Apple has deleted my Keynote/Numbers/Pages via App Store although auto updates are disabled on iPad

Question

Apple has deleted my Keynote/Numbers/Pages via App Store although auto updates are disabled on iPad

I can explicitly prove with screenshots and logs, that due to the unexpected and forced update to "Apple Creator Studio", I actively disabled automatic updating at the App Store on iOS (iPad; on the iPhone I was too late) while I was on Airplane mode. I toggled the setting and after a while, I connected to WiFi again.

When I just picked up my device now, a few hours later, it has been updated nevertheless! Numbers, Pages and Keynote are all gone and I see these strange new icons (numbers icon is looking at me like a raised middle finger, thanks). And now there's no way back. I still have to check for data-loss, as I've seen reports that encrypted files aren't accessible anymore.

Why is Apple UNINSTALLING perfectly working software against my will, without any chance of ever restoring this version? How come that they are allowed to even do this, when I disable auto-updates? I did not and will not accept the new terms of usage of this Creator Studio.

Keynote is a freaking presentation software, how dare Apple to know when I'm holding my presentations and remove the presentation app just before I need it most on a Sunday evening? I have an important presentation tomorrow and this just got so f***ed up that I could cry. Just imagine that happing during WWDC!

I backed up the old version on my Mac, but we are not allowed to back up apps on iOS or iPadOS. I cannot revert app versions on iOS. No more Keynote on my iPad, as both app versions aren't compatible with each other..

Can someone else confirm that Apple is removing old App and installing Apple Creator Studio versions even though auto-update is set to off?

I'm a long term very loyal and convinced Apple user and -developer, many hardware, many subscriptions, recommending Apple products at our Design School. I've left a load of money there since over 20 years. But this is tipping me off. That's a couple of no-gos, all on one weekend, I'm not willing to accept.

Posted on Feb 1, 2026 10:29 AM

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Answer 1

lkrupp

Level 7

22,729 points

Feb 1, 2026 10:42 AM in response to zeichensprecher

Those apps are still free to download and use even though it says (in app purchases). Those apps will be updated as usual. The only thing you would asked to subscribe to are the fancy new AI features and such. Although they are part of the new Creative Studio they are free to use. Pages, Numbers, Keynote have been updated from version 14.5 to version 15.1. And no Apple does not need your permission to do so. The old versions have been replaced by the new versions.

You don’t say which platform you are on but on a Mac running macOS 26.2.1 Tahoe the old versions are left in tact and are not deleted if you download the new 15.1 versions.

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Answer 2

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

63,584 points

Feb 1, 2026 11:50 AM in response to zeichensprecher

No subscription is required at all to continue and use the apps as you always did. You won't have access to the additional templates or AI features, but you have never had them before either. Nothing was taken away from you.

Every document previously created has had zero compatibility issues for me when opened with the new versions. I also have a Mac and iPad where files from both versions open just fine. Documents created with the new versions can still be opened and modified with the old versions. It is easy to test for yourself without having to rely on what any random person says. It seems like you may be getting all worked up for nothing.

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Answer 3

Feb 1, 2026 11:27 AM in response to lkrupp

Thanks for trying to help, appreciate this!

Unfortunately, it's not possible to download old versions or revert on an iPad or iPhone. I've written that I backed up the versions on my mac, but if I can't edit files on both my mac and my iPad, then I don't need that software anymore. FWIW I don't think both versions are compatible and there are reports of many things broken.

And yes, for the moment it's just templates that no-one needs, but they already stated that future features will only be accessible by pro users. So, if you're one of the people who use the music and video pro apps: congratulations!

Unfortunately, I'm one of the users who only need the former iWorks, mainly Keynote and I never use logic nor final cut nor motion nor any of the other apps listed there.

What's next? A subscription fee for using Finder or Terminal? A new bundle for Apple Health along with Notes and Reality Composer with a single subscription? I really don't get this.

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Answer 4

lkrupp

Level 7

22,729 points

Feb 1, 2026 2:53 PM in response to zeichensprecher

If you are unhappy with Apple’s direction and decisions you have choices. No one is twisting your arm to stay with Apple and none of us here are Apple employees. Subscription based business models are everywhere and increasing. You used to be able to send St. Jude Hospital for Children a donation now and then. Now they want you to commit to a regular monthly donation.

Like Mac Jim ID I have no issues with the new versions opening existing files and projects and I don’t know where you are getting your information from. Finally you are always able to submit your opinions directly to Apple via the feedback channels.

Product Feedback - Apple

Feedback - Pages - Apple

Feedback - Numbers - Apple

Feedback - Keynote - Apple

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