Understanding iOS Background App Management and Battery Efficiency

Introduction

Many iPhone and iPad users wonder how iOS manages apps when they are not in use and whether iOS automatically closes background apps after a certain time. This article will explain how iOS handles background processes, how it manages app suspension, and discusses the importance of battery efficiency. We will also debunk some common misconceptions about force quitting apps.

Background App Management in iOS

Unlike some other operating systems, iOS does not automatically close background apps after a specific amount of time. Instead, iOS intelligently handles background processes to optimize performance and battery life. When an app goes into the background, it is typically suspended, meaning it remains in memory but does not actively use CPU resources. iOS will only terminate an app if it needs more memory for foreground tasks or if the app has been in the background for an extended period of time, usually several minutes. iOS generally keeps apps suspended for a quick return to the app when you switch back.

How iOS Suspends and Manages Background Apps

Apple's iOS categorizes apps into one of five states:

Not running: The app has been terminated or has not been launched since the device was restarted. Inactive: The app is in the foreground but not receiving events, such as the user locking the device with the app active. Active: The normal state of an app while in use. Background: The app is no longer frontmost but is still using code. Suspended: The app is still resident in memory but is not using code.

When you switch away from an app, the operating system moves the app from the active state to the background state. Most apps then go from the background to the suspended state within a few seconds. Suspended apps remain in the device's memory temporarily, so they can resume more quickly if you switch back to them. Suspended apps do not use processor time, nor do they drain battery power.

Handling Memory-Intensive Apps

If you launch a memory-intensive app such as a game, iOS will automatically purge some suspended apps from memory and move them to the not running state to free up memory for the memory-intensive app you launched. These previously suspended apps will be completely removed from memory and will have to launch from scratch the next time you tap their icon.

Automated Background Tasks and Limitations

The iOS operating system provides apps with a default five seconds after you switch from them to prepare for being suspended. After this five-second period, the operating system automatically suspends the app's operations. However, app developers can request a ten-minute extension for background tasks. Only a small number of apps fall into one of the following categories:

Apps that play audio while in the background. Apps that track your location, such as a turn-by-turn GPS navigation app. Apps that listen for incoming voice-over-IP (VoIP) calls, such as Skype. Apps that you allow to refresh their data in the Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Apps that receive continuous updates from an external accessory in the background.

Most well-written apps in the above categories will become suspended when they are no longer performing the task in hand.

Force Quitting and Its Impact on Battery Life

Many users mistakenly believe that manually force quitting apps is a good thing to do. However, force quitting apps can make your device work harder and use more battery the next time those apps are used. The iOS operating system manages apps in a much more efficient manner than any manual intervention can. The only reason you should consider force quitting is for troubleshooting a specific problem.

Conclusion

Understanding how iOS manages background apps and suspends them is crucial for maintaining a well-functioning device. By letting iOS manage apps automatically and avoiding unnecessary force quitting, you can ensure optimal performance and battery life.