Hands-On Apple 210: App Store Settings on iOS

Host: Micah Sargent
Date: December 4, 2025

Main Theme

This episode of Hands-On Apple dives into the often overlooked but crucial App Store settings on iOS—especially the "Offload Unused Apps" feature. Host Micah Sargent guides listeners through each setting, demystifies what they do, and offers practical advice on how to control which apps stay on your phone and which are automatically removed to save space.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction & The App Offloading Problem

• [02:00] Micah shares a common scenario: someone tries to show him an app, only to find it was offloaded by iOS to save space, requiring a time-consuming re-download.
• Many users, it turns out, are unaware this is a feature and don’t know how to control it.
• Quote:

  "They thought that this was a new setting or a new thing that had just been flipped on, didn't know how to turn it off." — Micah Sargent [02:34]

2. Navigating the New App Store Settings Location

• [03:00] Explains how with recent iOS changes, App Store settings are now found under the Apps section in Settings, not as a separate menu item.
• Step-by-step:
  • Open Settings
  • Tap "Apps"
  • Scroll to "App Store"

3. Review of App Store Settings

Micah walks through all the critical settings in the App Store menu, breaking down their purpose:

Permissions

• [03:36]
  • Location: Only accessed while using the app.
  • Calendar: Can only add events, not modify or delete.
    • Used for app preview releases and reminders.

Apple Intelligence & Siri

• [05:38]
  • Controls whether Apple’s AI and Siri can learn from this app’s usage.

Search, Notifications, and Cellular Data

• [05:55]
  • Decide if the app shows up in search, can send notifications, and/or use cellular data for downloads.

4. Automatic Downloads Section

Micah provides his opinions on these practical toggles:

• App Downloads:

  • Downloads apps purchased/installed on any device to all your devices.
  • Micah's take:

    "It's a feature I absolutely abhor and therefore have it turned off. Because I don't want an app that I download on my iPad to necessarily be on my phone." [06:27]

• App Updates:

  • Allows auto-updating of apps.
  • Micah prefers this off to review update features manually.

• In-App Content:

  • Permits apps to pre-download content in the background, smoothing onboarding for large games and apps.

5. Cellular Data Controls for Apps

• [08:15]

  • Decide if automatic downloads can use cellular data.
  • Micah keeps most off, except in-app content.

• Download Limit:

  • Set to get confirmation before downloading apps over 200MB on cellular.

6. App Store Video Autoplay & Ratings Prompts

• [09:00]
  • Disable/enable automatic video previews in the App Store.
  • In-App Ratings & Reviews:
    • Micah supports leaving it on to help developers, reminding listeners that each app update can prompt new ratings.
    • Quote:

      "If you are bothered by those prompts... this is a way to turn that off. You'll notice I have mine turned on. I think it's very important to support developers." [09:40]

7. Deep Dive: Offload Unused Apps

• [10:55] – 13:55]

  • Explains the Offload Unused Apps toggle in detail:

    • Offloads the app code when not in use, but keeps your documents/data.
    • No clear set time when iOS considers an app “unused,” but it's based on usage frequency.
    • If space is not an issue, Micah recommends keeping this OFF to avoid surprises.
    • Example given: someone’s apps being removed automatically led to “annoying” waits.
    • Quote:

      “It disappears the app content... and leaves your data and documents in place... It does this after a period of time.” [13:55]

  • When to use:

    • Great for users in constant need of free space.
    • Not ideal for those who want reliable access to all their apps at all times.

8. Privacy & Personalized Recommendations

• [15:09]
  • Explains the “See how your data is managed” link, showing how Apple collects and uses your data for personalized App Store recommendations.
  • Highlight of the “Reset Identifier” feature:
    • Lets you start fresh with a new ID for App Store activity tracking.
    • Quote:

      “I want that to stop and I want you to treat me as a completely new person. So you can hit Reset identifier and you'll get a new identifier...” [16:44]

Memorable Quotes and Moments

• Micah on offloading apps:

  “I like to keep mine turned off to keep those apps on my phone.” [13:32]

• On supporting developers:

  “It's very important to, to support developers. And one of the big things people often don't know... every time a new update for an app comes out, reviews have to be done again.” [09:54]

Practical Takeaways

• If you don't want iOS deleting your unused apps, turn off “Offload Unused Apps” (Settings > Apps > App Store).
• Automatic downloads/app updates can be managed per-device for a personalized experience.
• Use the privacy/identifier settings if you want to reset Apple’s data tracking for app recommendations.

Key Timestamps

• [02:00] Introduction and offloading apps problem
• [03:00] Finding App Store settings in the latest iOS
• [05:38] Permissions explained
• [06:27] Micah’s take on automatic downloads and keeping devices distinct
• [10:55] In-depth explanation of Offload Unused Apps
• [15:09] Privacy settings and personalized suggestions
• [16:44] Resetting your App Store identifier

Closing

Micah wraps with an invitation for listener questions:

“If you have questions for me, micahwit tv, you can also reach me HOA tv. All of those places will make their way to me. Thank you so much for tuning in today.” [17:33]

For listeners who want full control over how their iOS devices manage apps and privacy, this episode provides a thorough, practical walkthrough and plenty of expert tips delivered in Micah’s relaxed, conversational style.