Maps & Location

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Maps & Location Documentation

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Are rate limits for calculate, calculateETA, and reverse geocoding shared across an app?
Hi, I'm using MapKit's MKDirections.calculate, calculateETA, and reverse geocoding (via CLGeocoder.reverseGeocodeLocation) in my iOS app. I understand that there are undocumented rate limits for these services to prevent abuse, but I couldn't find official details. I would like to know: Are the rate limits applied per device, per app installation, or are they shared across all users of the same app bundle ID? Is there any guidance on how to design these features to avoid hitting rate limits in a production environment? What is the best practice if a user repeatedly triggers routing or reverse geocoding (e.g., typing or moving the map)? Any clarification or official documentation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
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133
Jun ’25
The latest IOS doesn't act for the custom iBeacon anymore.
I have some questions about the changes that the latest IOS doesn't act (scanning or monitoring) for our custom beacon devices. Since about 2015, We has provided some 'location based service' by using our custom iBeacon devices. However We've just realized that the latest IOS devices doesn't work with our custom iBeacon devices. but also realized It could still work with the other normal iBeacon devices. So, I've dig this issues for a while and finally I got the answer. It's because the one byte of Ibeacon advertsing packet payload. the followings are the differences about manufacturer data part between a normal Ibeacon and our custom beacon. normal Ibeacon 0xFF 0x4C00 0x02 0x15 0x736E75685F70656F706C655F74656331 0xEA61 0x03EB 0xC5 our custom Ibeacon 0xFF 0x4C00 0x02 0x15 0x736E75685F70656F706C655F74656331 0xEA61 0x03EB 0xC5 0xDA Yes, I know. after many of searches and research, Now I've understood the byte (meaning the length of following payload) should be changed as '0x16'. But It is certainly something that has worked well not so long ago. Anyway, The introduction was so long, but this is the one question what I'd like to ask about. I need to know exactly which version of IOS this change came from. (I've tried but I couldn't find any thing about this on the official documents.) I need to expaing to my customers what's going on. for that, I need the information that exactly which version of IOS It didn't work from. Thanks in advance. Regards.
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420
Jan ’25
iBeacon with CLMonitor Slow
The other day I was playing with iBeacon and found out that CLBeaconIdentityConstraint will be deprecated after iOS 18.5. So I've written code with BeaconIdentityCondition in reference to this Apple's sample project. import Foundation import CoreLocation let monitorName = "BeaconMonitor" @MainActor public class BeaconViewModel: ObservableObject { private let manager: CLLocationManager static let shared = BeaconViewModel() public var monitor: CLMonitor? @Published var UIRows: [String: [CLMonitor.Event]] = [:] init() { self.manager = CLLocationManager() self.manager.requestWhenInUseAuthorization() } func startMonitoringConditions() { Task { print("Set up monitor") monitor = await CLMonitor(monitorName) await monitor!.add(getBeaconIdentityCondition(), identifier: "TestBeacon") for identifier in await monitor!.identifiers { guard let lastEvent = await monitor!.record(for: identifier)?.lastEvent else { continue } UIRows[identifier] = [lastEvent] } for try await event in await monitor!.events { guard let lastEvent = await monitor!.record(for: event.identifier)?.lastEvent else { continue } if event.state == lastEvent.state { continue } UIRows[event.identifier] = [event] UIRows[event.identifier]?.append(lastEvent) } } } func updateRecords() async { UIRows = [:] for identifier in await monitor?.identifiers ?? [] { guard let lastEvent = await monitor!.record(for: identifier)?.lastEvent else { continue } UIRows[identifier] = [lastEvent] } } func getBeaconIdentityCondition() -> CLMonitor.BeaconIdentityCondition { CLMonitor.BeaconIdentityCondition(uuid: UUID(uuidString: "abc")!, major: 123, minor: 789) } } It works except that my sample app can take as long as 90 seconds to see event changes. You would get an instant update with an fashion (CLBeacon and CLBeaconIdentityConstraint). Is there anything that I can do to see changes faster? Thanks.
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58
Jun ’25
Re-enabling Background Location Services When Reconnecting to a Bluetooth Device
Hi all, We’re running into a challenge with our iOS app DriveSmarter, which uses background location updates when connected to a physical Bluetooth device (e.g., dash cam, radar detector). For battery efficiency, we disable location services in the background when no device is connected. The problem we’re now facing is: How can we programmatically re-enable location services when a Bluetooth device reconnects while the app is still in the background? From what I understand, Core Location doesn’t allow re-enabling background location updates unless the app returns to the foreground. But our core use case requires this to happen seamlessly in the background when the user starts driving and the device connects again. To clarify: We stop location updates when the device disconnects. We want to resume location updates only when the device reconnects, even if the app is still in the background. Manually bringing the app to the foreground is not a reliable or user-friendly option. So my questions: Is it possible to programmatically restart background location services upon a Bluetooth connection event while staying in the background? If not, are there any best practices or Apple-recommended alternatives to achieve a similar result? Any guidance, patterns, or creative solutions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance
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78
Jun ’25
When should I convert coordinates to GCJ02?
