The App Cleanse
An iPhone is connected to a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu equipped with Apple CarPlay apps, displayed on the car's MyLink screen, top, during a demonstration in Detroit, Tuesday, May 26, 2015. Starting with Chevrolet this summer, many General Motors models will offer Appleâs CarPlay and Googleâs Android Auto systems that link smart phones with in-car screens and electronics. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
An iPhone is connected to a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu equipped with Apple CarPlay apps, displayed on the car's MyLink screen, top, during a demonstration in Detroit, Tuesday, May 26, 2015. Starting with Chevrolet this summer, many General Motors models will offer Appleâs CarPlay and Googleâs Android Auto systems that link smart phones with in-car screens and electronics. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

A few weeks ago, Rob Coneybeer noted his declaration of “app bankruptcy.” That is, upon seeing 250 mobile application updates waiting for him upon returning from vacation, he decided to wipe the slate clean and start over, installing only the apps he absolutely needed on his phone.

It reminded me of my process for doing this, which seems to surprise people when I tell them about it. Every year when I get a new iPhone (which I fully recognize is ridiculous and not what a normal person does — but the same principle works whenever you get a new phone), I opt not to restore from a backup. I start using the thing as if it were the brand new device that it is.

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