Delve into the world of built-in app and system services available to developers. Discuss leveraging these services to enhance your app's functionality and user experience.

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App Launchscreen Size NOT Correct on iPadOS 26
Hello, We’re seeing an iPad-specific Launch Screen issue related to multitasking window sizes. Environment Device: iPad (iPadOS 26) Device orientation: Landscape App is launched in a small window where the app window is portrait-shaped (width < height) Issue When the iPad is in landscape but the app is launched as a portrait-shaped small window, the LaunchScreen.storyboard appears to be rendered/layouted as landscape, not matching the actual window geometry. As a result, the Launch Screen content is clipped / partially missing (we see blank/empty area at the bottom during launch). After the app finishes launching, our first view controller uses the correct window size and the UI looks fine — the problem is mainly during the Launch Screen phase. What we checked LaunchScreen.storyboard uses Auto Layout and is expected to adapt to screen/window size. This only reproduces when the device orientation and the app window aspect ratio don’t match (landscape device + portrait-shaped app window, or vice versa). When device orientation and window shape are aligned, the Launch Screen displays correctly. Question Is it expected that iPadOS renders LaunchScreen.storyboard based on the interface orientation / size class rather than the actual window bounds in multitasking scenarios? If not expected, what is the recommended way to ensure the Launch Screen matches the app’s actual window size/aspect ratio at launch (without using code, since Launch Screen is static)? Are there any additional diagnostics or recommended steps to help us investigate and confirm the root cause (e.g., specific logs, APIs/values to capture at launch such as UIWindowScene bounds, interfaceOrientation, size classes, or any guidance on how Launch Screen snapshots are chosen/cached in multitasking)? Thank you.
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FamilyControls on Mac Catalyst — can’t authorize due to sandbox; does this make ManagedSettings/DeviceActivity unusable?
Hi DTS / Apple engineers, We’re attempting to extending our screen time app target to Mac Catalyst. On iOS, FamilyControls works as expected (AuthorizationCenter + FamilyActivityPicker, then ManagedSettings shields + DeviceActivity monitoring/reporting). On Mac Catalyst: The project builds with FamilyControls/DeviceActivity/ManagedSettings capabilities enabled. But attempting to request FamilyControls authorization (or present FamilyActivityPicker) fails at runtime. We see errors similar to: Failed to get service proxy: The connection to service named com.apple.FamilyControlsAgent was invalidated: failed at lookup with error 159 - Sandbox restriction. And our app stays authorizationStatus == .notDetermined, with the request failing. We saw an Apple engineer suggestion to “disable App Sandbox”, but Mac Catalyst apps appear to always be sandboxed, so we can’t disable it. Questions: Is FamilyControls authorization supported on Mac Catalyst today? If so, what entitlement/capability is required specifically for Catalyst/macOS? If FamilyControls auth cannot succeed on Catalyst, does that mean ManagedSettings shields and DeviceActivity monitoring/reporting are effectively unusable on Catalyst (since they depend on that authorization)? Is there an Apple‑recommended approach for a Catalyst “portal” app that mirrors an iOS child device’s restrictions, or is local enforcement on Catalyst intentionally unsupported? Any guidance (and any official docs that clarify current platform support) would be hugely appreciated.
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[macos 15.2 (24C101)] Custom input method does not work as expected
Environment: macOS 15.2 (24C101) with Xcode 16.2 (16C5032a) Goal: I am trying to build a simple IMKInputController-based input method. Problem: My .app bundle registers successfully and I can select it as an input source. When selected, it blocks keyboard input, but my handle method does not seem to execute or produce output. I have placed NSLog statements in my controller's init and handle methods. Code for the controller: import InputMethodKit // The IMKTextInput protocol is provided by the framework. // We don't need to define our own bridging protocol for this test. public class HelloWorldController: IMKInputController { public override init!(server: IMKServer!, delegate: Any!, client inputClient: Any!) { super.init(server: server, delegate: delegate, client: inputClient) NSLog("HelloWorldIME: Controller has been initialized.") } public override func handle(_ event: NSEvent!, client sender: Any!) -> Bool { NSLog("HelloWorldIME: handle() method was called.") // ================== FINAL FIX APPLIED HERE ================== // 1. First, we ensure the client is a fundamental Objective-C object. guard let clientObject = sender as? NSObject else { NSLog("HelloWorldIME: Error - client object is not an NSObject.") return false } NSLog("HelloWorldIME: Successfully cast client to NSObject.") // 2. Now that we have an NSObject, we can safely check if it responds to the selector. let selector = #selector(IMKTextInput.insertText(_:replacementRange:)) if !clientObject.responds(to: selector) { NSLog("HelloWorldIME: Error - client object does not respond to the insertText selector.") return false } NSLog("HelloWorldIME: Client responds to insertText. Preparing to insert text.") // 3. Since we've confirmed it responds, we can now safely treat it as an IMKTextInput // and call the method. let client = clientObject as! IMKTextInput let stringToInsert = "A" let replacementRange = NSRange(location: NSNotFound, length: 0) client.insertText(stringToInsert, replacementRange: replacementRange) NSLog("HelloWorldIME: Called insertText with string '\(stringToInsert)'. Action complete.") // ======================================================== return true } }
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Jun ’25
FamilyActivityPicker: manage own device AND children device
Hello, I am unable to figure out how I tell the FamilyActivityPicker whether it should show apps installed on my personal device (to be used with AuthorizationCenter.shared.requestAuthorization(for: .individual)) or apps installed on my child’s device (authenticated their phone via AuthorizationCenter.shared.requestAuthorization(for: .child)). Is there any parameter or SwiftUI modifier I need to apply? Otherwise, how does the user or the app know which token belongs to them and which token belongs to their child’s device? Radar: FB17020977 Thanks a lot for your help!
