Storage issues - iOS / System data consuming most of storage

My phone started having trouble a week ago - opening apps caused my phone to restart, apps wouldn't open (including my Tesla app which I needed to get back into my car), camera, phone, face ID, etc. Super unstable after the 18.3.1 update. I erased my phone and restored from backup twice after cleaning all large files off and the system data grew. It kept using all my storage and I couldn't clean it up. After working on it for days, I decided to erase, but not to bring anything over (no backup or anything) and still my system data was full. I did a DFU (device firmware upgrade) and while it took all day, it fixed the problem. I had to look the instructions up online and I restored a backup from a few days ago. Storage is freed up finally! I did open a support ticket and Apple is aware of the issue and working to resolve. That's the only info I could get. Best of luck.

There may be several reasons why a device may behave as described by you. Some of them could be...

Let's delve a bit deeper into some of them:

1. iPhone Storage: A full iPhone can slow things down. Phones can experience performance issues when the storage is nearly full. Users can check their storage status by going to Settings > General > [Device] Storage. Deleting unnecessary apps, photos, or videos can free up space and improve performance. How to check the storage on your iPhone and iPad - Apple Support.
2. Device's Battery Health: A degraded battery can impact performance. A deteriorating battery can impact the overall performance of an iPhone. Checking the battery health can be done by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If the maximum capacity is significantly reduced, it might be time to replace the battery. Prolong and Maximise Battery Performance … - Apple Community
3. Incorrect Handling of the device: Accidental drops or bumps can cause internal damage. Looking at Apple's guide on proper handling is a good step. Important handling information for iPhone - Apple Support (IN)
4. Environmental Issues: Extreme temperatures, dust, and water exposure can all be detrimental.
5. Keeping the iPhone/Watch and Airpod clean is an important step. Dust accumulation in the device's ports and openings can affect functionality. Apple provides guidelines on how to clean iPhones safely, which usually involves using a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dust without causing damage.
   1. 1. Cleaning your iPhone - Apple Support
      2. How to clean your Apple Watch - Apple Support (IN)
6. Clean your AirPods Max - Apple Support
7. Keep the iPhone within temperature limits. Phones are designed to operate within a specific temperature range. Exposure to extreme temperatures, especially in parked cars, can lead to overheating or other performance issues. If your iPhone or iPad gets too hot or too cold - Apple Support.
8. Addressing safety issues is also important: Important safety information for iPhone - Apple Support (IN)
9. Unauthorized Service: Servicing a device through unauthorized channels can result in substandard repairs and void warranties. Users should always seek authorized Apple service centers for repairs and maintenance.
   1. Repairs by unqualified technicians can introduce new problems. Find information about your warranty or AppleCare plan - Apple Support is helpful.
   2. Modification / Alteration of a device by a third-party vendor may cause issues beyond repair. --> Unauthorized modification of iOS - Apple Support (IN)
10. Jailbreak on iPhone: Now, let's talk about jailbreaking. Jailbreaking removes Apple's restrictions, allowing for more customization and app installation outside the App Store. However, it can also lead to instability, security vulnerabilities, and issues receiving future iOS updates.

By considering all these possibilities, you've provided a comprehensive approach to troubleshooting the iPhone's behavior.

Understanding and addressing these factors can help you maintain their iPhones' optimal performance and longevity. Following Apple's guidelines and seeking authorized support when needed are crucial for a positive user experience.

I would ignore that because this system data will make room when you need more space on your iPhone. These are some cache and temporary files that will be erased by the system whenever you try to save more files.

Read more...

After iOS 18.3 Update Installation

This is what I had on iPhone 12 Pro

As of date, the system data looks as shown in the pic below

iOS 18.3

On January 28th, my iPhone's System Data was 19.41 GB. By February 8th (Shown in the pic below), it had decreased to 13.3 GB. I didn't intentionally try to reduce it—aside from clearing some storage, which may have unintentionally cleared cached data.

hemal224 wrote:

I am using iPhone 12. Everything is working fine but after new updates the phone has started lagging.

It's not always the iOS update's fault!  Many things can cause phone problems.  If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.

Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!

Was/Is your device Jailbroken? If that's the situation, please be informed that attributing the issues to iOS updates may not be accurate.

iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.

Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.

Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.

See what each update does: About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...

hemal224 wrote:

If 64GB was not enough why Apple were selling that as an option?

[Edited by Moderator]

You're referring to a phone released over 4 years ago and 4 years ago, 64GB for SOME people may have been enough storage. Apple doesn't sell ANY iphone today with less than 128GB to start. Storage needs are constantly evolving as technology advances. When the first iPhone was released it had at a minimum 4GB of memory and people could buy up to 16GB. Would that be enough now? Of course not.

I wasn't being critical when I suggested for your next iPhone you should buy one with more memory. Technology will continue to advance and with that, storage needs need to be considered for those future needs.

Ps: I don't work for Apple so I wasn't hired to do anything. We volunteer our time here to help people, when we can. I'm sorry you took what I wrote as anything other than honest or helpful.

hemal224 wrote:

I am using iPhone 12. Everything is working fine but after new updates the phone has started lagging. Specially iOS18.x is make it worst for these device. Second thing is system data and iOS is consuming 21 GB of storage which is 35-40% of storage for 64GB device. We were not aware 2 years back that image file of 18.3 is going to consume 11gb of storage that is not acceptable. Apple management should upgrade me on 128GB device because that is not my fault if engineering team making that big in size image for the phones.

Technology continues to advance and as it advances, storage needs increase. Apple is most assuredly not going to upgrade your device to store more data. We always advise people to buy the most storage they can afford. You bought a device with the least storage offered at that time. That's on you, not Apple. No one forced to buy the lowest storage option. Next time you buy a new iPhone, buy one with more storage. Even 128GB isn't enough for most people anymore.