Apple
iPhone Slow? What’s Up with iOS 10 Performance
Why is my iPhone slow after installing iOS 10? Is it a conspiracy by Apple to convince users to buy the new iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus?
Soon after the iOS 10 update arrived we started to see users wondering if slow iOS 10 performance is something Apple does to convince users to upgrade to a new iPhone.
Apple is now offering iOS 10.0.2 to users as an over the air update. It includes bug fixes and the stability of your iPhone and iPad as well as specific fixes for Lightning headphones, crashes in Photos and with app extensions.
We hear this every year with a major iOS update, and perhaps more so this year with Apple’s decision to offer the iOS 10 update on aging devices like the iPhone 5 and and iPhone 5c.
Some users are already saying they will wait for iOS 10.1 to arrive before updating since later updates typically fix speed issues on some devices.
iOS 10 better not slow down my iPhone
— мoнɑммɑd™ (@Mohammad_07) September 13, 2016
Join us for a look at the complaints about a slow iPhone and how you can try to fix slow iOS 10 performance without buying a new iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus.
What you need to know about slow iPhone performance on iOS 10.
Slow iPhone issues appear frequently after updates, partially due to the phone needing to re-index items, but also due to other upgrade challenges and out of date apps.
https://twitter.com/humbIebunny/status/775755521538269184
We are also hearing about complaints from iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 owners who feel that iOS 10 slowed down their iPhone and trends show an increase in search for “iPhone is slow” near each major release of new Apple software.
iPhone Slow: Is it a Conspiracy?
When you start using a new version of iOS on your older iPhone it may suddenly seem much slower. In fast, it may be slower in some areas due to the challenge of running new software on an older device.
Is Apple intentionally slowing down your old iPhone to make you upgrade to a new iPhone? There is no proof that the company is doing this, and it seems unlikely considering that users can simply choose not to install iOS 10.
https://twitter.com/abbie_hartley2/status/775759451613720576
Another important thing to consider is that Apple doesn’t need to use slow performance to get users to upgrade, when they purposely keep features limited to the new iPhone. Some times we see new features that should in theory work on older iPhones only show up on the newest model.
Conspiracy alert, but I'm sure whatever model of iPhone I have starts to slow down whenever a new version is imminent. Convinced of it.
— Johny Cassidy (@johnycassidy) August 11, 2015
Instead of relying on crippling older phones, Apple adds in new iPhone 7 specific features to iOS 10 and adds new features to the phone like water resistance, a new home button and upgraded cameras.
iOS 10 Performance
In our time testing the iOS 10 update on the iPhone 6s we didn’t run into slowdowns that some users complain about. We are in the process of testing iOS 10 on other Apple devices to see how it handles.
Sure, there are iOS 10 problems, but slow performance isn’t one of the major complaints just yet. Watch the iOS 10 vs iOS 9.3.5 speed test video below showing the iPhone 6 to see any speed differences.
On an older device like the iPhone 5c or iPhone 5, there is often a greater chance of experiencing slow iPhone problems. Below you can see iOS 10 vs iOS 9.3.5 on the iPhone 5.
It’s a good idea to check out the performance of your iPhone on iOS 10 before you update.
How to fix Slow iPhone iOS 10 Performance
How to fix slow iOS 10 performance.
Learn how to fix slow iPhone performance on iOS 10. This will work on your iPhone 5 or your iPhone 6, it doesn’t matter which iPhone you have, these three options allow you to improve slow iPhone performance after installing iOS 10.
Reset Settings
The easy solution to slow iPhone performance is to reset all settings on your iPhone. This will not delete your apps, data or music, but you will likely need to re-setup WiFi connections and you will need to customize your iPhone settings again.
To start, go to Settings -> General -> Reset -> Reset All Settings -> Enter Your Passcode. Now, wait for the iPhone to restart.
