utilities folder iphone
If you use an iPhone, you’ve probably noticed the utilities folder tucked away on your home screen. The “utilities” folder is Apple’s way of organizing a few core apps that aren’t used as frequently as others, but can be surprisingly useful in the right situations. Understanding what’s inside the utilities folder on iPhone, and how to manage it, can help you get more out of your device.
What’s Inside the Utilities Folder on iPhone?
Typically, new iPhones come with a default utilities folder. Inside, you’ll often find apps like Voice Memos, Compass, Measure, Calculator, and sometimes Stocks. These aren’t the headline-grabbing apps, but each serves a clear purpose:
- Voice Memos: Record audio quickly for reminders, lectures, or interviews.
- Compass: Find your direction, check your elevation, or even use it to level a picture frame.
- Measure: Uses augmented reality to measure objects or spaces with your camera.
- Calculator: Handles everyday math, and flips into scientific calculator mode in landscape.
- Stocks: Track market updates and follow your portfolio.
This group can vary depending on iOS version and your region, but the concept is the same: low-profile tools, grouped together for convenience.
Pros and Cons of the Utilities Folder
The main advantage of the utilities folder on iPhone is organization. By stashing these niche apps together, your home screen stays cleaner, and you can find these tools without searching. It also encourages you to remember what’s available—many users forget about features like Measure or Voice Memos until they need them.
However, some users find these folders repetitive or ignore them altogether. If you rarely use these apps, the folder can feel like wasted space. Alternatively, if you use Measure or Calculator every day, you might want those on your home screen for quicker access.
Customizing Your Utilities Folder
You’re not stuck with the default setup. Press and hold the folder, then tap “Edit Home Screen.” Now, you can drag apps in or out. Move your most-used tool—say, Calculator—to the dock or a main page. You can rename the folder if “Utilities” doesn’t work for you, or scatter these apps into other categories like “Work” or “Travel.”
Searching for apps is also an option. Swipe down on your home screen and type what you need—no hunting through folders.
Tips for Making the Most of the Utilities Folder iPhone Users Overlook
- Reorganize: Don’t hesitate to move the utilities folder where it suits you best, or dissolve it entirely.
- Learn the Features: Apps like Voice Memos or Measure often get silent updates. Explore their functions and get familiar.
- Hide What You Don’t Use: You can remove stock apps you never touch. Long-press the app, tap Remove, and it’ll disappear from your pages (but is still accessible via the App Library).
The Bottom Line
The utilities folder on iPhone is a simple tool for keeping essential (but rarely used) apps at your fingertips. You can stick with Apple’s organization, or set it up to suit your style. Either way, it’s worth taking a few minutes to figure out what’s in there and whether your setup makes sense for you. A bit of thoughtful organization goes a long way in helping you get the most from your iPhone.
Kenneths Houstonamic established Mode Key Homes to provide real estate enthusiasts, professionals, and homeowners with valuable insights. His vision drives the platform’s focus on market trends, sustainable housing, and property management, helping readers make informed decisions in the ever-evolving real estate landscape.