Using iPhone, do not turn off applications running in the background

iPhone automatically handles applications running in the background

Many people are familiar with the application run in the background, especially on computer operating systems like macOS or Windows. On these platforms, any software running in the background (still open even when not in use) consumes some CPU or RAM to maintain. Experts advise users to turn off unnecessary programs to ensure better computer performance.

Applications running in the background on iPhone do not need to be turned off afp

That’s true, but for Windows or macOS. On the iPhone, the story is completely different. When users switch to using other software, the program will enter a state of suspension, iOS (iPhone’s operating system) will automatically free up CPU and RAM that is used to run the other application.

The iPhone’s automatic resource management mechanism is so effective that users never have to worry about applications running in the background slowing down the device or affecting the software in use. Apple itself also asserts: “Users should only close the application completely in case the program becomes unresponsive”.

Restarting software that harms performance and battery

In fact, when the user intentionally closes the application on the iPhone, this action not only reduces the experience but also consumes more battery. This is because an application that shuts down completely from the system will need to start from scratch and reload all resources when the user reopens it. This process consumes more CPU power causing the battery to drain faster. Besides, reopening a completely disabled application will take more time than re-enabling from the system tray the software is paused.

This means instead of performance improvement and save battery, the habit of regularly shutting down applications running in the background on iPhone actually has a negative impact on the device.

However, there are also exceptions. Sometimes apps running in the background can check for new information, which means they’re still active and can cause unexpected battery drain. If any software is consuming resources, users can check the details in the Battery section (Battery) in the device’s settings. In this case, do not force close the application, but select the “Disable App Refresh” feature (Background App Refresh) in Settings (Settings).

Sometimes it’s still a good idea to close apps running in the background

iOS manages system resources very efficiently afp

Although it is not recommended to do this often, users should still do it from time to time. But that is in case the software becomes unresponsive or behaves as expected. Deciding to disable these programs and reopen them can help resolve the error.

To turn on the system application tray (where running applications are displayed), users do it depending on the iPhone model in use. For iPhone X and later (models without a physical Home key), users swipe back from the bottom of the screen to the top and hold it for a while until the phone vibrates slightly. With iPhones with a physical Home key, just double-tap the Home key.

Once opened, the software tray will show “cards” as apps running in the background on the machine. To force close, tap the corresponding card and swipe back to the top of the screen. When this tag disappears, the program is completely closed.