The iPhone vs. Android debate is probably the biggest heavyweight bout in modern mobile tech history.
Making the choice between which phone is best can be as challenging as thinking of a name for your newborn child. So many factors to consider!
Today we’re going to look at just one aspect: Whether the iPhone’s operating system is as prone to slowing down as the Android phones’.
So, do iPhones slow down like Androids?
The answer to that query is Yes. The iPhone does tend to heat up and lag over time, which in turn slows down its processing power and overall performance.
The most common reason for iPhones slowing down is software becoming outdated, or a bunch of applications running in the background and requiring more resources.
But that’s not all there are many other reasons, some of which are essential for an intelligent iPhone user (such as yourself) to know.
So without further ado, let’s dive right into this topic!
Why Do iPhones Slow Down Like Android Devices?
There are five primary reasons why your iPhone might be slowing down like an Android. These include:
- Outdated Software
- Low Storage
- Too Many Background Apps Running
- Use of Live Wallpapers and Widgets
- Damaged Hardware
Outdated Software
One of the primary issues that could cause your iPhone to lag is outdated software.
Outdated software and a lack of system updates can significantly decrease the performance of a device.
Luckily, the solution is simple.
All you need to do is update your phone to the current iOS version, and the issue should be resolved!
This will also enhance the phone’s performance, security, and user experience. Keep in mind, however, that this will require a certain level of storage space which you may or may not need to clear out (see below).
Low Storage
If your iPhone is still slow after updating the software, then your phone’s storage is the next likely culprit.
Your phone’s storage space often gets eaten up quickly- most of the time without you even realizing it!
This can be the result of an excessive amount of downloaded content on your phone, such as apps, photos, and videos.
When your phone lacks storage space, it will struggle to perform basic tasks and to carry out your commands in a timely manner.
As such, it is important to check from time to time that your iPhone isn’t running on low storage space if the device is slowing down.
Move some of those files over to iCloud!
Too Many Background Apps Running
There are definitely benefits to having several apps running in the background.
One such advantage is that it becomes very easy and quick to switch between multiple apps when completing a task.
This feature provides a very similar experience to switching between tabs on a computer– but with the added convenience of being done on a portable device!
However, there’s also a major disadvantage.
Having numerous apps open in the background requires more rigorous software processes.
This is why your iPhone will typically slow down more and eat up its battery life more quickly when you have a lot of apps running at one time.
A good solution to this is to disable any apps that you aren’t actively using.
Live Wallpapers and Widgets
The use of live wallpapers and widgets can also slow down your iPhone’s performance.
Try to use a minimal, standard wallpaper and turn on the power-saving mode to save larger chunks of your device’s battery.
Using your iPhone at full brightness can also reduce its performance, and cause it to heat up more quickly.
Remember, The more heat and strain, the slower your phone!
Damaged Hardware
Another reason why your iPhone might be slowing down could be due to damaged hardware.
If you have ever dropped or crushed your iPhone, gotten it wet– unintentionally of course– you may have noticed a sudden decrease in performance.
That’s because the iPhone’s hardware may have been damaged! Damage can occur to any part of the mobile device, including the delicate components in the motherboard.
How to Fix Slowed Down, Older iPhones
Now that we have identified the potential reasons for making your iPhone slow, we can work on efficiently resolving the issues!
By trying out some of the solutions listed in the rest of this article, hopefully, you’ll be able to restore your iPhone to its former glory and skip the pricey technician!
We have narrowed down a few methods below:
- Restarting your Phone
- Updating your iOS
- Closing Background Apps
- Freeing Up The Storage
- Turning Down The Graphics
- Clearing Browser Cookies
Restart Your Phone
If you are frustrated with your phone being slow, the first thing that you should try to restart the device.
Be sure to save any project you’re working (to the Cloud) on before attempting this step.
When you’re ready, close all of your applications and restart the device. Restarting the device has been proven to increase performance by a significant amount.
To restart your iPhone:
- For iPhone X and up, hold together the side button and either the volume up or down button until the power off menu appears. And for iPhone 8 and 8 plus below, just long press the power button until the power off menu appears.
- Then, swipe right on the slide to turn the power off.
Update iOS
A major cause of lagging can be a phone’s outdated software.
To see if this is the case, check if there are new iOS updates available for your device. If there is a newer update available, install the latest version on your slow iPhone.
Updating the software should give your device the boost it direly needs!
To update your iOS:
- Open the Settings app and scroll down to General
- Tap “Software Update”
- Tap “Download and Install” to update your software.
Close Background Apps
If your iPhone is running numerous apps in the background, this can certainly spend your battery quicker and cause the phone to lag.
Close all the apps that are running in the background to speed up your device.
To close background apps:
- Double press on the ‘Home’ button (on older iPhones) or hold and swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
- And Swipe the app upwards to close the app.
Free Up Storage
If your iPhone is still slow, the next step that you can try is decluttering the device as much as possible.
Doing so should enhance the speed significantly and improve your iPhone’s overall performance.
However, before you begin deleting apps willy-nilly, the first check which apps are not in use and yet are using most of the device’s storage.
Once you’ve gotten rid of the apps you don’t use, go to your Photos and delete any extra screenshots or pictures you might have in your gallery. Also, consider removing large, unused documents to clear up space!
To free up storage:
- Go to General and tap on iPhone Storage
- Delete any unused apps/pictures.
Turn Down The Graphics
Your phone will also be able to run faster if you turn down some of the graphic options.
For instance, there are some fancy display features that could be behind the slow performance of your device.
Reduce your usage of these graphics, and see how it can positively affect your device!
To turn down the graphics:
- Tap on Settings then scroll down to Accessibility
- Click on the ‘Motion’ option
- Set Reduce Motion to ‘On’.
Clear Browser Cookies
Browsers like Safari and other search engine apps keep a log of all the websites you’ve visited. These are known as ‘cookies’.
Whenever your phone slows down, consider closing all of your tabs and clearing the browser’s cache.
To clear the browser’s cookies:
- Go to the Settings app and head down to ‘Safari’
- Tap ‘Clear History and Website Data’.
Replace Your Phone
Granted, we hadn’t mentioned this before- but it’s still an important solution to consider.
Have you restarted your device? Have you cleared browser cookies and cache? Have you closed background apps and turned down all of the fancy graphics?
If you’ve tried all of the above options but still find your iPhone working much slower than it should, it’s sadly possible that you’ve outgrown the device.
In essence, your smartphone needs may have grown beyond what your current device can offer.
If this is the case, it doesn’t really matter how much you delete or optimize your phone- it just won’t function as well as you’d like it too! Any improvements would simply be short-lived.
In this situation, it may be time to face the truth and start considering getting a new device.
In Conclusion
So, do iPhones slow down like Androids?
Unfortunately, they do, and there are multiple reasons that could explain why your iPhone is slowing down over the years.
Much of the time, the reason is simply an older iOS version running on your device.
Low storage can also be another reason behind your iPhone running more slowly than before. Live wallpapers and too many apps running in the background can also make iPhones sluggish.
Thankfully, you can fix most of these issues in mere minutes- and even forego a visit to the repair store in the process.
However, if you try everything and find that none of the solutions work well, it may be time to face the inevitable: Getting a new phone!
Apple has been the dominant pioneer of the mobile tech world for the past two decades. Learn more about what makes their iPhone an icon not just in the present day, but for the ages to come as well!