iOS 18.3.2 - Adding apps to the dock? (again)

Question

iOS 18.3.2 - Adding apps to the dock? (again)

I just updated my iPhone 12 to the latest iOS, and am having a problem adding apps to the dock. No matter where I position the app near the dock (left, center, right) it gets repelled. Frustrating. There is only 1 app in the dock at present.

And, I no longer see any dock settings in this version.

This issue of adding apps to the dock has been reported earlier regarding iOS 18, but the screen-shot illustration doesn't apply to 18.3.2 where dock settings have since been relocated or removed altogether.

In earlier iOS versions, it was never a problem to add items to the dock. Why are we faced with a goofy, time-wasting, and tricky regression?

So... how to add apps on an iPhone 12, iOS 18.3.2? Thanks.

[Edited by Moderator]

iPhone 12 mini, iOS 18

Posted on Aug 16, 2025 11:09 AM

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Answer 1

lkrupp

Level 7

24,525 points

Aug 17, 2025 2:29 PM in response to Community User

SalfromCalif wrote:

Guess I'll drive to an Apple Store and speak with them. Is this not goofy and a time-waster?

Just one more thought. Take a look at Settings->Screen Time->Content & Privacy Restrictions. If it’s on turn it off and try again. Press and hold an App->Edit Home Screen->apps should begin to ‘wiggle’->try to move an app into the Dock.

Just stop with the “goofy and time-waster” insults. Attitudes like that get you ignored by those willing to try and help. Accept the fact that software and hardware can glitch and that Apple has not arbitrarily changed anything to make your life harder to live.

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Answer 2

Aug 17, 2025 12:07 PM in response to Community User

Your first sentence is less than appreciative of someone, another user on this user to user only forum, who took their personal time to try to help you.

Next......yes, your iOS is not current. iOS 18.6.1 is the most current, so you're several months out of date.

Finally, the page you showed is exactly how that page looks on every iPhone with iOS 18.x.x. To add apps to the dock, all you have to do is drag them there. If you want an app on the dock, you have can up to 4. Hold your finger on the app until you see Edit Home Screen, which when you tap, the apps will jiggle and then hold your finger on the app you want in the dock and move it there sliding the app there.

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Answer 3

lkrupp

Level 7

24,525 points

Aug 16, 2025 11:49 AM in response to Community User

First of all iOS 18.3.2 is nowhere near the latest version of iOS, iOS 18.6.1 is the latest and was released just yesterday. You are WAY behind. So the first thing to do is update your iPhone 12 mini to 18.6.1, try again and then come back if its still an issue.

The iPhone Dock only holds 4 apps so you have to move one out before you can move one in. Tap and hold an app until the menu comes up, tap Edit Home Screen, move one of the four apps out of the Dock, then move the app you want into the Dock.

What’s goofy, time-wasting, tricky, and regressive about that? Learn to adapt for heaven’s sake.

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Answer 4

Aug 17, 2025 11:50 AM in response to lkrupp

I mentioned in my post that there is now only 1 app in my dock. Please read original posts a bit more attentively.

Because I reset my iPhone 12 and reinstalled the iOS the day before I posted... I presumed Apple was providing the most recent iOS as of that date. Apple released vers 18.3.2 in March 2025. That makes my install WAY behind?

I've been using a variety of Apple devices since 1986. Your procedure for adding apps is indeed the standard procedure, and one that has always worked for me in the past, but not now.

The issue of the dock repelling apps has been sporadically reported for years for both iPads and iPhones irrespective of the iOS version.

So, I had wondered if there is a setting for the dock that may resolve this issue but, as I indicated, it appears that dock settings have either been removed or buried somewhere else in the version of iOS installed.

And, I wondered if there was some tip that I was unfamiliar with.

I just updated to iOS 18.6.1. The dock has only 1 app present. The dock still repels any attempt to add another app regardless of where I attempt to insert it into the dock.

Guess I'll drive to an Apple Store and speak with them. Is this not goofy and a time-waster?

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Answer 5

Aug 17, 2025 5:47 PM in response to lobsterghost1

I have been, and am, following the instructions precisely. It doesn't work. It doesn't work. It doesn't work.

The dock repels every app I attempt to locate there.

Can someone appreciate the level of frustration I experience?

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Answer 6

Aug 17, 2025 6:09 PM in response to Community User

SalfromCalif wrote:

I have been, and am, following the instructions precisely. It doesn't work. It doesn't work. It doesn't work.

The dock repels every app I attempt to locate there.

Can someone appreciate the level of frustration I experience?

Yes, I see your frustration. But being frustrated with your fellow users, like me and lkrupp won't help you.

I don't know why you can't add apps to your dock. I found this thread, which may offer some suggestions --> How do I add Apps to the dock on my iPhon… - Apple Community

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Answer 7

Aug 17, 2025 6:27 PM in response to lkrupp

My Content & Privacy Restriction Settings were already off. I toggled it on, then off again as you suggested. Problem unresolved. All the app icons jiggle as normal, I can slide them about the homepage and subsequent screens... but the dock won't accept them. It's like there is a force field protecting the dock. Crazy.

Friends... is it possible that my comments about a simple Apple function that doesn't operate as commonly expected is a mere expression of personal frustration?

Contrary to expectation... it performs in a goofy manner and thus a waste of time to resolve? I could have said glitchy, hinky, wonky. This comment was not directed at any who took their time to help troubleshoot. That would be unbelievably rude to insult anyone or their attempt to help with a comment like that.

I'll go to the Apple Store tomorrow. Consider the issue closed. Thank you.

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Answer 8

lkrupp

Level 7

24,525 points

Aug 17, 2025 6:56 PM in response to Community User

If Apple is able to resolve your issue we would appreciate your returning to tell us how that was accomplished for future reference if another user has the same experience.

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iOS 18.3.2 - Adding apps to the dock? (again)

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