What's On My Minimal (ish) iPhone
The average Brit spends three hours a day on their mobile devices, with an average number of apps on our phones between 18 and over 80, depending on the source. Despite the varied numbers, my phone has just under 20, 3rd party apps I regularly use from the Apple App Store. Alongside the apps, I have aimed for a clean aesthetic look to avoid distraction and allow me to easily find the app I need to access.
Some people who want to keep their phone simple use different pages on their phone by swiping across the screen. This helps them stop using their phone without thinking. Personally, I feel that the apps I have selected stop impulsive urges, along with a lack of notifications from the majority of apps. This is paired down more with a work focus, only allowing the bare essential notifications to pass through.
I haven't ever had numerous apps on my phone; however, I used to have social media apps like Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, Instagram etc on my phone. While I managed my time effectively on these apps, I often had clumps of friends on each. For me, I felt more disconnected as I had to check several apps to stay connected. While at university, it dawned on me how little value I got from these apps and moved some off my phone and into my computers' browser. However, I went further and deleted most social media apps and now only add apps if they serve a purpose, and that purpose is reviewed.
The main selling point, looking back, is the reduced notifications, gone are the days of vibrations and pings. I severely limit notifications, reserving them for significant events, meaning when I get one I know it's okay to respond.
Layout
The vast majority of phone apps are on this one page, with a second swipe from right to left, accessing the app library where I can access the less used apps. A swipe to the left side shows a few widgets such as activity from my Apple Watch, current weather conditions and battery charge of my phone and Apple Watch.
As the image shows, I have utilised a clean, minimal dark grey wallpaper, which avoids any distractions from the different coloured app icons, likewise the darker colour may help reduce screen brightness in an evening, or in lower light conditions. Front and centre is my Proton Calendar widget displaying the date and events in the upcoming week, helping me stay organised.
Here are the apps I have on my phone's main screen and why they are there.
Apps — Main
Signal: The main app I use to message some of my friends online.
Ente Photos: Cloud photo app sync to replace Apple Photos.
Messages: Used primarily for family communications.
Obsidian: Cloud note sync app and task management.
Apps — Bottom Bar
Here are the apps I have on my phone's main screen and why they are there.
Proton Calendar: For reminding me about events, birthdays, and some work events (as some go in my Filofax.)
Proton VPN: Not often used, but helpful to keep on hand.
Proton Mail: Personal email provider and emails from the blog are directed here.
Apps — SMS Folder
FaceTime: Never used, but helpful in case it's needed.
WhatsApp: Work communications (sadly).
Phone: To send and receive calls.
Apps — Utilities Folder
Quick Scan: Scans paper documents to create a digital copy for safe keeping.
App Store: For updating apps
Organic Maps: Offline privacy-friendly map app using Open Street Map data.
Apps — Recreation Folder
Apple Music: To listen to music.
Overcast: Download and listen to podcasts.
Library App: Listen to audiobooks when driving.
Apps — Security Folder
Bitwarden: Password Manager app.
NextDNS: Helps silence some adverts and reduce some online trackers.
Ente Auth: To keep my accounts safe.
Apps — Hidden
Banking App: To manage my finances (app name redacted for privacy)
Roadside Assistance: In case my car has a problem (app name redacted for privacy)
Super Cards: Stores loyalty cards which I access through my Apple Watch.
Other: Other stock apps like settings, safari, weather, fitness, health, measure etc
