Sometimes—and this is rare on iPhone 7—an app won’t jiggle because it’s stuck in some weird “updating” limbo. Or you’re in a rush and don’t want to watch icons dance like they’re in a 2008 YouTube music video. In that case, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Wait a few seconds for the list to load—your phone is basically counting its children.
Scroll down to the app you want to nuke. Tap it. You’ll see two options: “Offload App” and “Delete App.” Offloading keeps the documents and data but removes the app itself (handy if you plan to re-download it later). Delete App does the full Monty. Tap “Delete App,” confirm, and it’s gone. Irony check: This method takes longer, but it’s more surgical. Choose your fighter.
The One Weird Trick Nobody Tells You
You know how some apps have a “-” instead of an “X” when they jiggle? That’s Apple’s way of saying, “Sorry, you can’t delete this, but you can hide it on a later page.” Yes, I’m looking at you, Stocks and Compass. Why Apple thinks I need a compass when I can just look up at the sun is beyond me. But you can drag those into a folder labeled “Junk Drawer” and pretend they don’t exist. It’s the digital equivalent of shoving clutter under the bed.
Also—and this is a pro tip—if you’re deleting multiple apps, don’t tap each “X” one by one. Instead, while the icons are jiggling, use a second finger to tap and hold one app, then drag it over another app to create a folder. Then delete the folder. It’s faster. You’ll feel like a wizard. I’m not kidding.
How to Delete Apps on Your iPhone - Techlicious