how do I prevent my audio streaming app from pausing audio playback in the background when other audio app is opened?

To prevent your audio streaming app from pausing audio playback in the background when another audio app is opened, you need to manage audio session interruptions and configure your app's audio session properly. This is not directly covered in the provided WWDC segments, but here are some general steps you can follow:

1. Configure Audio Session Category: Set your app's audio session category to AVAudioSessionCategoryPlayback. This category is designed for apps that play audio in the background.

   do {
       try AVAudioSession.sharedInstance().setCategory(.playback, mode: .default, options: [])
       try AVAudioSession.sharedInstance().setActive(true)
   } catch {
       print("Failed to set audio session category: \(error)")
   }
   

2. Handle Audio Session Interruptions: Implement handlers for audio session interruptions to manage what happens when your app's audio is interrupted by another app.

   NotificationCenter.default.addObserver(self, selector: #selector(handleInterruption), name: AVAudioSession.interruptionNotification, object: AVAudioSession.sharedInstance())
   
   @objc func handleInterruption(notification: Notification) {
       guard let userInfo = notification.userInfo,
             let typeValue = userInfo[AVAudioSessionInterruptionTypeKey] as? UInt,
             let type = AVAudioSession.InterruptionType(rawValue: typeValue) else {
           return
       }
   
       switch type {
       case .began:
           // Audio has been interrupted
           // Pause or stop your audio playback
           break
       case .ended:
           // Interruption ended
           // Resume your audio playback if needed
           break
       default:
           break
       }
   }
   

3. Background Modes: Ensure that your app has the appropriate background modes enabled in the app's capabilities. Specifically, enable the "Audio, AirPlay, and Picture in Picture" background mode.

4. Mixing with Other Audio: If you want your app to mix its audio with other apps' audio, you can set the AVAudioSessionCategoryOptionMixWithOthers option.

   do {
       try AVAudioSession.sharedInstance().setCategory(.playback, mode: .default, options: [.mixWithOthers])
       try AVAudioSession.sharedInstance().setActive(true)
   } catch {
       print("Failed to set audio session category: \(error)")
   }
   

For more detailed information on handling audio in your app, you might want to check out sessions related to audio management from WWDC, such as "Enhance your spatial computing app with RealityKit audio" which covers various aspects of audio playback and configuration.

Relevant Sessions

• Enhance your spatial computing app with RealityKit audio