iOS/iPadOS app background activity like macOS?

Question

Level 10

152,845 points

iOS/iPadOS app background activity like macOS?

Can apps have background activity in iOS, similar to the way they can in macOS? I guess the function has to be encoded in the app as it is on the Mac, giving the user the option to switch it off. There are applications on the Mac that I would like to be able to turn on, but I can't. I don't think iOS apps running in macOS have this option either.

Thanks for any insight into whether this is something a developer can add into their iOS or iPadOS software.

Posted on Nov 25, 2025 6:15 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Nov 25, 2025 6:38 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

On iOS the only option for background tasks is found in Settings ➜ General ➜ Background App Refresh

Or under each apps Setting for the same Setting.

On Mac OS the option is in System Settings ➜ General ➜ Login Items & Extensions ➜ App Background Activity.

Apps will only be listed there if they have anything that requires this and as such have requested the OS to list them there.

Most will not be listed there.

Reply

Answer 2

Tom Wolsky Author

Level 10

152,845 points

Nov 25, 2025 6:46 AM in response to Phil0124

That's great. Thank you Phil. I have it active for an app in the mobile OSs. Interestingly, the option isn't available for the same app in macOS.

Reply

iOS/iPadOS app background activity like macOS?

Similar questions