Q&A

Q. Why can’t I run any code I want in the background?

A. Someday, I suspect you will, but for now the platform is constrained to the specific types of background processing we discussed. The security and performance implications of running anything and everything on a device that is always connected to the Internet are enormous. Apple intends to ensure that your device remains operational in any conditions, unlike the competitors, where anything goes.

Q. What about timeline-based background processing, like IM clients?

A. Timeline-based processing (reacting to events that occur over time) is currently not allowed in iOS. This is a disappointment but ensures that there aren’t dozens of apps sitting around, eating up resources, waiting for something to happen.