We've received a lot of new features with iOS 14, and one of them is the App Library. A vertically scrolling app drawer on the iPhone's home screen is certainly welcome, but it could use some improvement. I've been using iOS 14 for quite some time now and have found myself stumbling across the app library and using it.
If you take a close look at the Apple ecosystem, it's pretty clear that the company has now taken a more competitive approach. The app library, widgets, privacy controls, and iOS 14 as a whole are proof of that. Anyway, now let's talk about the iOS 14 App Library, a feature that makes perfect sense on the iPhone, but would make more sense on an iPad.
How do I get the application library?
If you are using an iPhone 6s / iPhone SE (first generation) or later, your phone is compatible with iOS 14. You can view the list of all compatible devices here. You can get the app library and other iOS 14 features when you update your phone. You can do this by going to Settings> General> Software update> Download and install.
Also read: 7 great hidden iOS 14 features you need to know
Where is the iOS 14 app library located?
Like everything on iOS, the app library also has a fixed place. Keep swiping your finger left from your home screen and you'll come across it. Once there, you'll see all of your apps neatly organized into different categories. At the top of the app library, you'll see a search bar.
How to use the iOS 14 app library?
- Tap the search bar to see all your apps in alphabetical order and search for particular apps.
- At the top left you will find some suggestions. These are the apps that your iPhone thinks you're likely to open next.
- You can access the full size icons in the library with just one click, and if you see 3-4 icons grouped together, tap on them to expand that category.
- Then there is a " Recently Added " section, where you can find your new apps.
- Finally, there are fixed categories such as Social, Utilities and Entertainment.
Pro tip: Pull down from anywhere on the screen while in the app library to access the search bar.
If you keep a lot of apps but don't want a lot of pages on your iPhone home screen, the app library can help you do that. Here's how to reduce clutter on your home screen
- Go to Settings> Home screen> Select "Application library only"
- You can also tick "Scomment in the app library"To receive notification badges in the application library.
- Now go to your home screen, enter Jiggle mode (long press anywhere)> Tap the dots at the bottom of the screen> Uncheck the pages you want to delete
- Once you do this, you will only see the selected pages with the app library on your home screen.
- If you want to add an app to the home screen from the app library, go to the App library> Long press the app> drop it on the home screen.
How do I delete the app library?
You can delete apps from the app library, but you can't delete the library itself. If you are here to know how to delete or edit app library, you are out of luck dear friend. If you want to remove apps from the app library, here's how:
Go to App Library> Long press the app you want to remove> Tap "Remove app"> Remove.
There is currently no way to remove or even move the categories around Apple's latest addition to iOS.. Simply put, you can use it or not use it, it will be there, and that's one of the things I didn't like about it in the first place.
Good but half cooked
Now that the features and limitations are removed, let's move on to the ergonomics part. Android phones have been categorically organized app drawers and apps for years now, no complaints here. The complaint is that we still can't customize or edit the iOS 14 app library. It just stays as is. While I'm fine with getting used to the current layout, it will be nice to be able to move the sections.
By default, the App Library contains Arcade, Information & Reading, and Health & Fitness tabs at the bottom. I just want to be able to bring the Info & Reading tab up to the top, and the library won't let me do that right now. Another thing is that you can't add widgets above the app library. So it's a simple, sorted, and welcome addition, but I think it's half-baked because the customization is still limited.
