iOS 26 - Blocked Apple Apps Now Displaying in Installed List

[Melinda]

Hello,

Devices that have updated to iOS 26 are now showing all Apple apps in the Installed list, even though these apps are not actually present on the device (which is in line with our Profile Settings)

I’ve updated our settings so that the new apps introduced in the iOS 26 update are not installed. This has prevented them from being installed on the devices, but they are appearing with the source listed as Sideloaded. Previously, when an app showed Sideloaded as the source, it indicated a Profile issue on the device, which i've ruled out as the cause in this case.

Now, on iOS 26 devices:

• All VPP apps show the source as Sideloaded
• All Apple apps (blocked from installing and not installed on device) appear in the Install list
• Older Apple Apps appear in the install list with the AppStore as the source
• All new iOS 26 Apple Apps appear in the install list with Sideloaded as the source

Devices that haven’t updated to iOS 26 still show only VPP apps with the source as Unknown and no blocked Apple Apps showing in the install list

Could anyone clarify:

1. Why are the hidden apps now appearing in the Installed list?
2. Why has the source information changed for these apps?

[PaulF]

Hidden apps have always been installed. Just Hidden. Or Restricted in Apple Parlance

The reasons that they are not uninstalled is:

1. The app doesn't lose any data when hidden vs being uninstalled

2. If you unrestrict the app, it appears instantly, instead of having to be installed again

Regarding the side loaded vs App Store for system apps.... That's a new one. I'd, for visibility and sanity, open a case to seek clarification.