How can I close all of my open apps instantly without having to closing each down separately?

Since we are all users here just like you, and Apple is not following these discussions, use this link to tell Apple directly:

Apple - iPhone - Feedback

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You do not need to close them. If the OS needs to free up RAM it will do so automatically by closing down the least recently used app.

All the apps you see in the Recently Used Apps List (after double-pressing the Home button) are NOT all running. This is simply a list of apps in the order of when you last used them.

Most of these apps are no longer even in memory, let alone doing anything. The most recently used apps are likely to still be in memory, but are frozen - not doing anything - so that you can switch back to them quickly.

Multitasking in iOS is strictly controlled and restricted to just 5 different types of backgrounds tasks. Most apps do not use them, and do not stay "running" in memory. Its not something you really need to concern yourself about.

This is NOT true. Those apps are running, they are consuming memory and leaving them running will negatively effect the performance of your iDevice. These devices have very little memory as it is, its unfortunate that Apple will not allow a way to close all running apps.

Julian Wright wrote:

All the apps you see in the Recently Used Apps List (after double-pressing the Home button) are NOT all running. This is simply a list of apps in the order of when you last used them.

Most of these apps are no longer even in memory, let alone doing anything. The most recently used apps are likely to still be in memory, but are frozen - not doing anything - so that you can switch back to them quickly.

I have never "shut down" my apps in the app tray. My battery lasts all day with about 20 to 25 percent left after 14 hours of use. I have to agree with others who claim that the apps are not running. I have not seen any effect on my phone usage.

Well, how about you and "the others" who claim that apps are not running when backgrounded try this little trick:

1) Download Pandora

2) Open pandora

3) Play something

4) Press the home button (pandora is now backgrounded)

5) Open your email, read an email while enjoying the music still provided by the backgrounded pandora

6) Double tap the home button, press and hold any app on the dock

7) Tap the red X next to Pandora

... wait, did the music just stop!?!?! OMG IT WAS STILL RUNNING!!!

Did you want to now claim that Pandora was not using any processing power or memory while doing all this? Or are you happy to hang your head in shame and accept the truth?

Let's get one thing clear. There is NO MULTITASK BAR ON IPHONE PERIOD.