Introduction:
iOS 17, Apple’s latest operating system for mobile devices, was released in September 2021. It brought many new features and improvements over its predecessors, including a redesigned Control Center, a revamped widget library, and enhanced privacy controls. However, some users have reported that iOS 17 has been occupying more storage space than they expected.
The Culprit: App Size Increases
One of the main reasons why iOS 17 is taking up more storage space is due to the increased size of apps. Apple has implemented a new feature called “App Library,” which organizes all of your apps into different categories, making it easier to find what you need. However, this feature requires more storage space than the old app organization method, as Apple had to create a new directory structure for the app library.
Additionally, some developers have started optimizing their apps for iOS 17 by using new features and APIs that are only available in this version of the operating system. This can lead to larger app sizes, as the developers need to include these new features and APIs in their code.
The Impact on Storage Space:
The increased size of apps can have a significant impact on storage space, especially for users who have older devices with limited storage capacity. If your device is already running low on storage, upgrading to iOS 17 could cause some of your apps to take up more space than you expected.
Furthermore, if you have a large number of apps installed on your device, the increased size of iOS 17 could cause your device to fill up quickly, making it difficult to install new apps or updates in the future.
How to Free Up More Storage Space:
Fortunately, there are several ways to free up more storage space on your iOS device after upgrading to iOS 17. Here are some tips:
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Uninstall unused apps: If you have apps installed on your device that you rarely use, consider uninstalling them to free up space. You can do this by tapping and holding on an app icon until it starts wiggling, then tapping the “Delete” button.
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Delete app data and cache: When you uninstall an app, iOS will automatically delete its data and cache files, which can take up a significant amount of space. However, if you want to free up even more space, you can manually delete these files by going to the “Settings” app and selecting “Manage Storage.” From there, select the app you want to delete and choose the “Delete App” option.
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Use cloud storage: If you have a lot of photos, videos, or documents that are taking up space on your device, consider using cloud storage services like iCloud or Google Drive to store them in the cloud. This will free up more space on your device and allow you to access your files from anywhere with an internet connection.
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Optimize app settings: Many apps have settings that can help optimize their performance and reduce their size. For example, some apps let you choose which features to enable or disable, which can help reduce their storage requirements. You can find these settings by opening the app’s settings menu.
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Upgrade to a larger-capacity device: If none of the above tips work, it may be time to consider upgrading to a larger-capacity device with more storage space. This will give you more room to install apps and store files without worrying about running out of space.
Conclusion:
While iOS 17 brings many new features and improvements over its predecessors, it can also take up more storage space than expected, especially if you have older devices with limited storage capacity.