Reset Your iPhone
The next level solution to completely reset your iPhone. If you are using an older iPhone and you have not ever started over from scratch since you bought it, this is a good time to try starting over. This will wipe all of your data from your iPhone and you will need to sync it back or to restore from a backup.
Use these options to fix slow iPhone problems on iOS 10.
If you restore from a backup you may bring some problems back, but it is the easiest way to get all of your data on to your iPhone again after a reset.
Once you are done backing up, you can go to Settings -> General -> Reset -> Reset All Settings and Content -> Enter a Passcode.
This will restart your iPhone and wipe it clean. This will take some time and you cannot use your iPhone while it happens.
Go Back to iOS 9
You can still go back to iOS 9 for a limited time. This normally only lasts a week or more so if you are concerned, now is the time to go back to iOS 9. You can only go back to iOS 9.3.5, but you can go back and wait for iOS 10.0.1 or iOS 10.1.
What's New in iOS 11.4.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The iOS 11.4 update added Messages in iCloud and AirPlay 2, but it also brought issues along with it. The iOS 11.4.1 update keeps these long anticipated features and includes fixes for some iOS 11.4 problems. Specifically the iOS 11.4.1 update;
This update also includes other bug fixes and security upgrades. It's possible that this update includes a fix for bad iOS 11.4 battery life. Messages in the Cloud allows you to backup your iMessage conversations to the cloud just like you back up your notes, contacts and photos. This means they are backed up in case something happens to your phone, but that's not all. Messages in the Cloud syncs deleted messages and threads across your iCloud devices. This means everything will show up the same across your Apple devices. With this in place you should see the same conversations everywhere, all of the time. This also backs up the photos and attachments in the cloud so you have more room on your iPhone or iPad. When you get a new device all of the messages sync to that device so you don't lose anything. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Mals Thinks
09/21/2015 at 8:36 pm
I think what’s most bothersome in all this is that iOS 9 is said to improve performance on all devices by Apple, and in even in the iOS 9 update info before you update it says this. Wasn’t the use of Metal supposed to provide a boost like Apple said? My 64 GB iPhone 6 Plus in some small areas is a little more polished in IOS 9 (for example clearing out notification seems smoother/more cleanly animated), and Safari scrolling and wifi is good, but in more noticeable areas there’s a tad more lag and drop in frame rates in numerous areas whereas the iPhone 6 hasn’t suffered as much. The iPhone 6 Plus still has some significant choppiness when you open up many of the stock apps, then touch in place to bring up the keyboard, then rotate the iPhone into landscape orientation and watch how choppy it can be. I’m hoping for more polish and optimization in 9.1. My iPad Air still stutters and lacks the spit and polish of iOS 6 when it comes to frame rates, and overall animations.
J Marin
12/17/2015 at 4:43 pm
I’m with you. Additionally, I’m (still) dumbfounded in the general lack of chat / awareness of the unique & ongoing (seemingly endless) performance issues specific only to the iPhone 6-Plus!
Karen Anne Kramer
03/04/2017 at 7:32 pm
IOS10 was automatically installed in my I6s. I was not asked if I wanted it. It is so slow that I wish I had my old flip back. Apple is messing up.
Ian
09/22/2015 at 12:34 pm
I have a 4s & just down loaded ios9 & I have no 3G but everything else is fine
kaitlynn
03/02/2016 at 7:48 am
my wont install.
Nicole
04/11/2016 at 8:43 am
If your iOS 9 download or installation locks up, you’ll want to hold down the power button and the home button for 10 seconds. This typically jumpstarts the process.
from: https://www.gottabemobile.com/2016/04/07/ios-9-problems-fixes/
Bgff
09/22/2015 at 2:11 pm
Somebody at Apple development needs to suffer a quick and untimely death
Joe
09/27/2015 at 9:28 am
I have the new iPhone 6s and my iOS 9 runs choppy at times. Think it’s just an update issue in general don’t know what’s going on
Bond
09/28/2015 at 8:00 pm
yes my iphone 6s plus also runs choppy seems to be slower when rotate or swipe right and left.