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Mar ’25
Can't show screen time data
I am getting this error when I try to show device activity report view by this DeviceActivityReport(appsContext, filter: filter) Attempt to map database failed: permission was denied. This attempt will not be retried. I have taken access by this way. AuthorizationCenter.shared.requestAuthorization(for: .individual) Detailed errors: LaunchServices: store (null) or url (null) was nil: Error Domain=NSOSStatusErrorDomain Code=-54 "process may not map database" UserInfo={NSDebugDescription=process may not map database, _LSLine=72, _LSFunction=_LSServer_GetServerStoreForConnectionWithCompletionHandler} Attempt to map database failed: permission was denied. This attempt will not be retried.
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Supported URL Schemes
Some Apple URL schemes are documented for third-party use. It’s fine to use those URL schemes for their intended purpose. Other Apple URL schemes are not officially documented. Their use is unsupported. If you rely on such implementation details, things might work, or they might not, and that state might change over time. IMPORTANT If you ship via the App Store, pay attention to clause 2.5.1 of the App Review Guidelines. The Apple URL scheme documentation is not always easy to find. I’m aware of the following: Apple URL Scheme Reference QA1924 Opening Keyboard Settings from a Keyboard Extension [This Q&A was retired years ago.] Preparing your app to be the default messaging app The doc comments for es_new_client in <EndpointSecurity/ESClient.h> Developer > Bug Reporting describes the applefeedback scheme Additionally, as questions about this most commonly crop up in the context of opening Settings (System Settings on macOS), I wanted to highlight the following: UIApplication.openSettingsURLString property (in Objective-C this is UIApplicationOpenSettingsURLString) UIApplication.openNotificationSettingsURLString property (in Objective-C this is UIApplicationOpenNotificationSettingsURLString) UIApplication.openDefaultApplicationsSettingsURLString property (in Objective-C this is UIApplicationOpenDefaultApplicationsSettingsURLString) AccessibilitySettings.openSettings(for:) method FIFinderSyncController.showExtensionManagementInterface() class method SMAppService.openSystemSettingsLoginItems() class method VSOpenTVProviderSettingsURLString global CXCallDirectoryManager.openSettings(completionHandler:) method SFSafariSettings.openExportBrowsingDataSettings() method SFSafariSettings.openExtensionsSettings(forIdentifiers:) method If your app needs to perform some action that’s not covered by the above, file an enhancement request for a supported way to do that. Make sure to describes your use case in detail. Share and Enjoy — Quinn “The Eskimo!” @ Developer Technical Support @ Apple let myEmail = "eskimo" + "1" + "@" + "apple.com" Revision History 2026-01-07 Added a reference to the SFSafariSettings methods. 2025-10-28 Added a reference to UIApplication.openDefaultApplicationsSettingsURLString. Made other minor editorial changes. 2025-04-21 Added a reference to CXCallDirectoryManager.openSettings(completionHandler:). 2024-10-25 Added a reference to UIApplication.openNotificationSettingsURLString and VSOpenTVProviderSettingsURLString. Added a link to Preparing your app to be the default messaging app. 2024-10-01 Added info about the applefeedback URL scheme. 2024-09-29 Added a reference to SMAppService.openSystemSettingsLoginItems(). 2024-09-27 Added a titbit for Finder Sync extension developers. Added an invitation to file feedback. 2024-08-05 First posted.
