Instagram's caching mechanism can significantly impact phone performance, especially when storage space becomes limited. The app stores various data, such as images, videos, and comments, in its cache folder. Over time, this accumulated cache can lead to decreased device speed, increased battery consumption, and slow navigation. When you open the Instagram app, it fetches and caches new content, updating your feed with fresh information. However, if the cache grows too large or becomes corrupted, it can slow down your phone's overall performance.