How to Enable Background Modes for iOS Apps in Xcode

Introduction:

An engaged user always returning for more informs user retention. A successful app is more than designing for looks. Developers often ignore iOS features that greatly boost user retention, average user session lengths, and user engagement, such as Background Modes. Leaving iOS Background Modes ignored is tantamount to leaving iOS growth opportunities unexplored. Developers using either code or no-code development platforms, such as Twinr, need to understand and make use of iOS Background Modes to be competitive.

This guide will be using Twinr to explain how to use code in Xcode to enable background modes. Are you willing to use the background modes most competitive apps use?

Real-Time Updates in the Background

Nothing transforms retention more than accurate and timely updates. Users expect notifications, data streams, and content streams to be managed seamlessly in the background.

Statista states that over 70% of users will uninstall any app that does not make relevant updates or notifications. On the other hand, apps like Spotify, WhatsApp, or Google Maps leverage background modes to deliver continuous engagement, increasing the number of active sessions and user loyalty — in some cases, increasing retention rates by 50% or more.

User satisfaction and business growth are affected by your app’s ability to perform background activities. If you do not incorporate background modes, your app will most likely be uninstalled, while the best apps stay relevant with background intelligence and notifications.

What You Need Before Enabling Background Modes?

Before you begin adjusting your app in Xcode or through Twinr’s platform, make sure that:

• You have the most recent version of Xcode (ideally 14 or a newer version).
• Adjust your app’s Info.plist and target settings to accommodate new capabilities.
• You are familiar with the requirements for your app’s background modes (for example: fetch, location, or streaming).

Pro Tip: Creating a plan will help avoid rejections from Apple and help your app run better.

How to Enable Background Modes in Xcode: Step-by-Step?

Step 1: Open Your Project in Xcode

Open your project in Xcode and choose your app target in the project navigator sidebar.

Step 2: Including the Background Modes Capability

• Go to Signing & Capabilities.
• Click + Capability.
• Look for Background Modes, then add it.

Step 3: Relevant Background Modes

You will see options on the background modes, like:

• Audio, AirPlay, and Picture in Picture
• Location updates
• Background fetch
• Remote notifications
• Voice over IP

Depends on your app functionality

For example:

• Background fetch – data syncs or updates are needed.
• Location updates – need for location services.
• Audio – for streaming services.

Caution. Only select what your app needs to function. Too many options may get your app denied, or may cause battery drain.

Step 4: Background Task Configuration

Implementing delegate methods is needed, depending on your chosen capabilities.

How to Enable Background Fetch

func application(_ application: UIApplication, performFetchWithCompletionHandler completionHandler: @escaping (UIBackgroundFetchResult) -> Void) {

fetchLatestData { hasNewData in

completionHandler(hasNewData ? .newData : .noData)

}

}

Next, specify how often you would like to fetch.

application.setMinimumBackgroundFetchInterval(UIApplication.backgroundFetchIntervalMinimum)

How to Enable Background Location Updates?

import CoreLocation

let locationManager = CLLocationManager()

func setupLocation() {

locationManager.delegate = self

locationManager.requestAlwaysAuthorization()

locationManager.allowsBackgroundLocationUpdates = true

locationManager.startUpdatingLocation()

}

Step 5: Background Modes Testing

In Xcode, you can use Debug > Simulate Background Fetch to trigger fetch cycles.

You can also test location updates by moving the device to see background location updates.

You should see some refresh in the logs and data.

Step 6: Follow Apple Guidelines & Power Optimization

Apple Background Activity rules are very strict. Make sure your app:

• Legitimately needs background mode (not to burn battery).
• Is heavily optimized for the preservation of the battery.
• Is in-line with Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines to avoid rejection.—

How Twinr Streamlines Background Mode Automation (No-Code)?

Integrating background modes in raw Xcode is exceedingly accurate and highly prone to errors. This is precisely why the majority of high-end applications turn to Twinr. With Twinr’s no-code tools, background activities, push notifications, and data syncs can be set in place without writing any code.

Picture This:

• Enabling live data sync with a click.
• Setting push notifications to automatically send customized alerts.
• Organizing background location updates using a visual management interface.

This strategy gives you the full scope of background modes** while drastically improving development slowdowns and optimizing your application’s path to market.**

Using Background Modes for Increased Engagement and Retention

A favorable engagement and retention of users background modes strategy:

• Sends reactive notifications to users to decrease the likelihood of user churn.
• Keeps data live and updated in the app, to keep users looking at relevant and efficient content.
• Delivers content on request using location-aware services.
• Streams media (audio, video, etc.).

According to McKinsey, apps that facilitate background updates on a regular schedule see as many as 50% more active users. This is not just speculation; this is the expectation people have for productivity now.

FAQs

Do I need to know coding to enable background modes?

No. Developers can do this manually in Xcode as detailed in the instructions above. For Twinr users, you don’t need to know any coding to enable background modes. It’s as easy as flipping a switch in the background modes section of the UI.

What about Apple’s restrictions?

Yes. Apple’s guidelines say that background activity can only include certain functions: push notifications, location, audio, etc. Any of these background activities can only be used for their intended purpose. Avoid draining the battery; be mindful of the user.

How can I test background modes?

To test background mode on a device and for location, take the device to different locations or change your location. In Xcode, you can background your app and then go to Debug > Simulate Background Fetch.

Can background modes improve retention?

Yes, Background refresh and notifications improve retention by 2x, according to industry stats. Lots of background engagement encourages regular use. Apps like WhatsApp and Spotify do this well.

What are Twinr’s features for managing background activities?

You can manage background activities like data refresh and notifications by creating visual workflows on Twinr. It’s truly no-code; just set it and forget it. Your user engagement will grow seamlessly.