How do you typically handle background execution modes in iOS (e.g., for audio playback, location updates)?
iOS interview question for Intermediate practice.
Answer
By enabling specific 'Background Modes' capabilities in the app's target settings (Info.plist) and using the appropriate frameworks' APIs.
Explanation
To perform specific types of work in the background (like playing audio, receiving location updates, fetching data, processing tasks), you must first declare the app's intent by enabling the corresponding Background Modes capability in the target's Signing & Capabilities section (which modifies the Info.plist). Then, you use the specific APIs provided by the relevant frameworks (e.g., AVAudioSession for audio, CLLocationManager with allowsBackgroundLocationUpdates for location, BGTaskScheduler for processing tasks) to initiate and manage the background activity. Simple GCD dispatch (A) or Timers (D) don't grant extended background execution privileges. Keeping the app in the foreground (C) isn't background execution.