Do I Need The Tips App On My Phone

The Tips app comes pre-installed on millions of smartphones, yet most people never bother to open it. Found on iPhone devices running iOS, this small but surprisingly helpful app quietly sits on home screens, tucked away between more popular icons. Despite its low profile, it has earned a loyal following among users who want to get the most out of their phones without spending hours digging through settings menus or watching lengthy video tutorials. If you have ever wondered whether you actually need it, the answer might be more interesting than you think.

One of the biggest reasons the Tips app matters is that it acts like a personal assistant for learning new features. Smartphone operating systems update frequently, introducing everything from reorganized settings to entirely new gestures and shortcuts. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by these changes, users who keep the Tips app installed receive short, bite-sized recommendations that highlight what is new. This is especially valuable for older adults who may struggle with technology or for young children learning to navigate a phone for the first time. The app removes much of the frustration that comes with discovering a feature eight updates too late.

Families benefit in a practical way as well. Imagine a parent trying to configure Screen Time restrictions for a teenager but not knowing where to start. Instead of asking around or searching keywords in a help forum, they can open the Tips app and find a simple, guided walkthrough tailored to their exact software version. Community members and teachers have reported using the app on school devices to show students how to activate accessibility tools like VoiceOver or Magnifier, making the classroom environment more inclusive for everyone involved.

Real-life examples make the point clearer. A freelance photographer I spoke with mentioned that she found out about the hidden ProRAW camera format entirely through the Tips app, which permanently improved the quality of her on-the-go shots. A retiree shared that the app taught him how to use Addictive Back Tap gestures, allowing him to trigger his flashlight without fumbling through menus at night. Meanwhile, a busy parent uncovered Focus modes through a Tips notification, using them to keep work notifications out of family dinner time. Each of these people started with the same question — "Do I really need this?" — and each ended up finding genuine, everyday value.

If you want to make the most of the Tips app, consider a few simple strategies. First, keep notifications enabled so you receive alerts whenever a meaningful new feature arrives. Second, set aside five minutes each week to browse the "Featured" tab; consistency builds mastery without feeling like homework. Third, use the app on multiple devices if you own a tablet and a phone together, since tips are synced across your Apple ecosystem. Finally, explore the Suggested Shortcuts section, where the app helps you automate repetitive tasks — a time-saver for almost anyone.

10 often ignored and forgotten Apple stock apps on iPhone & iPad

It is also worth remembering that the Tips app is completely free, takes up minimal storage, and contains no ads or hidden upgrade prompts. In a digital landscape where every app seems to want your money or attention, this is refreshingly unusual. Removing it would save virtually no space while costing you a legitimate source of free, curated education. Think of it as a small library sitting in your pocket — always there when you need a quick answer.

In the end, whether you are a tech enthusiast chasing the latest shortcut, a parent streamlining household screen rules, or someone simply tired of missing hidden features, the Tips app quietly earns its place on your phone. It does not demand hours of your time or require an instruction manual. It simply appears when it matters and steps aside when it does not. If you have never opened it, give it a try today — you might be surprised by how quickly it turns confusion into confidence.