple Support+1
If it's just a matter of "the icon is in the way," it's safer to "remove from home screen" first.

6. [Practical] How to Restore (Reinstall) Standard Apps

6-1) Basics: Re-download from the App Store

Apple's procedure for restoring built-in apps is simple.

1. Open the App Store

2. Search for the app name (official name is the key)

3. Tap to re-download (cloud icon, etc.)

4. Once restored, open from the home screen Apple Support+1

If using an Apple Watch, restoring on the iPhone may also restore it on the Watch. Apple Support

6-2) Common Reasons for "Deleted But Not Restored"

• Not found by app name: Apple also encourages searching with the "exact name." Apple Support

• App Store itself is deleted (under certain conditions): Deleting the App Store changes behavior, such as not being able to re