Background Processing

Covers the three main flavors of iOS background work: BGAppRefreshTask for quick data syncs, BGProcessingTask for longer maintenance jobs, and the new BGContinuedProcessingTask in iOS 26+ for user-initiated work that keeps running when the app backgrounds. The patterns here handle the critical bits like Info.plist setup, registration timing (which must happen before app launch completes), and expiration handlers that fire when the system pulls the plug. Also includes background URLSession for downloads and push notification triggers. The examples show async/await patterns with proper cancellation, which is better than the older completion handler style you'll find in Apple's docs.

skills.sh installs: 4.1K
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last updated: Aug 21, 2026

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Install

$ npx -y skills add dpearson2699/swift-ios-skills --skill background-processing --agent claude-code

Installs into .claude/skills of the current project.

Files

Background Processing

Register, schedule, and execute background work on iOS using the BackgroundTasks framework, background URLSession, and background push notifications.

Info.plist Configuration
BGTaskScheduler Registration
BGAppRefreshTask Patterns
BGProcessingTask Patterns
BGContinuedProcessingTask (iOS 26+)
Background URLSession Downloads
Background Push Triggers
Common Mistakes
Review Checklist
References

Info.plist Configuration

Every task identifier must be declared in Info.plist under BGTaskSchedulerPermittedIdentifiers, or submit(_:) throws BGTaskScheduler.Error.Code.notPermitted.

<key>BGTaskSchedulerPermittedIdentifiers</key>
<array>
    <string>com.example.app.refresh</string>
    <string>com.example.app.db-cleanup</string>
    <string>com.example.app.export.*</string>
</array>

Also enable the required UIBackgroundModes:

SKILL.md on GitHub