Does BGAppRefreshTask Run After a User Force-Quits the App? Seeking Official Clarification

App & System Services Processes & Concurrency
ygbykov OP
Created 3w
Replies 7
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I’m looking for an authoritative answer on how BGAppRefreshTask behaves after a user force-quits an app (swipes it away in the App Switcher).

My app relies on early-morning background refresh to prepare and schedule notifications based on user-defined thresholds and weather forecasts.

Behavior across devices seems inconsistent, however: sometimes a scheduled background refresh still runs, and other times it appears completely blocked.

Apple’s documentation doesn’t clearly state what should happen, and developer discussions conflict.

Could someone from Apple please clarify:

  1. Will a previously scheduled BGAppRefreshTask run after the user force-quits the app?
  2. If not, is there a recommended alternative for time-sensitive updates that must schedule user alerts?
  3. What is the expected system behavior regarding the predictability of background refresh after a force-quit?

A definitive answer would help ensure the app aligns with intended system behavior.

Thanks!

Answered by DTS Engineer in 867326022

Someone else just posted a very similar question that my colleague is addressing over on this thread. I suggest you join the conversation over there.

Share and Enjoy
—
Quinn “The Eskimo!” @ Developer Technical Support @ Apple
let myEmail = "eskimo" + "1" + "@" + "apple.com"

Replies  7
Boosts  0
Views  320
Participants  2
DTS Engineer OP
Apple
2w
Accepted Answer
Recommended

Someone else just posted a very similar question that my colleague is addressing over on this thread. I suggest you join the conversation over there.

Share and Enjoy
—
Quinn “The Eskimo!” @ Developer Technical Support @ Apple
let myEmail = "eskimo" + "1" + "@" + "apple.com"

1
ygbykov OP
1w

@DTS Engineer - Thank you! Although when I am clicking on the link, it brings me back to this thread. Can you repost the link please?

0
DTS Engineer OP
Apple
1w

D’oh! I make that mistake all the time [1]. Sorry.

I’ve fixed my original reply.

Share and Enjoy
—
Quinn “The Eskimo!” @ Developer Technical Support @ Apple
let myEmail = "eskimo" + "1" + "@" + "apple.com"

[1] In my defence, check out how similar the URLs are:

 yours: https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/808188
theirs: https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/808088
1
ygbykov OP
1w

No worries and thank you!

0
ygbykov OP
1w

My thoughts:

In my view, Apple may want to reconsider how it interprets users force-quitting apps. Closing an app from the App Switcher isn’t necessarily a sign that the user dislikes it or finds it unhelpful. Many users simply prefer to keep the switcher uncluttered. A force-quit app can still serve an important purpose, and because Apple has not clearly communicated how background behavior works after a manual terminate, many apps are unintentionally penalized by this misunderstanding. Users already have better tools for signaling preference, such as disabling notifications. Ultimately, deleting an app is the only meaningful indication that a user truly does not want it. Just my two cents.

0
DTS Engineer OP
Apple
5d

You posted the same comment on that other thread and I’m gonna reply there.

Share and Enjoy
—
Quinn “The Eskimo!” @ Developer Technical Support @ Apple
let myEmail = "eskimo" + "1" + "@" + "apple.com"

1
ygbykov OP
2d

Thank you!

0
Does BGAppRefreshTask Run After a User Force-Quits the App? Seeking Official Clarification
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