Why Is “General” Under System Services Using So Much Cellular Data on iPhone?

Many iPhone 16,14,15 users on iOS 18.3.2 to iOS 18.5 have reported a frustrating and irritating issue viz excessive cellular data usage by “General” under System Services, particularly while roaming. Whether you’re on a limited data plan or using international roaming, this issue has caused surprise data overages and unexplained charges for thousands of users in 2025.

If you’re seeing “System Services > General” eating 1GB to 5GB+ of mobile data — even when using Low Data Mode and with most apps restricted — you’re not alone.

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What’s Happening?

Real User Experiences:

• Roaming in iOS 18.3.2: Up to 5GB used in a few days — without visible app usage.
• Notified by carrier (e.g., Spectrum, AT&T): “You’ve exceeded your data limit” — System Services (General) is the culprit.
• Low Data Mode enabled, location services mostly off, background app refresh off, and no streaming or downloads.
• Even with the phone turned off for hours, cellular data continues to be consumed.
• Some users suspect third-party apps (like games) might be tunneling data through ‘System Services’ to bypass app-based restrictions.

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What Is “System Services > General” in iOS?

“General” under System Services is a catch-all category in iOS. It includes:

• Apple Intelligence syncing (if enabled)
• Push notifications
• iCloud background tasks
• Siri and AI service requests
• Diagnostics and analytics
• System framework-level connections (used by some apps indirectly)

Unfortunately, Apple does not provide detailed logs or transparency into what specifically is using data within this label — making it extremely difficult for users to track or control.

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Why Is “General” Under System Services Using So Much Data?

In iOS 18.x, particularly with the introduction of Apple Intelligence, new services run more background processes — many of which aren’t visible or user-controllable.

Key suspected reasons:

• AI model syncing or preloading
• Siri and dictation data processing
• App data routing through system services (e.g., Monster Hunter Now or others)
• Glitchy system update behavior while roaming
• iCloud processes not correctly honoring Low Data Mode

Even with Low Data Mode enabled, some of these services may still operate unless further restricted.

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Temporary Fixes and Workarounds

Until Apple releases an official fix or detailed breakdown of the issue, here’s what you can do to reduce or block this usage:

1. Disable Apple Intelligence

• Go to Settings > Siri & Intelligence
• Toggle off all options
• Reboot the device

Many users reported this reduces system data spikes — especially AI sync over cellular.

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2. Block Cellular for System Services (Indirect Method)

There is no toggle to block System Services directly, but you can:

• Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Mode
• Set to Low Data Mode
• Turn off Wi-Fi Assist
• Turn off iCloud Drive over cellular

Also, set Background App Refresh to OFF for all apps, and disable all iCloud sync services temporarily if needed.

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3. Monitor Third-Party Apps

Some apps may funnel their data through System Services to avoid showing up under their own label.

• Reset your data usage stats (Settings > Cellular > Reset Statistics)
• Use one app at a time and track usage daily
• Suspect apps? Games like Monster Hunter Now have been reported to do this

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4. Turn Off Cellular When Not Needed

This is harsh — but effective. If you’re roaming or on limited data:

• Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data → OFF when idle
• Or use Control Center toggle to disable it easily while on the move

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5. Factory Reset as Last Resort

Some users fixed the issue by restoring the iPhone and setting it up as new, without restoring from iCloud backup.

Steps:

• Backup important data
• Erase all content and settings
• Set up as new iPhone
• Reinstall only essential apps

This ensures any hidden system glitches or corruption isn’t carried over.

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Final Thoughts

It’s shocking that in 2025, a long-standing issue from iOS 9 days is still affecting modern iPhones like the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The lack of transparency in System Services > General and Apple’s limited support response makes this issue all the more frustrating.

Until a system update or patch is released:

• Monitor your usage manually
• Limit cellular access aggressively
• Report the issue via Apple Support or feedback form

Have you experienced this on your iPhone or iPad? Share your setup and results so we can help others track the source of this mysterious data drain.