Buzz
One major advantage users notice after installing iOS 9 is the longer battery life compared to previous iOS versions. However, due to numerous background-running apps, sometimes causing battery drain, users can still adjust these functions to optimize the device further.
Compilation of Battery Saving Tips for iOS 9
Activate Low Power Mode
Apple states that iOS 9 is optimized to increase battery life by about 1 hour compared to previous versions. Especially with the introduction of Low Power Mode, users can extend an additional 3 hours when enabled.
Just like toggling Find My iPhone on or off to activate Low Power Mode, users can access it in Settings => General => Battery => Low Power Mode. Moreover, the device prompts you to enable this feature when the battery level drops to 20% or lower.
Disable notifications and connections when not in use
If you don't need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on your iPhone, it's best to turn them off as they also consume a significant amount of energy. Additionally, many apps require automatic notification activation that you don't really need, so it's advisable to turn them off as they drain a lot of battery.
Limit background app activity
Background App Refresh is a feature allowing apps to update content even when not running, resulting in the latest information every time users open them. However, this also means draining the battery of iPhones, iPads, or other iOS devices.
Tech advice suggests enabling Background App Refresh only for essential apps. Configure it in Settings => General => Background App Refresh.
Identify battery-draining apps
Since iOS 8, Apple introduced Battery Usage for users to monitor battery usage. In iOS 9, this feature was enhanced to optimize battery life on iPhone. In Settings => General => Battery, you can see which apps you use most frequently and which ones drain the battery the most. For unnecessary apps, you can remove them to save battery or adjust their usage to extend battery life.
Disable effects and dynamic wallpapers
Since iOS 7, Apple added the parallax effect allowing icons to be viewed with a 3D depth. They also introduced zoom effects when accessing folders. These features not only drain the battery but also some users find them nauseating. To turn off iOS 9 wallpapers on iPhone that drain battery, go to Settings => General => Accessibility => Reduce Motion.
Additionally, dynamic wallpapers also consume battery for iPhone which users can replace with static wallpapers. This becomes more significant when iPhone 6s and 6s Plus introduced Live Photos feature by Apple.
Accessibility settings optimization
To maximize battery saving, users can sacrifice some experiences in Accessibility. For example, switch all display content to grayscale by activating Settings - General - Accessibility - Grayscale. Or adjust contrast, blur in Increase Contrast and Reduce Transparency.
If you only need notification sounds and not vibration, you can turn it off at Settings - General - Accessibility - Vibration.
Disable automatic software updates
Starting fairly early in its versions (from iOS 7 onwards), Apple allows apps to update automatically. To turn it off, users go to Settings - App and iTunes Stores - Automatic Downloads and uncheck Updates. Additionally, you can also disable Music, Apps, Books to save battery.
Limit background app activity
Background App Refresh is a feature that allows apps to update content even when not running, so each time the user opens them, they will have the latest information. However, this also translates to draining the battery of iPhones, iPads.
Tech advice suggests enabling Background App Refresh only for essential apps. Configure it in Settings - General - Background App Refresh.
