Improve Your IPhone's Performance: Six Post-iOS 18.5 Setup Tasks

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 24, 2025

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Improve Your iPhone's Performance: Six Post-iOS 18.5 Setup Tasks

Apple's iOS 18.5 is here, bringing a host of new features and improvements. But a smooth, snappy iPhone experience isn't just about the software update itself; it's about optimizing your device after the update. Following these six post-installation tasks will ensure your iPhone runs at peak performance, maximizing battery life and minimizing lag.

1. Restart Your iPhone: This seemingly simple step is often overlooked but incredibly effective. A restart clears temporary files and processes, giving your system a fresh start. It's the digital equivalent of a good stretch after a long run. Simply hold down the power button until the slider appears, then swipe to power off. After a few seconds, power it back on.

2. Delete Unused Apps and Data: Over time, unused apps and their associated data accumulate, eating into your storage space and potentially slowing down your device. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see a list of apps ranked by storage usage. Identify apps you no longer use and delete them. This frees up valuable space and improves overall performance. Consider offloading apps instead of deleting if you might use them again; this removes the app but preserves your data.

3. Manage Your Photos and Videos: Photos and videos are notorious storage hogs. Consider using iCloud Photos to store your library in the cloud, freeing up significant space on your iPhone. Alternatively, review your photos and videos regularly and delete any duplicates or unwanted content. Regularly backing up your photos to your computer or external hard drive is also highly recommended.

4. Update Your Apps: Outdated apps can cause compatibility issues and performance problems. Go to the App Store and check for updates. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Updates." Update all apps to ensure they’re running the latest, most optimized versions.

5. Disable Background App Refresh for Unnecessary Apps: Background App Refresh allows apps to update content in the background, but this can drain your battery and impact performance. Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Here, you can selectively disable background refresh for apps you don't need constantly updated. Prioritize apps you use frequently and disable it for others.

6. Check for and Remove Malicious Software: While rare on iOS, malicious software can still impact performance. Make sure you only download apps from the official App Store. If you suspect any unusual activity or performance issues, consider a full factory reset (after backing up your data, of course). This is a last resort but can often resolve stubborn performance issues.

Beyond the Basics: Further Optimization Tips

• Low Power Mode: Enable Low Power Mode in Settings > Battery to extend battery life, although it will slightly reduce performance.
• Reduce Motion: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Motion and reduce or disable motion effects to improve smoothness on older devices.
• Software Updates: Keep your iOS software up-to-date. Apple regularly releases updates with performance improvements and bug fixes.

By following these six steps and exploring the additional optimization tips, you can significantly improve your iPhone's performance after the iOS 18.5 update. Enjoy a smoother, faster, and more efficient user experience! Do you have any other post-update optimization tips? Share them in the comments below!