Whats new in background tasks on iPad?
Asked on 06/16/2025
2 searches
In the latest updates for iPadOS, Apple has introduced an updated Background Tasks API that enhances the ability to run long-running and computationally heavy tasks in the background. This means that tasks like video exports can continue to run even if you switch to another app. These background tasks are displayed as live activities, allowing users to monitor and control them easily. The updated API also includes improvements for controlling audio input and capturing high-quality content, making it particularly beneficial for creative professionals.
Additionally, the new BG Continue Processing Task in iPadOS 26 allows apps to continue work even after being backgrounded, with the system providing UI to communicate progress. This task is designed to ensure that user-initiated operations complete reliably, enhancing the overall user experience.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the session Finish tasks in the background (11:23).
Platforms State of the Union
Discover the newest advancements on Apple platforms.
Keynote
Don’t miss the exciting reveal of the latest Apple software and technologies.
Finish tasks in the background
Discover background execution advancements and understand how the system schedules runtime. We’ll discuss how to get the most out of background runtime to allow your app to deliver features in the background while maintaining a great foreground experience. We’ll also cover how APIs provide background runtime for your app, and how each API is tailored for different use cases — including new APIs in iOS and iPadOS 26 that let your app finish tasks as your app transitions from the foreground to the background.