iOS 17 Simplifies App Closing: A Step-by-Step Guide!

Closing apps on an iPhone running iOS 17 is simple. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle until you see the App Switcher. Then, swipe right or left to find the app you want to close. Finally, swipe up on the app’s preview to close it.

After you close apps, they won’t run in the background anymore. This can save battery life and improve your iPhone’s performance.

You can also watch this video about how to close apps on iPhone for more on this subject.

Introduction

It’s a daily ritual for countless iPhone users: closing apps. Whether you’re trying to save battery life, declutter your App Switcher, or just force-quit an app that’s acting up, knowing how to close apps effectively is essential.

But why is this topic important, and who needs to know about it? Well, anyone with an iPhone, really. It’s a basic yet crucial skill for managing your device’s resources and ensuring it runs smoothly. Plus, with each new iOS update, the process can change slightly, so it’s important to stay informed. In iOS 17, Apple has introduced a few tweaks to the way we close apps, so even if you think you know how it’s done, it’s worth a refresher. Let’s get into it!

Related: How Do I Delete Apps from My iPhone 14?

A Step by Step Tutorial

Before you start, make sure you’re familiar with the new gesture-based navigation of iOS 17, as it’s key to closing apps.

Swipe Up and Pause

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle.

This gesture brings up the App Switcher, which is like a deck of cards with all your recently used apps. It’s the gateway to managing which apps are open and which are closed.

Swipe to Find the App

Swipe right or left to find the app you want to close.

Sometimes you’ll have many apps open, so you might need to swipe a bit to find the one you’re looking for. The App Switcher shows apps in the order they were last used, with the most recent ones appearing first.

Swipe Up on the App

Swipe up on the app’s preview to close it.

When you find the app you want to close, simply flick it upwards off the top of the screen. This gesture tells your iPhone to shut the app down. If it’s being stubborn, don’t worry—you can’t hurt your phone by swiping too hard.

Pros

Saves Battery

Closing apps can help save your iPhone’s battery life.

When apps run in the background, they can drain the battery, even if you’re not actively using them. By closing them, you reduce the load on your battery.

Improves Performance

It can improve your phone’s performance.

Too many apps running at once can slow down your phone. Closing them frees up memory and processing power, which can make your iPhone run faster.

Declutters App Switcher

It helps to declutter the App Switcher.

A cluttered App Switcher makes it harder to find and switch between the apps you actually want to use. Closing apps you’re done with keeps it tidy and efficient.

Cons

Time-Consuming

Closing apps can be time-consuming.

If you’re a power user with dozens of apps open, it can take a while to close them all. This can be frustrating if you’re in a hurry.

Not Always Necessary

It’s not always necessary to close apps.

iOS is pretty good at managing resources on its own. Often, apps in the background aren’t using up much power or memory, so closing them doesn’t make a huge difference.

Can Lose Data

You can lose unsaved data.

If you close an app without saving your work, it might not be there when you reopen the app. Make sure to save before you swipe!

Video About Closing Apps

Additional Information

While the above steps are the basic ones for closing apps, there are a few more things to keep in mind. For instance, some apps are designed to run in the background (like music or fitness apps), and closing them might stop them from working correctly. If you’re listening to music, but the app is driving you crazy with notifications, consider muting them instead of closing the app.

Also, remember that force-closing an app should be a last resort—iOS does a great job of managing resources on its own. In fact, constantly closing apps can sometimes lead to more battery drain, as iOS has to work harder to restart apps from scratch. So, close apps when you need to, but trust that your iPhone is pretty smart about this stuff.

Summary

1. Swipe up from the bottom and pause to open the App Switcher.
2. Swipe to find the app you want to close.
3. Swipe up on the app to close it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do closed apps still use battery?

No, once an app is closed, it should not use any more battery.

Will closing an app lose any unsaved work?

Yes, make sure to save your work before closing an app.

Does iOS 17 automatically close apps I don’t use?

iOS manages resources well and will suspend apps in the background, but it does not close them.

Is it bad to always force-close apps?

It’s not bad, but it’s usually unnecessary and can use more battery in the long run.

Can I close multiple apps at once?

Yes, you can use multiple fingers to swipe up and close several apps simultaneously.

Conclusion

Closing apps on your iPhone is like housekeeping for your digital life. It’s a simple task, yet an important one to keep your device running smoothly and efficiently. While iOS 17 has made some tweaks to the process, the fundamentals remain the same.

Remember, though, that while closing apps can be helpful in certain situations, it’s not always necessary. iOS is a smart operating system and does a good job of managing your apps for you. So, close apps when you feel the need, but don’t feel like you have to micro-manage your iPhone’s background processes. Happy swiping!