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I do not understand at all why there needs to be any distinction whatsoever between "system apps" and "app store apps". Yes, it's the way Apple does things. Bu

I do not understand at all why there needs to be any distinction whatsoever between "system apps" and "app store apps". Yes, it's the way Apple does things. But why? Linux distros have used package management to push updates for everything from the kernel to the mail client for over a decade now. It's not like the technology is new. Internally, there can't be much of a distinction between the two categories of apps. So why can't they be pluggable like everything else? I get that they're an integral part of the device's UX, but I can't think of any reason why they can't be upgraded through the package manager all the other apps use. Maybe the reason is maximizing the wow factor upon upgrading, and even that seems like a minor benefit compared to the advantages of, y'know, rapid security patching. EDIT: Timothee above mentions that other apps depend on them, and I suppose it's true, version-based dependency management does seem a little overly complex for such a device (it's definitely not like Apple to say something like "This application requires Mail 2.53.x to run").

DLWormwood 16y ago
What would happen if you delete the App Store app itself? If nothing else, a couple of the apps have to be handled differently, to prevent bricking the device (or, at least, force an iTunes sync to restore functionality). Unlike the Finder, Springboard has no menubar or some other location to provide UI independent of apps. So, the App Store and Settings apps have to be protected at a minimum.
- chronomex 16y ago
  # apt-get remove apt Reading Package Lists... Done Building Dependency Tree... Done The following packages will be REMOVED: apt apt-utils base-config WARNING: The following essential packages will be removed This should NOT be done unless you know exactly what you are doing! apt 0 packages upgraded, 0 newly installed, 3 to remove and 17 not upgraded. Need to get 0B of archives. After unpacking 3183kB will be freed. You are about to do something potentially harmful To continue type in the phrase 'Yes, do as I say!'
  - wfarr 16y ago
    Yes, because your average joe user is going to have any idea what they're doing. The simple fact of the matter is that the iPhone is made for mass consumption, and things like this would outright deter many users from using the iPhone — let alone wanting to use it.
jsz0 16y ago
The backup-update-restore process has become so lengthy at this point I'm sure lots of people skip minor point releases just so they don't have to endure this 30-60 minute process. Either App Store packages or small OTA updates focusing exclusively on security patches would help a lot.

DLWormwood 16y ago

What would happen if you delete the App Store app itself? If nothing else, a couple of the apps have to be handled differently, to prevent bricking the device (or, at least, force an iTunes sync to restore functionality). Unlike the Finder, Springboard has no menubar or some other location to provide UI independent of apps. So, the App Store and Settings apps have to be protected at a minimum.

chronomex 16y ago
# apt-get remove apt Reading Package Lists... Done Building Dependency Tree... Done The following packages will be REMOVED: apt apt-utils base-config WARNING: The following essential packages will be removed This should NOT be done unless you know exactly what you are doing! apt 0 packages upgraded, 0 newly installed, 3 to remove and 17 not upgraded. Need to get 0B of archives. After unpacking 3183kB will be freed. You are about to do something potentially harmful To continue type in the phrase 'Yes, do as I say!'
- wfarr 16y ago
  Yes, because your average joe user is going to have any idea what they're doing. The simple fact of the matter is that the iPhone is made for mass consumption, and things like this would outright deter many users from using the iPhone — let alone wanting to use it.

jsz0 16y ago

The backup-update-restore process has become so lengthy at this point I'm sure lots of people skip minor point releases just so they don't have to endure this 30-60 minute process. Either App Store packages or small OTA updates focusing exclusively on security patches would help a lot.