As an advanced user, I’ve exhausted all possible troubleshooting methods for the persistent cellular data drain on my iPhone XS Max. Despite resetting network settings, performing factory resets, and toggling various settings, nothing has worked. I’ve sought help from AI and Apple support, but the responses are always the same: “reset network settings,” “factory reset,” or “disable this and that.” Unfortunately, they have not addressed the underlying issue.
The significant data consumption seems to originate from the “General” category within System Cellular Services. Since updating to iOS 18.3 or 18.4, I’ve observed that when my phone connects to cellular data, it often drains a substantial amount of data—up to 112 MB in mere seconds—even with Wi-Fi enabled and Wi-Fi assist disabled. On days when I’ve monitored usage closely, I’ve noticed that apps consume only a few megabytes, while the “General” category reports no usage until I’m disconnected from Wi-Fi. Furthermore, I have documented instances where other system services continue to operate in the background, consuming data despite my disabling background app refresh and activating power-save mode.
Most users are likely unaware of this issue since the “Enable Cellular Usage Statistics” option is turned off by default. I encourage anyone curious about their data usage to enable this feature and check if they, too, experience excessive drain under “General.” I have thoroughly examined every cellular option, toggling off all system services whenever possible, yet the “General” data consumption remains. While some might suggest an unlimited data plan, this is not a viable solution for those of us on strict data limits, especially when traveling abroad.
This issue appears to be new, and I am sharing my experience for archival purposes, hoping it helps others who might be facing the same frustrating predicament. Apple remains silent on what precisely comprises “General,” but the data drain has been significant.
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