The Storage Drain
To create a seamless ecosystem, Apple utilizes a feature called “Automatic App Install.” By default, whenever you download a brand new application to your iPhone (like a weather app, a calculator, or a fitness tracker), iOS silently checks to see if the developer also created a companion app for the Apple Watch. If one exists, the iPhone automatically pushes the software to your watch and installs it in the background. While convenient, the Apple Watch has incredibly limited storage space. If you download dozens of apps to your phone, your watch will rapidly fill up with useless companion apps you never actually intended to use on your wrist.
How to Turn Off Automatic App Install
You can sever the automatic software synchronization via the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone (the icon with the side profile of a watch).
- Ensure you are on the “My Watch” tab at the bottom left.
- Scroll down the main list and tap on General.
- At the very top of the screen, look for the master toggle switch labeled Automatic App Install.
- Toggle this switch to the Off position (the green background will disappear).
Manual Installations Only
The change takes effect instantly. From this point forward, when you download a new game or utility to your iPhone, it will stay exclusively on your iPhone. If you later decide that you do want the companion app on your wrist, you must open the Watch app on your phone, scroll to the bottom of the “My Watch” tab to the “Available Apps” section, and manually click the “Install” button next to the specific app.