Playground AI App Autoinstalled, Ignored Setting and Also Added to Home Screen

I just installed iOS 18.3 and discovered Playground autoinstalled, which is a little weird but fine. If I like a feature I’d rather it not be buried in a menu, the new Passwords app is a good example.

However, the app icon was added to my Home Screen despite having set new apps only appear in the App Library. I feel like this is another step towards Apple forcing bloat and content right in my face, which is why I left Android devices two years ago.

Am I overreacting? I think it’s the principle and implication that’s really my issue. Or did this only happen to me.

Posted on Feb 1, 2025 7:44 AM

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41 replies

Mar 18, 2025 7:13 AM in response to lobsterghost1

lobsterghost1 wrote:

Yep. In my 70s here and doing just fine with technology.

If I recall, there are a couple of here folks around ninety. Steve Jobs would be seventy this year. Had he lived, I imagine he would still be coming up with interesting ideas.

Mar 18, 2025 7:25 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

IdrisSeabright wrote:

lobsterghost1 wrote:

Yep. In my 70s here and doing just fine with technology.

If I recall, there are a couple of here folks around ninety. Steve Jobs would be seventy this year. Had he lived, I imagine he would still be coming up with interesting ideas.

For some people, age is nothing more than a number. For some, age is an excuse. Most of us senior members of the forum, however, aren't techies at all. Just people who find technology interesting and enjoy helping those who don't necessarily find it so.

Dru3

Level 1

8 points

May 9, 2025 8:02 AM in response to frankmcgrady

I’ve just found the app installed too! I don’t want unnecessary apps especially not AI .. There was no warning whatsoever about adding anything. Apple should give people the option to add apps rather than forcing them onto iPhones.. bad show

lkrupp

Level 7

24,307 points

May 9, 2025 11:54 AM in response to Dru3

Dru3 wrote:

I’ve just found the app installed too! I don’t want unnecessary apps especially not AI .. There was no warning whatsoever about adding anything. Apple should give people the option to add apps rather than forcing them onto iPhones.. bad show

Get rid of your Apple gear and use something else. Problem solved! Oh wait! Other platforms auto install all manner of bloat and unwanted apps, more than Apple. Whatever.

Feb 10, 2025 12:24 PM in response to frankmcgrady

I don’t think you are overreacting. If I want an app, I’ll download it. I don’t like the idea of them adding apps or enabling features without my permission.

Feb 17, 2025 11:54 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Yes it was a cartoon image, generated FROM a photo of her.

Mar 11, 2025 9:15 AM in response to frankmcgrady

Can I at least get rid of it advertising itself on my left-hand sidebar?

Mar 11, 2025 10:44 AM in response to lobsterghost1

Thank you. I just used that link to make my comment about the Playground.

Mar 16, 2025 7:13 PM in response to frankmcgrady

Please bring Ai playground on 10 gen ipad

Mar 16, 2025 11:17 PM in response to Ssnellenberger88

It just feels very tyrannical to me.

Mar 17, 2025 11:12 PM in response to lobsterghost1

lobsterghost1 -- It's really not helpful to insult someone who does not understand tech and is almost 80 years old. It is hard for us. Please chill.

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Playground AI App Autoinstalled, Ignored Setting and Also Added to Home Screen