iPhone users: You're getting the new Apple Watch app, whether you want it or not.
The app, which debuted Monday as part of the iOS 8.2 update, is automatically downloaded onto iPhones with the update and cannot be deleted.
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Interestingly, this only applies to iPhones; the iPad version of the 8.2 update doesn't include the app.
Right now, the app doesn't do much other than show promotional videos for the wearable. But once the Apple Watch goes on sale, you can use the app to pair your phone and manage apps via a dedicated App Store.
Another look at the new Apple Watch app that comes with iOS 8.2 pic.twitter.com/Wl9VeKEa0z— Karissa Bell (@karissabe) March 9, 2015
Apple has not explained why it made the watch app one of its mandatory apps for iPhone users, a list which includes Stocks, Safari, Health, iBooks, Reminders, Maps, Tips and Newsstand, and why you likewise can't delete it.
It's possible the company may let you remove the app in a future update -- iOS 8.3 is already in the works -- but for now the only way to get the new app out of sight is to hide it in a folder.
Though the update has only been live a few hours, users have already taken to Twitter to voice their complaints about the unwanted app -- which many are equating with bloatware.
First Tips and now #AppleWatch has its very own bloatware app. Seriously @tim_cook you need to stop forcing apps I'll never use onto me.— Jeff Perry (@JefferyDPerry) March 9, 2015
Am I correct in saying the Apple Watch app is the first force-installed app that requires you to buy another Apple product to have value?— Josh Vickerson (@joshvickerson) March 9, 2015
So yall just gone force this apple watch app on me huh?— Same Ol' G (@marbl3poundcak3) March 9, 2015
Why the hell would apple force another app onto us that most people will never use??? #AppleWatch— Sally Huang (@SallyHuang419) March 9, 2015
So does iOS 8.2 do anything more than add the Apple Watch app that I can't delete?— Chris Bennion (@Chris_Utah3DS) March 9, 2015
Of course the new iOS update includes yet another app you can't delete. Magical. #AppleWatch— Paul Tomblin (@XcskiPaul) March 9, 2015
BONUS: Apple Watch Hands-On
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