Multitasking, in the case of desktop computers, means running more than one program simultaneously. Multitasking on the iPhone works differently. The iPhone allows certain types of applications to run in the background while other applications run in the foreground. For the most part, iPhone apps pause when you're not using them, then quickly turn back on when you select them.
Multitasking, iPhone Style
Instead of offering conventional multitasking, the iPhone uses something Apple calls Fast App Switching. When you click the Home button to leave an app (or swipe up on the iPhone X screen or later) and return to the Home screen, the app you left behind freezes where you are and what you were doing. The next time you return to the app, you're picking up where you left off instead of starting over.
Multitasking on the iPad is similar to the iPhone, but much more flexible and powerful. To learn how to unlock the multitasking power of iPad, read how to use the dock on iOS 11 and iOS 12.
Is a Suspended App Using Battery, Memory, or Other System Resources?
Apps that are frozen in the background don't use up battery life, memory, or other system resources. Due to this reason, force termination of unused apps doesn't save battery life. In fact, quitting suspended apps can compromise battery life. There is one exception to the rule that suspended apps consume no resources: apps that support Background App Refresh.
In iOS 7 and above, apps that can run in the background are even more powerful. That's because iOS learns how you use apps using Background App Refresh. If you usually check first thing on social media in the morning, iOS plans that behavior and updates your social media app a few minutes before you usually check it to make sure the latest information is waiting for you.
Applications that use this feature run in the background and download data while in the background. To control the Background App Refresh setting, go to Settings> General> Background App Refresh.
Some iPhone Applications Run in the Background
Although most apps freeze when you are not using them, some app categories support conventional multitasking and run in the background (for example, when other apps are also running). Types of applications that can run in the background are:
- Music: Listen to the Music application, Pandora, radio streaming and other music applications while doing other things.
- Location: Apple Maps and Google Maps let you get directions and use other apps at the same time.
- AirPlay: Apple technology for streaming audio and video from iPhone to TVs, stereos, and other compatible devices running in the background.
- VoIP (Voice Over IP): Applications such as Skype which make phone calls over the internet instead of over the cellular network work with other applications.
- Push Notifications: These notifications let you know something is happening in other apps that you might want to check.
- Apple News: Content in the Apple News app downloads in the background to ensure the latest news awaits you.
- Bluetooth accessories: When a Bluetooth accessory is paired to your iPhone, data can be sent back and forth.
- Background: The Background App Refresh feature updates certain apps when they're not running. Just because apps in this category can run in the background doesn't mean they will. Applications must be written to take advantage of multitasking - but the capabilities are in the OS and many, if not most, applications in this category can run in the background.
How to Access Quick Application Switcher
Fast App Switcher switches between recently used applications. The way you access it depends on the iPhone model. On iPhone 8 and earlier, double-click the iPhone Home button. On iPhone X and later, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (this gesture has replaced the Home button on these models, among other gesture-based shortcuts).
- On iOS 9 and up: The screen drops back slightly to show a carousel of screenshots and app icons for your current app. Swipe left and right to browse the apps, then tap the app you want to use.
- On iOS 7 and 8: The experience is similar to iOS 9, except that instead of a carousel, there is an array of apps. Shortcuts to frequent contacts at the top of this screen. Otherwise, it works the same way as in iOS 9.
- On iOS 4–6: Most of the screen is gray and shows a set of icons at the bottom. Swipe the icon left and right to see recent apps, then tap the icon to launch that app.
- On the iPhone 8 series, iPhone 7 series, and iPhone 6S, the 3D Touch screen offers a shortcut to access the Fast App Switcher. Press hard on the left edge of the screen to access two options:
- Swipe left to right to change the last application you used.
- Press hard again to open Fast App Switcher.
How to Quit iPhone Apps on Fast App Switcher
Fast App Switcher also quits apps, which comes in handy if an app isn't working properly. Exiting non-native apps that are suspended in the background stops them from working until you restart them. Exiting Apple's pre-installed apps allows them to continue with background tasks like checking email, but forces them to restart.
To quit the app, open the Fast App Switcher, then:
- On iOS 7–12: Swipe the app you want to stop from the top edge of the screen. The application disappears and stops. Stop up to three apps at once by swiping them at the same time.
- On iOS 4–6: Tap and hold the app icon until the icon starts vibrating and a red badge with a minus sign appears on the app. Tap the red badge to exit that application. You can only exit one application at a time.
How Apps Are Sorted in Quick App Switcher
The apps in Fast App Switcher are sorted based on what you have used recently. This setting groups your most-used apps together so you don't have to swipe too much to find your favorites.
إرسال تعليق