New study finds 80% of downloaded smartphone apps are unused

With the iPhone 16 now available to purchase, many people will be clearing out their iCloud and tidying up their devices. 

However, a recent survey of 2,000 Brits by Compare and Recycle found that 80% of apps on a smartphone are completely unused, despite being downloaded by the owner. 

How many downloaded apps are people using regularly?

The study by Compare and Recycle found that the average person claims to have 33 downloaded apps on their smartphone, however, just seven of these are used on a regular basis – just 21% of their entire app collection. 

This means that almost 80% of a smartphone user’s app collection are not used regularly. 

What are the risks of downloading apps and not using them?

Shockingly, 89% of people NEVER check T&Cs before downloading an app to their phone, so are completely unaware of the personal data each platform has access to. And just 29% limit what apps can access in their phone’s settings. 

Alarmingly, 54% of Brits admit to downloading apps from third-party stores, instead of sticking to the official app store on their phone, and just 43% are keeping their apps updated when prompted. 

The most ‘intrusive’ apps to be aware off

Compare and Recycle’s study found that Instagram and Facebook are the apps stealing the most data, with both having access to 81.63% of a user’s data – from precise location and sensitive information to financial details and browsing history. 

Threads and Messenger place in joint second, with both apps accessing 78.57% of a user’s data. Each app has access to the user’s payment details, health and fitness information, and audio data, among many more.  

YouTube is the top-ranking streaming platform (48.98%), Uber Eats is the highest-ranking food delivery platform (48.98%) and Waze is the most invasive navigation app (43.88%).