Breaking the Myth: Closing Background Apps on iPhone

Despite the popular belief among Apple users that closing background apps on their iPhones is essential for saving battery and improving performance, it turns out that this practice is nothing more than a waste of time. The truth is, those apps aren’t actually “running” in the background; they are essentially frozen and displayed as screenshots for consistency.

In 2016, Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, confirmed that closing background apps does not have any significant impact on battery life. Most of your background apps are efficiently managed by your iOS system, and closing them does not optimize anything. In fact, shutting down and reopening apps actually uses more battery power than leaving them open.

Moreover, force-quitting apps does not prevent companies from tracking your data. Even if an app is closed, it can still collect information about you. The misconception lies in the difference between force-quitting an app and turning off “Background App Refresh” in your settings. Disabling this feature is the most effective way to address privacy concerns and reduce unnecessary battery drain.

The origins of this myth can be traced back to the early days of the iPhone, when users on community forums expressed confusion about apps running in the background. Unfortunately, this misconception has persisted over the years, leading many to believe that force-quitting apps is necessary for optimal performance.

Apple has never promoted the idea of closing background apps to enhance iPhone performance. The company has only recommended force quitting applications if they become unresponsive. It’s time to debunk this pervasive myth and save ourselves from the needless habit of constantly closing background apps. Let your iPhone manage its resources efficiently, and enjoy a longer-lasting battery life without the unnecessary hassle.

FAQ:

1. Is it necessary to close background apps on iPhones?
No, closing background apps on iPhones is not necessary for saving battery or improving performance. The apps are essentially frozen and displayed as screenshots for consistency.

2. Does closing background apps optimize anything?
No, closing background apps does not optimize anything. The iOS system efficiently manages background apps, and shutting them down actually uses more battery power than leaving them open.

3. Can force-quitting apps prevent data tracking?
No, force-quitting apps does not prevent companies from tracking your data. Even if an app is closed, it can still collect information about you. To address this, you can disable the “Background App Refresh” feature in your settings.

4. Where did the myth of closing background apps originate?
The myth of closing background apps originated from the early days of the iPhone when users on community forums expressed confusion about apps running in the background. This misconception has persisted over the years.

5. Has Apple promoted the idea of closing background apps?
No, Apple has never promoted the idea of closing background apps to enhance iPhone performance. The company recommends force quitting applications only if they become unresponsive.

Additional Information:
– Closing background apps is a needless habit that does not have any significant impact on iPhone performance.
– Allowing your iPhone to manage its resources efficiently can lead to a longer-lasting battery life without unnecessary hassle.

Definitions:
– Background Apps: Apps that are not currently in use but are still running in the background.
– Force-Quitting: Exiting an app forcefully by swiping it off the screen or using the App Switcher.
– Background App Refresh: A feature in iOS that allows apps to update their content in the background.

Related Links:
Apple (Apple’s official website)

The source of the article is from the blog elblog.pl