I got a nice surprise a few days ago after I updated my iPhone software (iOS 4.0.2). While deleting apps and moving a few of them around on the phone, I discovered that I could store apps together. As I dragged one app close to another, a mini window (folder) opened up with a pre-suggested label.   I kept most of those labels and created a few of my own.  You can put any app in any folder and name it whatever you want.

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Life before folders

Before folders, I had five pages of apps arranged in categories. Now, I have two pages of apps spread across seventeen folders.  I know that sounds like a lot, but three of them belong to my husband.  Yes, he has apps on MY phone…but his folders are on page two. J

So, now I spend less time flipping between pages looking for what I want.  All the apps I need are on one page and I just look for the host category.  Since this is a new system, it can take me a couple extra seconds to find what I want.  After a few more weeks, this will no longer be a factor.

Folders force you to be picky

A maximum of 12 apps can fit in a folder so you will need to be choosy about the apps you want to keep. Of course, a work around would be to create two similar or connected folders (e.g., News I and News II). You also need to be picky about what you name your folders, so keep it simple and make sure it’s something that you can easily recall.  You also have the option of keeping the suggested labels.  You’ll notice these are the same labels used in the App Store.

Everything doesn’t have to live in a folder

If you need to access your favorite or most used app, you don’t have to put it in a folder.  Keep it on the first page so you can find it quickly.   For me, that’s my calendar.  I open it several times a day and I don’t want an extra step to get in my way.

If you haven’t tried iPhone folders yet, give it a shot (for at least 21 consecutive days) and let me know how it works for you.