Should I leave apps open in background?

For what Apple has to say about it, see the following from Close an app on your iPhone or iPod touch - Apple Support

You should close an app only if it’s unresponsive.

Amawah wrote:

I would not consider that as a relevant answer. I want the science behind it. How is it good or bad for my battery, ram & overall performance of my device.

In theory, it takes more battery power and more time for the phone to open a closed app than it does to wake up one that's been suspended. In theory, that would mean that your battery would not last as long. It also means that the phone will be a little slower. In actuality, the difference in both battery usage and time is probably too small to be noticeable.

The other thing you lose by closing apps when it's not necessary is your time.

The bottom line is that it's not necessary to close out apps in the vast majority of situations. If it makes you happy to do so, though, it probably won't really hurt anything.

Apple says........"You should only close an app if it is unresponsive."

howarduns wrote:

I recommend that you leave background app refresh for the apps that you want to be updated continuously.

Frankly, except for apps the need to constantly track movement of some kind, it doesn't seem to make much difference any more. The processors are fast enough now that the update that happens when you launch the app is almost instantaneous. Of course, if you have an older phone, your experience might be different.

Another factor that should be considered is that apps which connect to the internet also use your data when they refresh in the background.

If you have unlimited data, it's not a consideration. My experience is that, with the exception of some rogue apps like Facebook (which I won't have on my phone), most don't use huge amounts of data. The ones that do are the ones that need Background App Refresh on to function.

Idris, this true up to a point.

"when you launch the app is almost instantaneous."

If you have a communication app (email, messaging) that you haven't launched for a while, when you open it, it will take a while to download everything that was received since you last used it.

I used to work downtown. About half of my commute, where I had no cell signal, except in one station (if I was seated in the right spot) and between a couple stations.

I used to make a point of refreshing the BBC News app [may have had background app refresh up] so that I all of the articles would be downloaded.

This enabled me to catch up on the news while riding home and avoid the dreaded "need network connection to download item" message.

If you have a large number of apps installed, it is probably best to disable background app refresh for the ones that you don't use regularly or need updated at all times.

Howard

You may find this article helpful.

These Apps Drain Your Phone's Battery the Most

https://www.pcmag.com/news/these-apps-drain-your-phones-battery-the-most

In settings, go to general / background app refresh

Disable any app that doesn't need to be continuously updating.

This will extend your battery life.

Amawah wrote:

Well, I’ve set background refresh ‘off’ for every app. Btw, I still don’t know what actually happens if I keep it either on or off. I haven’t noticed any changes so far.

How much difference it makes is really going to depend on the specific app. There are some apps, notably, those that track your location or movement (think pedometer apps) that simply won't work without Background App Refresh turned on. They will alert you to that. Now that the processors in phones are more powerful, the lag in opening an app that has Background App Refresh disabled is much less noticeable than it was a few years ago. If you don't notice anything different, leave it off.

I recommend that you leave background app refresh for the apps that you want to be updated continuously.

Another factor that should be considered is that apps which connect to the internet also use your data when they refresh in the background.

Amawah wrote:

Your statements are contradictory. Why should I leave it ON when it would run apps that connect to the internet? Why cost myself with that battery drainage ?

As I said above, if you don't notice any significant lag when you open the app when it has Background App Refresh set to off, just leave it off. I agree with you, there's nothing to be gained by leaving it on in most cases. If the app insists on it being on or if you notice a lag (and find it annoying) while it refreshes, turn it back on.

howarduns wrote:

If you have a communication app (email, messaging) that you haven't launched for a while, when you open it, it will take a while to download everything that was received since you last used it.

And that is why I've said, at least twice, that if there is a lag that is annoying, leave background app refresh turned on.

Amawah wrote:

I’m using iPhone 13 Pro. And I notice no change between the ‘background refresh’ toggle either switched ON or OFF.

If it were me, I'd leave it off then.

Amawah, are you referring to this comment?

"WhatsApp behaved this way long before Meta acquired them."

It was implied that the issue was because Meta owned them. However this is a longstanding issue.

The more active WhatsApp groups you belong to, the more notifications and download of videos, etc., you will receive unless you change the apps default settings.

Howard