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Guideline library
Apple App StoreApp Quality

2.5.4Multitasking background services

What this guideline means

iOS lets apps declare specific background modes such as audio, location, or VoIP — using one of those modes for a purpose it wasn't designed for, just to keep the app alive in the background, is a violation.

Why apps actually get flagged

Common when an app declares the "audio" background mode to keep running for an unrelated reason like syncing data or tracking analytics.

A real example

"Your app uses background modes for purposes other than their intended use, per guideline 2.5.4. The 'audio' background mode should only be used for continuous audio playback."

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