Eleanor Finch
The concept of an app being on or off is multifaceted and depends on the user's perspective and device settings. From a functional standpoint, an app is considered on when it is actively being used by the user, running in the foreground, and performing its intended tasks. Conversely, an app is considered off when it is closed or not in use. However, the notion of off becomes more complex when considering background app activity. Many apps have background refresh and data usage functionalities, allowing them to run in the background, even when not directly in use. This background activity can include checking for new information, updating, or sending notifications. While this feature enhances user experience by providing up-to-date content, it can also impact battery life, data usage, and raise security concerns. Users can manage these background app settings, choosing to restrict or allow specific apps to run in the background based on their preferences and needs.
Characteristics of an app being "on" or "off"
| Characteristics | Values | |
|---|---|---|
| App functionality | On: App can run in the foreground or background, allowing for seamless user interaction and data updates | Off: App is closed or prevented from running in the background, requiring manual user input to function |
| User Experience | On: Improved performance and access to up-to-date information | Off: Potential delays in accessing information, improved battery life and reduced data usage |
| Security | On: Potential security risks due to constant data transfer and background activity | Off: Reduced security risks by limiting data transfer and background activity |
| Battery Life | On: Higher battery consumption due to constant activity and updates | Off: Improved battery life by limiting background activity and data usage |
| Data Usage | On: Higher data usage due to constant updates and background activity | Off: Reduced data usage by limiting background refresh and updates |
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What You'll Learn
Background App Refresh
For example, when Google Maps sends your ETA before you get into your car or when Spotify alerts you about a new album release, you can thank background app refresh. It is particularly useful for apps that rely on real-time data, such as social media feeds, news apps, and email clients.
However, allowing apps to refresh in the background can have some downsides. Firstly, it can impact battery life as apps running in the background consume battery power. Secondly, it can increase data usage, especially for apps that deal with video, audio, and text-related content. This can be a problem for users with limited data plans, as it can result in extra charges. Lastly, it can affect device performance, potentially keeping your phone or tablet from performing at its best.
To manage Background App Refresh, users can choose to disable it entirely or selectively enable it for specific apps. On iOS devices, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and toggle the switch to Off. You can also disable it for individual apps by tapping the name of the app. On Android devices, the process may vary depending on the device, but generally, you can go to Settings > Apps (or Apps & Notifications) > All apps, select the app, and disable background data usage.
By customising which apps have Background App Refresh turned on, users can balance the benefits of a seamless user experience with the downsides of increased data usage and reduced battery life.
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Offline usage
Offline-first apps move content off the server and onto the phone, so the app only needs to go to the server occasionally to load and refresh data. This makes the app faster, smoother, and more reliable, as it reduces the constant back and forth between the app and the server, which can slow down the user experience.
For example, a shopping app with an offline mode can allow users to fill their carts without a connection, only needing to go online to complete the payment and schedule the delivery. Similarly, Google Maps allows users to download certain locations on their phones, enabling them to use the maps even without a network connection.
Offline apps can also be beneficial for businesses, as they improve user experience, increase client loyalty, and enhance competitiveness. They can also save costs, as field workers do not need a data plan on their mobile devices, and companies can save money by implementing smart rules on when to use a cell signal or WiFi.
However, implementing offline functionality can require additional work for developers, as they need to ensure proper syncing and caching of data. It may also not be feasible for certain apps that require constant online connectivity, such as those that access large datasets or frequently changing information.
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Battery life
The impact of apps on battery life is a complex issue, and while closing apps can help, it is not always effective and may even have a negative impact on performance. On iOS devices, background apps are designed to have minimal impact on the device's RAM or CPU. However, certain apps, such as Spotify, Apple Music, or GPS navigation, can continue to draw power if actively used in the background. To improve battery life, users can limit or disable background app refresh for specific apps, especially those that are known to be battery drainers, such as social media apps with frequent updates and background processes.
On Android devices, users can enable Optimized Battery Usage for individual apps, preventing them from running in the background and conserving battery life. However, this may not be ideal for apps that require real-time updates, such as email or messaging apps. Additionally, users can turn on power-saving mode, which includes closing apps, turning off functions like GPS, and reducing screen brightness to extend battery life.
To identify which apps are draining the battery, users can check the battery usage statistics on their devices. On iOS, this can be done by going to Settings > Battery and scrolling down to see 'battery usage by app'. On Android, the battery settings typically show a list of apps and their associated battery usage percentage since the last full charge.
It is also important to note that other factors, such as charging habits and screen brightness, play a significant role in battery life. Lithium-ion batteries degrade faster when fully drained or consistently charged to 100%. Keeping the battery between 20% and 80% is recommended for optimal battery health. Additionally, reducing screen brightness or enabling adaptive brightness can help extend battery life.
In summary, while closing apps may provide a sense of satisfaction, it is not always necessary or beneficial for battery life. Instead, users should focus on limiting background app activity, especially for battery-intensive apps, and consider other device settings and habits that impact battery performance.
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Data usage
To manage data usage, it is important to understand how much data each app consumes. Apps like GlassWire allow users to monitor their data usage and identify data-hogging apps. On Android devices, this can be done by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage, while on iOS devices, it can be found under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data.
To reduce data usage, users can disable automatic app updates and restrict background data usage for certain apps. Additionally, turning off cellular data for specific apps can help conserve data. Users can also set data limits and warnings to keep track of their usage and avoid exceeding their data plans.
It is worth noting that turning off mobile data completely may not be feasible, as some apps and services require a cellular connection when Wi-Fi is unavailable. International travel may also require data roaming, which can incur additional charges. Therefore, it is essential to monitor data usage and make informed decisions to stay within data limits.
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Security
App developers can use tools such as Google Play Protect to help keep their apps safe and user data private. This feature checks apps when they are installed and periodically scans devices for harmful apps. It also warns users about apps that violate the Unwanted Software Policy by hiding or misrepresenting important information, and may prevent the installation of unverified apps that use sensitive device permissions that are targeted by scammers.
Google Play's Data Safety section also allows developers to share information about how their app handles user data, so users can make informed decisions. This includes details about data collection, data sharing, and data deletion.
Apple provides layers of protection to ensure apps are free of known malware and haven't been tampered with. All apps on iPhones and iPads are obtained from the App Store and are sandboxed to provide the tightest controls. However, users in the EU can install apps from alternative marketplaces and directly from an authorized developer's website, which introduces a lower level of security.
Microsoft's Smart App Control is a security feature designed to block potentially harmful apps, such as those that slow down a device, display unexpected ads, or offer unwanted software. It uses AI and cloud-based intelligence to predict the safety of an application.
To protect against security threats, users can also enable two-factor authentication, which requires two different authentication factors to access an account, such as a password and a smartphone to receive authentication codes.
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Frequently asked questions
Background apps are apps that continue to perform actions even when you are not actively using them. They can automatically search for new information and update in the background without you knowing it, which can be useful but can also drain your battery and use up your data.
To turn off Background App Refresh on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Tap Background App Refresh > Off. You can also customise which individual apps do and don't have Background App Refresh turned on.
On Android devices, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver. Tap the switch to turn it on. Then, for each app you want to restrict, tap Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver. Tap the switch to turn it on.
On Windows devices, go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps. Scroll to the desired app, select More Options, then select Advanced Options. In the Background App Permissions section, under "Let this app run in the background", select "Never".
