Kaspersky has introduced App Cleaner as part of its Kaspersky Premium security solution for macOS. The tool is designed to help Mac users remove files that can remain after applications are deleted, recover additional storage space, and keep their devices more organized and less burdened by unnecessary data.
Why Deleting an App Is Not Always Enough
App Cleaner addresses a common issue in macOS: removing an application does not necessarily delete all files associated with it. Cache files, settings, logs, support files, and other data may remain on the device. Over time, these leftovers can consume storage space that is difficult to reclaim through conventional methods.
How Mac Users Manage Digital Clutter
According to a recent Kaspersky survey, macOS users are already taking steps to manage digital clutter. Among respondents, 56% delete browser history, cookies, cache, and temporary files, while 54% manage or delete unnecessary files such as photos and videos. By contrast, only 44% delete unused or rarely used applications.
Kaspersky’s market research center conducted the survey in 2026 with 7,200 participants from 18 countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Turkey, and Vietnam.
Storage Is Not the Only Concern
The issue is not limited to storage space. Leftover files may contain sensitive information, such as account tokens, saved passwords, activity logs, IP addresses, usernames, and fragments of documents, images, and conversations, as well as personal folder paths. If this data remains, it can pose a risk when an unauthorized person accesses the device, or when the device is sold or discarded without a complete data wipe.
What App Cleaner Does
App Cleaner allows the user to delete an application and its associated files in a single operation. It can also detect and remove leftovers from applications that were removed earlier. At the same time, the tool avoids deleting shared files that other applications depend on, such as certain components shared between Microsoft Office apps. These files are not deleted until the last application that relies on them is removed.
Kaspersky’s Perspective on Device Cleanup
Commenting on the launch, Irina Ermilova, Vice President of Consumer Product Management at Kaspersky, said that the growing volume of digital content stored on user devices has increased the need for device management and cleanup tools. She added that relying on third-party tools can be inconvenient and carry risks, and that App Cleaner allows macOS users to clean up leftover files without installing additional software.
Mac Threats Beyond Viruses
Kaspersky also warns that threats to Mac devices are no longer limited to viruses. They include ransomware, Trojans, spyware, phishing, credential theft, and other threats. The company’s experts noted that malicious software has been observed disguised as legitimate cleaning tools and impersonating the names of well-known tools. They advise users to be cautious when downloading cleaning software, especially from external websites.
Recommendations for Mac Protection
To strengthen Mac protection, Kaspersky recommends using a dedicated security solution such as Kaspersky Premium for macOS, granting protection software the permissions it needs to work effectively, and regularly updating the operating system and applications. It also advises caution when opening links or downloading files.
The company emphasizes the need for care when downloading files or opening links, because phishing attacks rely on social engineering and may target users through email, text messages, or websites. Users should avoid opening suspicious links or downloading untrusted software, and allow their security solution to scan incoming content for malicious links and files.
Kaspersky also recommends that users wipe sensitive data, sign out of accounts, and perform a factory reset before selling or permanently discarding a device.