The iPhone and iPad operating systems offer a setting that reduces cellular and Wi-Fi data usage. When enabled, this setting restricts background app refresh, disables automatic downloads, and reduces video streaming quality. As an illustration, enabling this setting might prevent an app from updating its content in the background until the device is connected to a less restrictive network.
Conserving data is important for users with limited data plans or those who wish to extend battery life. Historically, managing data usage required manual monitoring and intervention. This feature automates many of these processes, providing a more convenient and efficient method for controlling data consumption. This is particularly useful when traveling abroad or in areas with expensive data rates.