I have an iPhone 7 running on iOS 14.4. I do a lot of switching between apps. I’ve been finding recently that whenever I return to an app, even when I’ve only been away from it for a few seconds, it always restarts (annoying). I think the problem is not specific to this version of iOS (it happened on the last version) nor is it specific to one app (it happens with Chrome, games, etc.). Does anyone have any suggestions for a fix?
iPhone 7
I would suspect that you're seeing a combination of two issues due to the age of your device: lower memory available for more modern apps to use, and (just a guess) an aging battery that is triggering some throttling of the phone's power for the sake of stability. Later versions of iPhone have 3GB and 4GB of RAM, and most apps have been built or updated with that in mind. The iPhone 7's 2GB just doesn't have enough available space to keep everything ready to go in the background while you use other apps. If your battery is aging, this makes the problem worse as the phone tries to make concessions where it can to minimize the power draw and the impact to you, the end user. If you'd really like to keep using this phone, I'd suggest a battery replacement to start ($49 when done by Apple), or a phone upgrade of some kind.
I would suspect that you're seeing a combination of two issues due to the age of your device: lower memory available for more modern apps to use, and (just a guess) an aging battery that is triggering some throttling of the phone's power for the sake of stability. Later versions of iPhone have 3GB and 4GB of RAM, and most apps have been built or updated with that in mind. The iPhone 7's 2GB just doesn't have enough available space to keep everything ready to go in the background while you use other apps. If your battery is aging, this makes the problem worse as the phone tries to make concessions where it can to minimize the power draw and the impact to you, the end user. If you'd really like to keep using this phone, I'd suggest a battery replacement to start ($49 when done by Apple), or a phone upgrade of some kind.
I don't know if this is the actual problem with my iPhone, but it certainly gives me some actionable recommendations! I've been resisting replacing my iPhone while COVID restrictions are in place, but I think this is most likely the best solution. Thanks for a most helpful response!
iPhone apps keep restarting
