Closing Apps on iPhone: Does it Actually Make it Faster?

The Truth About Closing Apps on iOS Devices

Contrary to popular belief, terminating applications on your iPhone or iPad does not enhance device performance. While iOS permits certain apps to operate in the background, a different approach is available for managing this functionality.

Why Closing Apps is Counterproductive

The notion that app closure improves speed is, in fact, a misconception. It can actually lead to a slower user experience.

Furthermore, habitually closing apps can paradoxically increase battery consumption over time. Allowing recently used applications to remain in their current state is generally more efficient.

Understanding Background App Refresh

iOS intelligently manages how apps function in the background. This is separate from the recent apps list.

You can control background app activity through the Settings app. This allows you to optimize battery life and data usage.

Instead of force-closing apps, focus on managing background refresh settings for individual applications. This provides a more effective method of control.

Simply put, resist the urge to constantly clear your recent apps list. Let iOS handle app management for optimal performance and efficiency.

Debunking a Common Belief

iPhone and iPad users often operate under the assumption that closing apps improves device performance. This idea suggests that recently used applications continue to run in the background, consuming resources.

The perceived solution involves manually closing these apps, similar to how one might manage programs on a traditional computer. Previously, this was done by double-tapping the home button and selecting the 'X' to terminate each app.

How App Closing Worked in the Past

On older iOS iterations, the process of force-closing apps was a common practice. Users believed it freed up memory and extended battery life.

Double-pressing the home button revealed a carousel of recently used applications, allowing for individual termination via the 'X' button.

Modern iOS App Management

Current iOS versions employ a different method for managing background apps. Users can now access the app switcher by double-tapping the home button or swiping up with four fingers on an iPad.

Within the switcher, apps are removed from view by swiping them upwards, effectively dismissing them. This action doesn't necessarily stop the app from running in the background, however.

Resolving Application Freezes

Removing an application from the multitasking view by swiping it upwards effectively terminates the process and clears it from the device’s memory. This action can prove beneficial in certain situations.

For instance, should an application become unresponsive or exhibit erratic behavior, simply returning to it from the Home Screen might not resolve the issue.

However, accessing the multitasking screen, dismissing the application with an upward swipe gesture, and subsequently restarting it will compel a fresh initialization.

Forcibly Restarting Apps on iOS

This method provides a means to forcefully quit and relaunch applications on iOS devices. It is particularly useful when standard methods fail to restore functionality.

Utilizing this technique ensures the application begins anew, potentially resolving underlying problems causing the freeze or malfunction.

• Benefit: Clears the app's memory.
• Benefit: Forces a fresh start.
• Benefit: Resolves buggy states.

This approach is a reliable solution for addressing frozen or malfunctioning applications on your iPhone or iPad.

The Misconception About Closing Apps to Improve Performance

A common belief is that manually removing applications from recent apps improves device speed. However, this practice doesn't actually offer any performance benefits.

The applications displayed in your recent apps list aren't actively utilizing processing resources. While they do occupy RAM – random access memory – this is, in fact, a desirable state.

Why Full RAM is Beneficial

As previously detailed, a fully utilized RAM isn't a cause for concern. There are no negative consequences associated with having your device's memory filled.

iOS is designed to intelligently manage memory allocation. It will automatically remove infrequently used apps from memory when more resources are required for active tasks.

Allowing iOS to handle memory management is the optimal approach. Attempting to maintain completely empty memory can paradoxically lead to slower performance.

iOS efficiently prioritizes applications, ensuring a smooth user experience without the need for manual intervention.

Background App Operation on iOS: Dispelling the Myth

A common misconception surrounds the operation of applications when minimized on iOS devices. The core of this misunderstanding lies in a flawed perception of multitasking functionality. iOS is designed to automatically suspend applications when they transition to the background.

Upon exiting an application, such as a game, by utilizing the Home button, iOS retains the application’s data within the Random Access Memory (RAM). This allows for a swift resumption of the application when revisited. However, it’s crucial to understand that the application isn't actively consuming CPU cycles or depleting battery life during this suspended state.

Unlike desktop operating systems – Windows, macOS, or Linux – and web browsers, iOS apps do not continuously execute code in the background. Closing unused desktop programs or browser tabs is a common practice to conserve resources, but this principle doesn't translate to iOS application management.

How iOS Manages Background Processes

The system intelligently manages background processes to optimize performance and battery efficiency. Applications are essentially paused, not running, when not in active use.

This contrasts sharply with the behavior of software on traditional computers where processes often remain active, even when minimized. Therefore, the practice of force-closing apps on iOS to improve performance or extend battery life is generally unnecessary.

RAM is utilized to maintain application state for quick relaunching, but this doesn't equate to ongoing resource consumption.

Preventing Applications From Background Execution

It's a common misconception that actively closing apps improves performance or conserves battery life on iOS devices. However, modern iOS versions manage multitasking efficiently.

Despite these improvements, certain applications can still operate in the background due to a feature known as background app refresh. This allows apps to periodically check for new information, such as incoming emails.

Disabling Background App Refresh

To prevent an app from utilizing background app refresh, navigate to the Settings application. Then, select 'General' followed by 'Background App Refresh'.

Within this menu, you can selectively disable background refresh for individual applications. This effectively restricts their ability to function while not actively in use.