Apple lists the essential iOS apps, Facebook is not one of them!

Apple has just updated the list of essential iOS apps to install on a new iPhone. To everyone’s surprise, the Californian giant is careful not to recommend applications developed by Meta, such as Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp.

The App Store, Apple’s application store, displays a list of must-have iOS apps for all iPhone users. These free applications are considered essential tools for all users.

The list, regularly updated by Apple, is mainly aimed at people who have just bought their first iPhone. The Cupertino giant’s suggestions aim to guide neophytes in configuring their device. Other lists are also visible in the App Store, such as must-have photo apps, favorite apps for students, and most popular apps.

Apple “forgot” to add Facebook apps to the list

The selection of must-have iOS apps includes popular tools like Google, Gmail or Calm, relaxation app. Apple does not hesitate to highlight services that can be considered as competitors.

Thus, Disney + and Amazon Prime Video are well on the list. The two streaming services are however rivals of Apple TV +, the VOD offer developed by the Californian group. On the other hand, we will note the very surprising omission of Netflix, which nevertheless remains the essential number 1 in streaming. Without further ado, discover the complete list.

The list of must-have iOS apps according to Apple

• Snapchat
• Discord
• Cash App
• TikTok
• Youtube
• gmail
• Amazon
• Bumble
• Reddit
• Hulu
• Disney+
• Venmo
• Tinder
• shein
• pandora
• Starbucks
• SoundCloud
• widgetsmith
• walmart
• picsart
• Amazon Prime Video
• HBO Max
• YouTubeMusic
• Duolingo
• Twitch
• LinkedIn
• ESPN
• Hinge
• Calm
• Paramount+
• Crunchyroll
• DAZN

Above all, it seems that Apple knowingly decided not to include apps developed by Meta (formerly Facebook). The list does not include the most popular social network in the world (Facebook) nor the most used messaging application on earth (WhatsApp). Instagram is also one of the absentees. We imagine that this decision is the result a lot of data collected by the services of Meta.

Concerned about the privacy of its users, Apple has implemented a new tool against advertising tracking with the update iOS 14.5 published in May 2021. Apple decided in particular to force applications to obtain users’ permission to collect their data. All iOS applications wishing to collect user data must display a message offering the choice between two options: Accept usage tracking” Where “Ask the app not to track usage”.

This measure was openly criticized by Mark Zuckerberg’s group. For Facebook, Apple’s restrictions will prevent small businesses from deliver effective targeted ads. The social network even accused the Cupertino company of killing “millions of small businesses”. The two digital giants are far from being on good terms. Note that this is the list dedicated to the United States. However, Meta services seem to have disappeared from the selections displayed in other countries.