Our backend management system uses Google for Location, and Apple Maps is just one of the solutions in our map component. When should I convert coordinates to GCJ02? Maybe you would say that when you are in mainland China? BUT NOT AT ALL! What if the user does not enable location permission? What if the user has not inserted a SIM card? Or not Chinese SIM card but location in China? OR the user location in China, But use VPN with en overseas IP? All solutions are not perfect, unless you open the API to developers and tell us whether Apple Maps currently uses the wgs84 coordinate system or gcj02, which is the most reliable.
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92
Jun ’25
IMDF Labels for Indoor Survey App
I have seen examples of conducting an Indoor Survey of an IMDF where it has labels on the map. This would help. Our structure is basically a huge hall that gets reconfigured weekly from a horse venue to a car show to a home and garden show. I was thinking of creating a series of walkways to criss cross the floor and then survey them once done. It would be nice to have a label of the features on the map. How is this done? Thank you, Mele
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329
Nov ’24
How to correct business location?
My organization, Los Angeles Pierce College, rents space to "Topanga Vintage Market", which is a monthly weekend swap meet operation. Apple Maps shows the location as roughly 34.18715° N, 118.58058° W. However, this is the location of the campus Child Development Center, which provides child care services and is not open during the hours of the Topanga Vintage Market. The actual location should be in the adjacent large parking lot, roughly 34.18740° N, 118.57782° W. They do not have a physical building. How do I get this resolved? I am putting a campus mapping application into the App Store real soon now. There is also an entry for "ALC Taco Truck" about 34.18533° N, 118.57349° W, which as far as I know has not been on campus since Covid. Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide.
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512
Jan ’25
Remove WeatherKit from existing app
One of my apps includes a free weather forecast using WeatherKit. Recently, it started to get more downloads and almost reached the limits of the free tier. I've removed the forecast in newer versions but there's still a substantial amount of users who do not update their apps. Is it possible to somehow remove the capability from existing apps? Thank you!
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80
Jun ’25
CLLocation liveUpdate Not Working After App Resurrects in Background
According to WWDC sessions, the recommended approach for continuing location collection in the background with liveUpdate is by using CLBackgroundActivitySession. In the app I’m currently developing, I call the invalidate function on the backgroundActivitySession instance when the app enters a terminated state. Then, when the app is resurrected due to startMonitoringSignificantLocationChanges, it reinitializes liveUpdate to resume location collection. When initializing CLBackgroundActivitySession, I also reinitialize the liveUpdates object to ensure the CLLocation.Updates instance is refreshed. However, regardless of the order in which I refresh these two instances, location collection does not resume when the app is revived in the background. Should the originally created CLBackgroundActivitySession instance never be invalidated? Any guidance on whether I am implementing this correctly would be greatly appreciated.
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644
Nov ’24
How to Reduce Geolocation Drifting Inside Buildings on iOS?
I am developing a Flutter app that uses geolocation data extensively. While the location accuracy is excellent under an open sky, I’ve noticed significant drifting when users are inside large buildings. This impacts the app’s functionality as precise location data is critical. I would like to know: Are there any specific configurations or APIs available in the Apple ecosystem to enhance indoor geolocation accuracy? Would combining GPS with other location technologies (like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) reduce drifting effectively? Are there recommended practices for handling geolocation indoors on iOS? Any advice, examples, or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
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343
Jan ’25
Geolocation tracking for IOS apps using .net Maui
I'm working on an in-house iOS app designed to help users accurately track their routes during trips. Currently, I've implemented a method to track users when the app is open in the background. However, I'm facing challenges, as the tracking stops when the device is locked for more than 10 minutes. I'm looking for a solution to continuously track a user's geolocation, even if the app is closed or not in use. Specifically, I want to ensure uninterrupted tracking, especially when the device is locked. Here are some key points: Current Method: I'm currently using the Core Location method and a combination of background tasks and a repeating timer to fetch the user's location and update a log for geolocation tracking when the app is open in the background. Issues Faced: The tracking stops when the device is locked for more than 10 minutes. This limitation impacts the accuracy of the route tracking during longer trips. Objective: My goal is to achieve continuous geolocation tracking, even when the app is closed or not actively used, to provide users with a seamless and accurate record of their routes. Platform: The app is developed for iOS using the .net maui platform, and I'm seeking solutions or suggestions that are compatible with the iOS .net maui environment. If anyone has experience or insights into achieving continuous geolocation tracking on iOS, especially when the app is not in use or the device is locked, I would greatly appreciate the assistance.
