The Cluttered Interface
By default, whenever you download a new game or utility from the App Store, iOS automatically places the new application’s icon on the very first empty slot it can find on your Home Screen. If you frequently download apps to test them out, this behavior will rapidly destroy your carefully organized folders, creating dozens of messy, unwanted pages of icons. With the introduction of the “App Library” (the hidden master list located by swiping to the far right of your Home Screen), you no longer need every single app visible on your main pages. You can force iOS to download apps directly to the library.
How to Stop Apps from Adding to the Home Screen
You can change the default download behavior via the Home Screen settings.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Home Screen & App Library.
- Look at the very top section labeled “Newly Downloaded Apps.”
- You will see two options: “Add to Home Screen” and “App Library Only.”
- Tap on App Library Only (a blue checkmark will appear next to it).
A Pristine Desktop
The change takes effect immediately. The next time you download an application from the App Store, your Home Screen will remain completely untouched. The app will install silently in the background and will only be accessible by swiping over to the App Library or by searching for it via Spotlight, keeping your primary interface perfectly clean and organized.