**Hook**
Ever feel like your Apple devices are hoarding years of junk while you’re still paying for the latest iPhone? It’s spring—time to sweep out the digital cobwebs and let your tech run like new.
**Context**
After the holiday rush, most of us upgrade or at least consider it. A clean slate not only speeds things up but also protects you from lingering security holes that pop up each spring. As a former Genius Bar tech, I’ve seen the same clutter slow down Macs and iPhones for months.
---
## What’s the first thing I should do before I start cleaning?
**Back up everything** – iCloud, local Time Machine, or a third‑party service. A fresh backup guarantees you won’t lose photos, notes, or those precious receipts you keep in the Notes app.
> *Pro tip:* Enable **iCloud Photos** on your iPhone and **Optimized Storage** on macOS so your library lives in the cloud while still being instantly accessible.
[Read my guide on backing up the iPhone 17e →](/blog/how-to-seamlessly-transfer-data-to-the-new-iphone-17e-ios-26)
---
## How do I make sure my devices are secure?
Install the latest **iOS 26.3.1** (or macOS 26.3.1) security update. Apple’s March 17, 2026 release patched a WebKit cross‑origin issue (CVE‑2026‑20643) that could let malicious sites bypass the Same‑Origin Policy.
- iOS 26.3.1 → Settings → General → Software Update
- macOS 26.3.1 → System Settings → Software Update
*Source:* [Apple Support – Background Security Improvements](https://support.apple.com/en-us/126604)
---
## Which apps are the biggest space hogs?
According to 2025‑2026 App Store data, the average iPhone runs **11+ app sessions per day** and stores **over 2 million apps** across the ecosystem, but most users have **hundreds of unused apps**.
- Open Settings → General → iPhone Storage → **Review Large Attachments**.
- Delete apps you haven’t opened in the last 30 days.
*Source:* [TechKV – iPhone Usage Statistics 2025](https://techkv.com/iphone-usage-statistics/)
---
## Can I automate the cleanup?
Yes! Use **Shortcuts** to create a “Declutter” automation that:
1. Clears Safari cache.
2. Removes old voice‑mail recordings.
3. Sends a weekly reminder to review the **Photos** “Duplicates” album.
Save the shortcut and run it every Sunday after your backup.
---
## What about old files on my Mac?
macOS’s **Optimized Storage** can offload rarely used files to iCloud. Additionally, run **About This Mac → Storage → Manage** and enable **Reduce Clutter** to scan for large files, old DMG installers, and duplicate downloads.
---
## How do I keep my Apple Watch from getting left behind?
If you own an **Apple Watch Ultra 3** or **Series 10**, enable **Automatic App Install** in the Watch app. Then, during the spring clean, delete any watch faces you never use and clear the **Workout** cache via the **Health** app.
[Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Series 10 – Which should you buy?](/blog/apple-watch-ultra-3-vs-series-10-which-one-should-you-actually-buy-in-2026)
---
## What’s the final step to feel satisfied?
Perform a quick **performance check**:
- iPhone: Settings → Battery → **Battery Health** (aim for > 80%).
- Mac: Apple Menu → About This Mac → **Diagnostics** (run Apple Diagnostics).
- If any metric looks low, consider a **battery replacement** or **SSD upgrade** (MacBook Air M3 models are cheap to upgrade).
**Takeaway**
A spring digital declutter isn’t a one‑off chore; it’s a habit. By backing up, updating, trimming apps, automating the grunt work, and checking performance, you’ll keep your Apple ecosystem humming all year long. Try these seven steps this weekend and notice the speed boost instantly.
---
## Related Reading
- **[iOS 26 Hidden Features: 10 Must‑Try Settings Every Apple User Should Know](/blog/ios-26-hidden-features-10-musttry-settings-every-apple-user-should-know)** – Dive deeper into hidden tweaks you can combine with this declutter.
- **[Spring Tech Refresh: 5 Simple Upgrades to Freshen Your Apple Setup](/blog/spring-tech-refresh-5-simple-upgrades-to-freshen-your-apple-setup)** – Complementary hardware upgrades for a clean slate.
- **[iPhone 17e Buying Guide: Who It’s Actually For](/blog/iphone-17e-buying-guide-who-itx27s-actually-for-and-who-should-spend-the-extra-200)** – If you’re thinking of replacing an old device after the clean‑up.
---
## FAQs
[{"question": "Do I need to delete apps to free up space?", "answer": "Only delete apps you haven’t opened in the last month; the App Store will let you re‑download them for free later."}, {"question": "Is iOS 26.3.1 safe to install on older iPhones?", "answer": "Yes—Apple’s update supports iPhone 8 and newer, and it includes critical security patches."}, {"question": "Can Shortcuts run automatically without me touching the phone?", "answer": "Set the shortcut to trigger at a specific time (e.g., Sunday at 9 AM) and disable ‘Ask Before Running’ for a fully automatic clean."}]