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981
Feb ’25
Background location tracking not reliable
I'm writing an app in which the user is expected to initiate location tracking, let the app track for a period of time (a few minutes to a couple of hours) and then discontinue tracking. We want the user to be able to switch apps or let their device lock while tracking without losing any location updates. My understanding is that this can be done with the "While in use" location permission and does not require "Always". We don't want to have to ask our users for the "Always" permission. I'm configuring the location manager this way: locationManager.delegate = self locationManager.desiredAccuracy = kCLLocationAccuracyBestForNavigation locationManager.allowsBackgroundLocationUpdates = true locationManager.showsBackgroundLocationIndicator = true locationManager.distanceFilter = kCLDistanceFilterNone locationManager.activityType = .otherNavigation locationManager.pausesLocationUpdatesAutomatically = false (The user is expected to be walking around in an outdoor location, stopping occasionally to take notes and pictures). I've tested this using both an iPhone and an iPad that relies on an external GPS device. It works. I can lock the device and see a continuous stream of location updates in the debugger for hours. I've also tested it while walking outdoors. However, my customer keeps reporting that the app stops tracking his location whenever it goes into the background. He says that it will track his location fine while in the foreground, but when he backgrounds it, it stops getting location updates. Then when it comes into the foreground again, it resumes. When we plot the locations on a map, you see a straight line between the place where the app went into background and where it woke up again. We know for sure that the app is just transitioning to and from the background and that it is not being terminated and restarted. I can't reproduce this result on my devices and can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. The customer says he has another app on his device (which is also an iPad with an external GPS) and that the other app does track him when it is in the background. My app does process all of the locations received in the didUpdateLocations method and not just the last one, so it's not that I'm getting the updates and ignoring them. I'm also not receiving any calls to 'locationManagerDidPauseLocationUpdates', 'didFinishDeferredUpdatesWithError', or 'didFailWithError'. The only explanation I can think of at the moment is that something changed in iOS. I know that the other app my customer is using is fairly old and built against an old version of the iOS SDK. Thanks for your help.
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402
Jan ’25
Lifecycle and Usage of CLServiceSession after the app is terminated
Hi, I am creating a Driving Behaviour Monitoring app in which I range beacons and I require location updates in foreground, background and in terminated state all the time. I am using CLServiceSession with "Always Authorisation" to get location events. I create CLServiceSession object in the foreground and start monitoring driving and then re-create it when the app is relaunched after termination. Doing this works fine. But sometimes when app is terminated and is not opened again, the app runs on its own even when the device is stationary ( I can see the app is using Location in the Control Centre) and after that Location updates are not received and I am not able to track the driving behaviour. I tried to add diagnostics to know the cause and found "Insufficiently In Use" and then "Service Session Required" in the diagnostics. It would be of great help if the proper usage of CLServiceSession is provided. Important Question: When does the CLServiceSession gets invalidated or destroyed that was created when the app was in foreground ? What happens to the CLServiceSession which was created in the foreground if the app is not opened for long duration, let's say a day or two?
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50
Aug ’25
Scan IBeacons on VisionPro
I'm trying to scan for Beacon's in a visionos app iBeacon detection via CoreLocation (like CLBeacon or CLBeaconRegion) isn't supported on visionOS, so I went for CoreBluetooth + Manual Beacon Parsing Problem is I don't get my beacons scanned, only the other bluetooth devices central.scanForPeripherals(withServices: nil, options: [CBCentralManagerScanOptionAllowDuplicatesKey:true]) what should I do?
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79
Aug ’25
LookAroundPreview navigation not working on macOS
The code below using LookAroundPreview works fine on iOS (showing the preview image with a button saying "Look Around" at the top to enter full screen with navigation), but on macOS (15.3) there is no button and no way to navigate the view. Is this a bug or is there something I need to do differently on macOS? I have also tried using AppKit with MKLookAroundViewController and I don't seem get the button to launch full screen there either. import SwiftUI import MapKit struct ContentView: View { var body: some View { LookAroundPreviewView(coordinate: CLLocationCoordinate2D(latitude: 37.33182, longitude: -122.03118)) .frame(width: 300, height: 200) } } struct LookAroundPreviewView: View { let coordinate: CLLocationCoordinate2D @State private var scene: MKLookAroundScene? @State private var errorMessage: String? var body: some View { Group { if scene != nil { LookAroundPreview(scene: $scene, allowsNavigation: true) } else if let errorMessage = errorMessage { Text("Error: \(errorMessage)") .foregroundColor(.red) } else { ProgressView("Loading Look Around Preview...") } } .task { do { let request = MKLookAroundSceneRequest(coordinate: coordinate) let fetchedScene = try await request.scene scene = fetchedScene } catch { errorMessage = error.localizedDescription print("Error loading Look Around scene: \(error)") } } } }
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335
Feb ’25