Closing apps on your iPhone might seem simple, but there are nuances and different methods depending on your iOS version and what you're trying to achieve. This guide will cover all the ways to close apps, explain the differences, and address common questions.
Why Close Apps on Your iPhone?
Before diving into how to close apps, let's clarify why you might want to. Many believe closing apps saves battery life or improves performance. While this was more relevant in older iOS versions, modern iPhones manage background processes efficiently. Closing apps generally won't significantly impact battery life or speed. However, there are still valid reasons to close an app:
- Stopping a misbehaving app: If an app is frozen or unresponsive, closing it is the best solution.
- Freeing up RAM (in rare cases): While iOS manages memory effectively, a resource-intensive app might benefit from being closed if you're experiencing overall phone sluggishness.
- Privacy concerns: If you're using an app that continuously accesses your location or other sensitive data, closing it when you're finished can enhance your privacy.
How to Close Apps Using App Switcher (iOS 13 and Later)
This is the most common and recommended method:
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen: This gesture brings up the App Switcher, displaying all your recently used apps as cards.
- Swipe up on the app card: To close an app, swipe up on its card and hold it until it disappears from the screen.
This method efficiently closes the app and frees up any resources it was using.
How to Close Apps Using the Home Button (Older iPhones)
For iPhones with a physical Home button (iPhone 8 and earlier), the process is slightly different:
- Double-click the Home button: This will bring up the App Switcher.
- Swipe up on the app preview: Similar to the previous method, swipe up on the app preview to close it.
What Happens When You Close an App?
Closing an app on your iPhone doesn't completely shut it down; it simply suspends it. iOS manages the background processes efficiently, ensuring apps can quickly resume where they left off. This allows for seamless transitions between apps and minimizes the time it takes for apps to load.
Do I Really Need to Close All My Apps?
No. Constantly closing apps is unnecessary and can even be counterproductive. iOS intelligently manages background processes, allocating resources efficiently. Focus on closing apps only when they're misbehaving or you have specific privacy concerns.
Will Closing Apps Save Battery Life?
While closing apps might seem to save battery, it won't significantly impact battery life on modern iPhones. iOS intelligently manages power consumption, suspending apps when not in use. Focus on optimizing your iPhone's battery settings instead, such as reducing screen brightness and limiting background app activity for maximum battery life.
How Often Should I Restart My iPhone?
Restarting your iPhone periodically (about once a week) can help clear out temporary files and improve performance. It's a more effective way to address minor performance issues than constantly closing individual apps.
Is there a difference between closing an app and force quitting an app?
Yes, there is a difference. The methods described above are for closing apps. Force quitting is a more aggressive step, used only when an app is unresponsive or frozen. To force quit an app:
- Open the App Switcher.
- Find the frozen or unresponsive app.
- Swipe up and hold on the app card. You might need to hold it for a few seconds. The app will then disappear from the switcher.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to close apps on your iPhone and clarifies common misconceptions about app management. Remember, focusing on efficient app usage and occasional restarts will often yield better results than constantly closing apps.
