How does iOS manage memory pressure and trigger cleanup internally?

Updated May 17, 2026

Short answer

iOS uses jetsam and memory warnings to force cleanup and terminate high-memory apps.

Deep explanation

When memory is low, iOS sends didReceiveMemoryWarning. Apps must release caches and unused objects. If pressure continues, jetsam daemon terminates processes based on priority. NSCache automatically responds to memory pressure, unlike NSDictionary.

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