Unlike many other functions on your phone, apps don't need to be actively running in the foreground for alarms, alerts, and notifications to work. Here's a breakdown of how it works:
- Background Services: Many apps use background services to stay minimally active even when you close the app. These services are specifically designed to handle tasks like checking for updates or triggering notifications at specific times.
- The Operating System: Your phone's operating system (Android or iOS) acts as a middleman. It manages background services and delivers notifications from the apps to you, even if the apps themselves are closed.
- Push Notifications: For certain alerts and updates, apps can leverage push notifications. These are sent directly from the app's server to your phone's notification center, completely independent of whether the app is open.
This system lets you stay informed and on schedule without constantly having to keep apps open, saving battery life and allowing you to multitask freely.