Serhii Aksiutin
09/29/2015 at 9:27 pm
This video is demonstrating the real performance of iOS 9. You can try to reproduce these steps on your own iPhone 6 Plus to make sure – https://youtu.be/qNfx6eMNfC8 By the way, I have downgraded my iPhone 6 Plus to iOS 8 while it is allowed by
BybyeApple
10/09/2015 at 2:47 pm
Have an iphone 6 and updatet to ios 9.0.2. The Performance is annoying. iOS 8 felt much faster. Now there are noticable lags while scrolling or opening an app. Thanks apple for turning my just outdatet but expensive as hell iphone into an silly laggy thing. This crap is okay when the phone costs the half of this one. First and last iphone. Bye
Brad
10/22/2015 at 6:46 am
GREED… Plain and simple. Without providing proper warning of issues, true concrete fixes nor explanation after all this time simply demonstrates they EXPECT us to upgrade to newer products. Apple doesn’t give a flying f@$k about how much u spent on you’re older phone/iPad, they’re only concerned about how deep THEIR pockets are getting.
Apple sks cck
11/07/2015 at 11:59 pm
After iOS 9 rolled out, I began using it as a doorstop, I bought an old Nokia 3210 and now my stress levels have disappeared.
fagDroid
06/18/2017 at 12:33 pm
omg still there are fkucing fagroid trolls around?
please, stick your 2$ android device in the bottom and live happy in the way you deserve
Alexander
10/24/2015 at 1:03 pm
Why do you need 10 pages of long-winded blah blah to explain 3 simple as ass settings?
Sharon
10/28/2015 at 8:44 am
After updating to 9.0.2 on my I6, my phone immediately drags- it’s so slow. Wish I would’ve never updated the new software!!
matt
11/07/2015 at 2:27 pm
bye bye apple ios9.1 sucks and you knew it when you put it out. Laggs beyond the next county!!!!
helya
11/19/2015 at 6:27 am
Thank you!! Upgraded iphone 5 to ios 9.1. was a disaster, phone kept freezing. the reset all did the trick!
haily clark
11/22/2015 at 5:45 pm
never buying an iphone or apple product again every update completely screws up my phone -ANGRY AND NOT SATISFIED CUSTOMER
Ks1
11/24/2015 at 10:42 am
Upgraded iPhone 4S 16GB to IOS9 and phone performance hasn’t been compromised. First backed up iPhone, reset phone to factory, did upgrade to i9, restored iPhone after. No issues at all after upgrade.
Christinerbruck
01/02/2016 at 5:57 am
2=7 my buddy’s step-mother makes $77 every hour on the internet . She has been unemployed for 10 months but last month her pay was $16929 just working on the internet for a few hours.
go right here… See More
tristen briggz
01/03/2016 at 10:08 pm
New software on a old device? common that’s the users fault for installing. users are offered an update they’re not forced to update. it’s all about making money…how’s this now being realized? it’s been happening ever since iOS 7 came out. I’ve never updated an iOS device over its A# processor, neither should you.
Jun Villar
01/06/2016 at 3:03 am
The apple company should give notice to the user/customer about their new updates specially for old phone that the updates maybe cause lag or choppy if you install this new updates for old phones. The end user always looking for good performance that’s why we are upgrading ios software for us to know that the new updates will give better performance, but the apple never told to their customer what happen to your old phone after upgrading for new ios software it’s more of money making regardless the satisfaction of the customer. That’s disappointing side for apple.
Jason
01/07/2016 at 4:40 pm
5 iphone6s plus 128gb phones I have returned in the last month due to Touch ID lag issues with IOS 9.1 & 9.2, so the phones have a bug in the software out of the box, Apple have denied they know of the problem. I have tryed everything from setting up new phone, to disabling things on the phone, nothing works, still lags. Apple just won’t admit that their flagship phone is faulty. Waiting on replacement phone now and if that doesn’t work bye bye Apple.
