Persistent Nighttime Activity of spotlightknowledged Process with High CPU Usage on iPhone 16 Pro

Since April 22, 2025, my iPhone 16 Pro (iOS 18.4.1) has been generating nightly diagnostic reports between 12:00 AM and 2:00 AM indicating high CPU usage by the spotlightknowledged process. I have manually reviewed the .ips files, and each report shows over 90 seconds of CPU time used within ~91 seconds of runtime, which means over 98% CPU load. This occurs every night.




On May 1, I manually disabled Apple Intelligence and Siri access to apps and performed a force restart of the device. Starting from the night of May 2–3, the execution structure of the process (Backtrace / Steps) began to change, suggesting increasing or unstable behavior. On the night of May 3, the stack trace became noticeably longer, with the number of steps increasing from 6 to 8.




I have not made any changes to Spotlight settings. The phone is charging overnight with Wi-Fi turned off.

iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on May 3, 2025 1:50 AM

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4 replies

May 3, 2025 1:59 AM in response to Aicale

You can't directly open and review .ips files on your iPhone in the same way you would a text file using a file explorer. These files are a type of system log containing analytics data, including crash reports, and are not meant for direct manual viewing on the device itself.


A normal user like me does not want to know what these analytics/diagnostic data mean.

These are meant for diagnosis when the iPhone goes for service or repair at the Apple Authorised Service Center.


Check for Conflicting Apps: If the issue started recently after installing a new app, try uninstalling it and see if the problem persists.


While I wouldn't personally act on the Analytics report you provided, I encourage you to explore it for potential improvements. Taking this step is unlikely to have negative consequences and may boost your confidence. --> General Troubleshooting iPhone Issues: St… - Apple Community



This may help you --> Share analytics, diagnostics, and usage information with Apple



If you are experiencing some serious issue in the function of the iPhone then...


Take your device to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact Apple Support:


Apple Repair and Repair Status Check - Official Apple Support


Apple Authorized Service Provider


Find Locations - Location Selector - Apple


Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support 



Alternatively, you may ...


Get a Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


Contact Genius Bar.

Manage Reservations - My Reservations - Apple



May 3, 2025 2:00 AM in response to Aicale

If you have used a third-party app for viewing the "ips" files then...


Any report from a third-party app cannot be validated here in this forum.


If you encounter any challenges with third-party applications, the best course of action is to directly contact the app developer for further assistance. Here's a brief guide on how to do it:


  1. Identify the app developer.
  2. Visit their website or app store listing.
  3. Look for their contact information or support channels.
  4. Clearly describe the issue you are facing.
  5. Provide any necessary information they may need.
  6. Follow their instructions and provide feedback.
  7. Be patient and follow up if needed.


By reaching out to the app developer, you increase your chances of receiving accurate and personalized support for the challenges you're experiencing. To contact an App developer --> How to contact an app developer - Apple Support


May 3, 2025 2:03 AM in response to Aicale

Aicale wrote:

I have not made any changes to Spotlight settings. The phone is charging overnight with Wi-Fi turned off.

While smartphones themselves can't harbor malicious intent, we must actively fortify their defenses. Tighten your device settings, be mindful of how you sync, and protect your digital treasure trove by safeguarding sensitive information with your loved ones. Don't underestimate the power of simple security measures. Employ strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly update software.


 However, the vulnerabilities lie in our usage and connectivity. Unsecured settings, careless syncing, and oversharing sensitive information can transform this innocuous device into a Trojan horse for attackers. Vigilance is key.


If you feel an unauthorized person/app is remotely using, controlling or monitoring your device, then that is possible only if you have done one or more of the following Don'ts...


  1. Don't hand over an iPhone to kids or to a stranger without Enabling Guided Access
  2. Don't share Apple IDs
  3. Don't Jailbreak
  4. Don't share sensitive information pertaining to your device
  5. Don't give in to Phishing
  6. Don't plug in your device in Airports and Public places through third-party cables and trust the device. Beware of Juice Jacking. (Especially in India)
  7. Don't leave your iPhone unlocked and unattended in public places like offices, schools, malls, etc.


If one of the above is true then quickly change the Apple ID Password and Return iPhone settings to their defaults.



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Persistent Nighttime Activity of spotlightknowledged Process with High CPU Usage on iPhone 16 Pro

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