As a seasoned iOS expert with years of hands-on experience optimizing Apple devices, I can confirm iOS 12 is one of the platform's standout updates. Apple focused on core performance enhancements over gimmicky visuals, delivering smoother operation across iPhones and iPads.
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While iOS 12's built-in optimizations boost efficiency, these 15 practical tips—drawn from real-world testing—will help you squeeze even more from your device's battery.
The revamped Battery section in Settings now offers detailed graphs showing usage over 24 hours, 48 hours, or 10 days on iPad. Open Settings > Battery to view it.
Tap the graph to see per-app breakdowns. Below, track activity since last charge, including background apps.
Check regularly to identify drainers. Pair with Screen Time limits for heavy apps.
Note: Reference this panel when applying other tips.Apps like Google Photos refresh in the background by default, guzzling power. Turn it off for non-essential ones.
Use the Battery panel to spot offenders. Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh, or per-app toggles.
Location tracking enhances apps but drains battery. Manage via Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
Set to Never, While Using, or Always per app. Use 'While Using' for Maps.
High brightness is a common culprit. Swipe down from top-right for Control Center and adjust.
Even with auto-brightness, manual tweaks help. Disable auto-brightness in Settings > Accessibility > Display Accommodations if needed.
Tip: Lock brightness for consistency.Weak cellular signals force radios to work harder. Wi-Fi Assist switches to known Wi-Fi automatically.
Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Assist (bottom toggle).
In low-signal areas, toggle Airplane Mode temporarily via Control Center.
Ideal for conserving power when coverage is spotty.
Long idle screens waste power. Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock: Choose 30 seconds or 1 minute.
Notifications wake the screen, draining battery. Swipe left on one > Manage > Deliver Quietly.
On iPhone, place face down. Or enable LED flash: Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > LED Flash for Alerts.
Widgets update constantly, using power. Home screen > Edit (left) > red minus to delete.
Email fetches drain battery. Settings > Passwords & Accounts > Fetch New Data: Set to Hourly or Manual.
Apps like YouTube support dark mode, saving power on OLED (iPhone X/XS). Check app settings. Books app auto-enables in low light.
For non-supporting apps, enable Smart Invert: Settings > General > Accessibility > Display Accommodations > Invert Colors > Smart Invert.
Inverts colors but skips images.
Constant listening uses power. Settings > Siri & Search > Listen for 'Hey Siri' off. Activate manually via button.
Animations cost battery. Settings > General > Accessibility > Reduce Motion: On.
Activates at 20% by default; enable manually in Settings > Battery. Yellow icon confirms. Auto-handles background tasks, fetches, etc.
Implement these tips, stay current with iOS 12 updates for ongoing optimizations, and enjoy significantly longer battery life on your iPhone or iPad.