Khizerkhan
01/10/2016 at 12:26 am
I m using apple from its first generation till now (like iPhone 6) like i have all apple devices from ipod to macbook, if apple did that and want their customers to upgrade their cell phones to 6s then this is such a bullshit and its such a greedy step for apple , if this is true then i m gonna throw my apple to the trash , and gonna b a samsung user
Daanish
01/25/2016 at 10:49 pm
I have an iPhone 6 running on ios 9.2.1, it is like when i open any application it takes more than 8 seconds to open i tried reset also.
Having a slow iPhone is tooo annoying
Soumya
04/14/2016 at 3:41 am
Very nice article and informative too i have read one similar article about freeing up space in iPhone 6s here https://plus.google.com/100710735407062767969/posts/QiM5mfihDgs but i should say your article covers everything one needs to know while using iPhone. Although the article is a bit lengthy to read but at the same time it has some very interesting stuff.
Bob
04/30/2016 at 4:06 am
I have an iPhone 4s. It worked amazing for years, until an upgrade to IOS 9.0.2. Why is an upgrade offered if it’s not going to run correctly on the hardware. I have better things to do than read up on this crap. It just needs to work. No downgrade, how convenient. This is a complete scam. Android time. Bye Apple scammers.
h
05/24/2016 at 11:33 pm
WTF?
Wtfguy
05/29/2016 at 4:16 pm
Lol wtf
Stewartlud
08/13/2016 at 9:29 am
Can’t believe anyone is surprised by apples greed, they didn’t get big by being nice. I use apple produçts but I to hate apple or ” Crapple” as I call them. Morally speaking Crapple is totally corrupt but stupid trendy young people are the trend so expect more crap to be accepted by the mass of idiots. IOS is designed for 12 year old girls now thats why it looks like colored candy. Just look at the idiotic man bun to see how bad it has become. Steve jobs would have Tim and Ivey killed if he saw what they did to the company.
Paul
09/13/2016 at 5:12 pm
IOS 10 has gone BACK instead of forward especially when it comes to being able to delete ALL e mails and TRASH them all. They have gone BACK to the old way of editing EACH e mail one by one. Ridiculous!
Al
09/14/2016 at 9:01 am
I just updated to iOS 10 on my iPhone 6. At first it was slow but after a day of use its somehow gotten better. The Touch ID for instance is actually better than it was on 9.3.5. My phone isn’t lightening fast but it no slouch either.
Overall I’m satisfied though I must admit iOS 10 is a better experience on iPhone 6s, and 7 because 3 touch enhancements and raise to wake feature.
Deepak Sogani
10/01/2016 at 9:49 am
Apple is now on the lines of Nokia!!!! Steep slope down. Save my this message in less than an Year instead of I7 taking them up it will ruin them. Their Boss is no more and the kids play the juniors are making will ruin them.
lhamo
10/04/2016 at 4:17 am
Damn!! Really disappointed with ios10(iphone6). The new look is cool and all but the performance has really slowed down. I have noticed late notification and at times i dont get any notifications until when i turn it. This mostly happened with viber, i open and see many messages and missed calls(wth my phone didnt even ring, ugh), never had that problem with ios9. Hope they fix it soon. Resetting my phone had no effect what so ever.
Shine
10/08/2016 at 10:17 am
I have the iPhone 6 Plus and to say the performance/function of my phone has changed (after the iOS 10 upgrade) would be an understatement! I set a timer and it took exactly 31 seconds just to open your page alone in order to read this article. Tried playing one of your tutorial videos and I gave up after the minute mark. I don’t believe that Apple has some conspiracy to make you run out and buy the latest and greatest phone they have on the market but something has definitely gone haywire with my phone as of late. In fact I’ve never had any issues with previous updates before but the changes with the iOS 10 has been very noticeable… not to mention very frustrating. 😬
Martin
10/14/2016 at 1:18 pm
Hi guys, today I finally found out what my problem was with slow wi-fi was. Waaaaaait for it… It was the bluetooth interfering with my wi-fi.
