Navigation Directional Information Permissions

Question

Created Jun ’25

Replies 1

Boosts 0

Participants 2

I am developing a navigation application. My goal is for this navigation app to also work in the background and provide the user with real-time directional updates. When apps request access to location services, users see a TCC (Transparency, Consent, and Control) prompt. This prompt allows the user to choose under what conditions the app can access location services (for example: “While Using the App”, “Always”, etc.).

If the user selects the “While Using the App” option, can the navigation app still access location in the background and provide directional information to the user? Is something like this technically possible? Does Apple allow this behavior for navigation apps or similar use cases?

Answer 1

Apple Staff OP

Apple

3d

Hi, we were in a Q&A session, and just noticed this question.

If by "in the background" you mean backgrounded, but still running, then yes. You can look at CLServiceSession, particularly for WhenInUse if you're using CLLocationUpdate. I would also encourage you to look at our existing documentation for handling location updates in the background.

You may also want to consider adding a Live Activity to your app to ensure the user is aware of what your app is doing.