Once upon a time you could organize/rearrange the apps on your iphone via your computer screen while the phone was plugged in. My phone is currently on 11.0.3, and my itunes is 12.7.0.166, so both up to date, and I no longer see this option available.
Does it no longer exist? If it does can you show me where to find it? Searches in Google and Apple Support only point me to outdated articles.
Management of apps, books, and tones has been removed from iTunes 12.7. See Changes in the new iTunes - Apple Support for details. The intention is clearly that management of these generally takes place on the device.
See the Manually add items from your computer section of Manually manage content on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch using iTunes - Apple Support for the control that remains. This can be used to copy apps (including apps that have been withdrawn from the store), ePubs, iBooks, PDFs, and tones from your computer to your device. The File Sharing feature for copying data between apps and the computer is still there. You can also use iCloud Drive, or Dropbox to move content to and from the device.
A long time criticism of iTunes, at least from some quarters, is that has been that it has become bloated. Perhaps this is an attempt to address that. I let both my iOS devices update automatically when there is an updated app, and I'm not interested in hanging on to old apps that a developer has withdrawn, nor do I need to rearrange my apps often, so while the change is drastic, I don't think it really affects me much. I'm more irritated by the changes to iTunes U, and iBooks in iTunes for Windows.
See Deploy apps in a business environment with iTunes - Apple Support for access to iTunes 12.6.3 if you want to revert to a build with app management features. Windows users need to uninstall the current copy of the iTunes application first. See Empty/corrupt iTunes library after upgrade/crash for steps to revert to a pre-iTunes 12.7 version of your iTunes database.
tt2
I wouldn’t suggest reverting to an older iTunes version as you may require a compatible iTunes version for all of your iOS devices that are up to date . I would recommend familiarizing yourself with the iOS device’s functionality and manage your apps on the iOS screen. You’ll notice your home screen has enlarged by creating additional windows when needed. If you feel you have trouble navigating on the screen, you may find purchasing a iOS device with a larger screen may be a better choice.
I don't have any problems using the current build of iTunes. The information on the option of reverting to an older build is provided for those that do.
iTunes 12.6.3.6 is explicitly compatible with devices running iOS 11, including iPhone 8 and X. Installing that build is a reasonable approach for those who want to be able to manage multiple devices from a single library or manage home screens on a computer rather than on the device. That said Apple have signalled that it is primarily intended for business users and that they don't plan to provide ongoing support for it. It is, perhaps, unlikely that it will get an update to support iOS 12.
tt2
I am officially complaining about the way we can not manage our purchased apps on our computers! Most of us do not JUST own iphones! We have many devices....FIX THIS PROBLEM PLEASE! we want to manage our apps using a mouse and a larger screen, not on a small device. PUT IT BACK!
Cyndi
Cynditjie wrote:
we want to manage our apps using a mouse and a larger screen, not on a small device. PUT IT BACK!
Who is "we"? Unless you're part of some recognized group, you're really only speaking for yourself. Your assumption that "Most of us do not JUST own iPhones" is just that, an assumption. As it the notion that, even people who own multiple devices want to use iTunes to organize their apps. You have every right to your opinion but attempting to speak for other is bad form.
Mpastore05 wrote:
They apparently made the decision to remove it. My guess is the product manager that made this decision is under 35, has good vision and does not suffer from carpal tunnel.
Or, Apple finally listened to all the people who've been submitting feedback that iTunes has gotten terribly bloated over the years.
But, what do I know, I never used iTunes to organize my apps. Oh, and I'm 56 and wear reading glasses.
To each his own I guess. I’ve never used Itunes for anything but to organize apps. After 25 years in the computer industry and 8 years in mobile technology the last thing I want to do is use my fingers to drag hundreds of apps around. My poor fingers and arms have been worn down. But maybe others don’t have this issue.
elifromdoylestown wrote:
Good humor. Apple needs to start listening to customers rather than act unilaterally on their own on deciding what is right for us.
As they haven't made much of a practice of doing that in the over forty years since they were founded, I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.
elifromdoylestown wrote:
Good humor. Apple needs to start listening to customers rather than act unilaterally on their own on deciding what is right for us.
If Apple had listened to consumers in 1983 your computer would not have a mouse today, as participants in focus groups universally panned the idea of a mouse, thinking it was stupid.
Apple has always worked on the assumption that they know what you need better than you do. If this is not acceptable you should probably not buy Apple products. Just find a manufacturer who DOES do what consumers tell them to do and you will be happy. Although I can't think of any...most of them just copy Apple.
Sad to see that as well but it was a bit finicky to work with anyway. I'm using Apple Configurator 2 under Actions > Modify > Home Screen Layout... Not much better but it works somewhat. Dragging apps into folders can be hit and miss. You have to make sure you don't exceed the page limit or you end up creating a new folder or worse yet the apps fall out of the folder and need to be redone. It's a pain but I find myself deleting more apps to keep my phone clean
Apple made a separate app called "Apple Configurator 2", where you can manage the look and feel of your "wallpapers/screens" and organize apps.
Once you launch the app, goto Actions > Modify > Home Screen Layout ... make your changes and Apply!
Remeber The Mac Towers? Where you able to Customize the parts based on need? Well, that's the future of phones... Build your own... Seriously considering it.. as the tech and parts are available... | There is no reason for this abuse. It takes a mental toll as well... you CONSTANTLY Need to be ON with them... They make everything including your PURCHASES as hidden as possible, as deceptive as it gets... mainly because they take you're money and remove the apps from your device after... (justify as you may, this is THEFT) These people have changed their model so much after Steve Jobs Passed.... Sadly there aren't many other 'Consumer Products' available, so the next level is Custom Phone Shops... and a HUGE business opportunity.. they absolutely took us (this sector) for granted.
DONT FORGET you also DONT HAVE 500+ APPS ON THE DEVICE TO MANAGE. Notice I said DEVICE!!! because not ALL IPHONEs are used JUST FOR THE PHONE, 100 + gigs wasn't meant for text or your calls.... I can do that with a FLIP... Marinate on that...
Actually, as I recall idris has around 750 apps. I have only 300. I never used iTunes to manage my apps, so I don’t miss it at all. But if you stop typing IN CAPS FOR A MOMENT and actually read the thread you posted to you would learn that Apple provides 2 ways to manage apps from your computer. But that would take the fun of whining away.
I have read the thread. Its how I read yours? You made it sound like since you can manage your apps, others should just follow suit. And it's not that simple (although for you, clearly a walk in the park) And YES, I have downloaded the 'options' once again, as we constantly need to work backward with apple. Until my computer starts uncontrollably reminding me of how there are new iTunes Updates to download and I can't even opt out of that reminder. Good Day Sir.
VeryUnhappyAppleUser wrote:
DONT FORGET you also DONT HAVE 500+ APPS ON THE DEVICE TO MANAGE.
Actually, I have 742 at this moment.
Marinate? I'm not a piece of meat. I think that perhaps you meant ruminate?
how to organize apps with itunes?