Vili Ionut Blt
10/26/2016 at 9:41 am
Who paid you to write this article? Cuz it sure was Apple.
I am also among the victims and I had iOS 8.1 prior to upgrading to iOS 10.2
Now it moves like a bucket…..
So stop being so duplicitary cuz i’m sure it also slows down iphone 6 too.
Casey C
12/21/2016 at 8:29 am
“Can simply choose not to install iOS 10” Yeah, stopped reading after this as the author lost all credibility. Have you actually tried not installing the update? The phone “reminds” you to update, at first every day, but eventually every 2 hours, and your only option to avoid updating is choosing “Remind me later” and enter your lock code every time. And then your phone reminds you again in two hours. Then one day my phone basically bricked itself, and my options were to restore and lose any recent messages, etc. that were not backed up, or update to iOS 10. Tell us again how we get to choose.
Eric
01/18/2017 at 7:16 am
I would have to disagree about the “conspiracy”.
1. For every major iOS update (8 to 9, 9 to 10), there is are always major issues. Namely phone slowing down. This has never failed for me. And the only way it was fixed, I upgraded to the lastest iPhone with the latest iOS pre-installed. Every time I do this, the phone runs like a dream. Until I upgrade to the latest iOS again. Then back to square one.
2. Apple can and has download it’s software on to my phone without my knowledge or consent. Namely, the latest iOS update. I’d go to sleep, and in the morning I get message saying latest update is ready for install. So if they can push software to your phone without you knowing or permitting, they can do anything to your phone without your knowledge.
3. Apple NEVER gives you a straight answer as to why this happens. C’mon, that’s pretty stupid for a bunch of smart people. They know. They just can’t say or won’t. Classic deniability. And most people will just give up and take it up the arse, and say “that’s life”. It works for every other business out there. If consumers can’t prove, they have nothing to worry about.
And really, we paid for a $1200 phone, to run as it was advertised. And it makes no sense what so ever to have to shut off features, reset settings, reinstall everything to make this phone run close to what it’s supposed. What’s the point? Oh, and btw, none of those things ever worked for me. Only upgrading to the latest iPhone works. But again, until I have to update to the latest iOS.
And you can’t say, “just don’t update”. Well, that would be great, but if I want to download an app that requires the latest iOS, or update an app which requires the latest iOS, I’m SOL. Damned if I do, damned if I don’t. Yes, yes, people can say, “well it doesn’t happen to me”. Well good for you. As you can see it happens to plenty of other people. You don’t have cancer, does that mean it doesn’t exist? Or that others don’t get it?
Apple has changed quite a lot since the passing of Jobs. I’ve been using Apple products for the past 25+ years. Back then, the slogan “It Just Works”, was so right on the money. Had very, very few issues. And the issues that did arise, was easily fixed. By myself. But now, the slogan should be “It Just Might Work…cross fingers”. Mac OS feels more and more like Windows. Apple seems to like more steps to do things than the fewer from older OS’s. All the useful features were removed, in place of glitz and glam that only caters to social media users. Now the rest of us “power users” have to purchase third party software to get all the features they removed. Really though, how hard is it for Apple to just have an “ON” and “OFF” switch for features we don’t need or like? Why are we relegated to taking what they want to give us?
I may just have to start looking into Android phones. And PC’s. These days, most PC’s are just as good, or almost as good as Macs. But cheaper. And like I said, Macs are starting to feel more and more like Windows anyway. Might as well save some money. Cook is no Jobs. Not even close. Bad choice. He’s tearing down the house that Jobs built. And building a crappier version.
RyanF
01/26/2017 at 11:22 pm
Great article. However, I differ when the author mentions that if iOS updates were to purposely slow down iPhones, people would simply not proceed to download.
Let’s remember that Apple sets a number of limitations to users who don’t download the most descent IOS updates (ex. Not allowing iPhone restore, just to name few).