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isEligibleForAgeFeatures: wrong minimum OS version
Dear Apple, while implementing Declared Age Range API in my app, I've noticed a mistake in documentation: the isEligibleForAgeFeatures property is marked 26.0+ in documentation, but 26.2+ in Xcode, which ultimately leads to inability to use it with OS below 26.2. Moreover, I'm thoroughly confused by this quote from documentation: This flag returns true on iOS and iPadOS based on a person’s eligibility and always returns false on macOS. It leads me to two questions: Is it possible to use Declared Age Range API for macOS apps? Will it be possible to use it in future? Will there be any changes regarding this matter in a meantime (especially after Jan 1st)? If yes - when should we expect these changes? If no - why this API declares macOS 26+ support alongside iOS/iPadOS, if it simply doesn't work for macOS now? As of now, my iOS app works flawlessly with given API (on iOS 26.2) while macOS app returns isEligibleForAgeFeatures = false and requestAgeRange request always throws AgeRangeService.Error.notAvailable. Also, does it mean that one should not use isEligibleForAgeFeatures boolean while implementing Declared Age Range API for apps below iOS 26.2 (I mean 26.0+)? Or implementing given API for iOS 26.2+ is a sufficient way to go? So shouldn't the whole API be marked as 26.2+? The minimum iOS version in my app is 16.0 and minimum macOS version is 13.0 anyway, so the significant part of users is left out of these updates, but the main goal here is legal compliance.
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Dec ’25
Drag and Drop multiple files to Finder in macOS SwiftUI Catalyst
I am trying to port my sandboxed macOS app completely over to iOS using a Catalyst target and SwiftUI. There appears to be an issue when trying to drag to the Finder in Catalyst (and in SwiftUI in General). For some reason, the Finder will not accept multiple file drops, only a single file. On my macOS (non-Catalyst AppKit target), I overcame this by dropping multiple files to a UTType of .folder, and the OS accepted the folder. This workaround is not available for iOS because .folder is a macOS-only option. I have a test app to illustrate the issue. Hopefully someone can help. Download Test App
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Dec ’25
AgeRange Assurance Testing and Texas Law
AgeRangeService is the burning topic right now. Needless to say, Everything is so unclear. We got our app finally into the TestFlight for QA and the product to test. only to find out that AgeAssurance for sandbox testing does not work. There is no document confirming or denying whether and when age assurance for the App with the release configuration in test flight would work. There isn't any guidance from Apple on whether an app that sells physical goods, such as an e-commerce app, can continue doing business as usual. Also, there is no clarity that the Age assurance options are off, 13, unverified, 13 verified, and so on. How those should be used.
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Dec ’25
Clarification on AskCenter and Age Assurance APIs for Texas Regulatory Compliance
Hello, I’m currently reviewing and implementing age assurance and parental approval flows using AgeRangeService and PermissionKit (AskCenter) in the context of Texas regulatory compliance requirements. While the high-level APIs are clear, there are several technical aspects where the intended usage patterns are not fully explicit in the documentation. Clarification on these points would help ensure our implementation aligns with system expectations and regulatory obligations. ⸻ Querying the current approval state for SignificantAppUpdateTopic AskCenter.ask(...) returns Void, and AskCenter.responses(for:) provides an AsyncSequence of approval events. Is there an official or recommended way to determine whether a SignificantAppUpdateTopic has already been approved when the app launches, or is listening for future responses events the only supported mechanism? ⸻ Behavior of AskCenter.responses(for:) regarding past approvals When subscribing to AskCenter.responses(for:): • Does the stream replay previously recorded approval or decline decisions? • Or does it only emit events that occur after subscription? This affects whether the listener must be registered early in the app lifecycle. ⸻ Recommended lifecycle timing for registering a responses(for:) listener What is the intended or recommended time to register a responses(for:) listener? • At application launch • Immediately before calling ask(...) • When entering a specific gated feature Clarification on the expected lifecycle usage would be helpful. ⸻ Repeated calls to ask(...) after approval If AskCenter.ask(...) is called again for the same SignificantAppUpdateTopic after parental approval has already been granted: • Is the request ignored? • Is a new approval request sent to the parent? • Or is the call handled idempotently by the system? ⸻ Delivery of approval results when the child app is not running If a parent approves or declines a SignificantAppUpdateTopic while the child app is not running: • Will the approval decision be delivered as a responses(for:) event on the next app launch? • Or is the app expected to persist approval state locally? ⸻ Persistence of approval state Is the approval decision for SignificantAppUpdateTopic persisted by the system at the OS level, or is the app responsible for storing approval state? Additionally, does the approval persist across: • app restarts? • app deletion and reinstallation? ⸻ Meaning of activeParentalControls.significantAppChangeApprovalRequired How is activeParentalControls.significantAppChangeApprovalRequired determined? • Is this value explicitly configured by a parent (for example via Screen Time)? • Or is it automatically determined by the system based on region, age, or regulatory requirements? ⸻ Relationship between significantAppChangeApprovalRequired and AgeRangeService When activeParentalControls contains significantAppChangeApprovalRequired, is it still expected that apps call AgeRangeService.requestAgeRange(...)? Or can the presence of this flag be treated as sufficient indication that the user is a minor for gating purposes? ⸻ Recommended interpretation of AgeRangeDeclaration Is the intended usage of AgeRangeDeclaration to handle each case individually, or is it acceptable and recommended to interpret the values as different trust levels (for example, self-declared vs. government ID or payment verified)? Clarification on these points would help ensure that implementations of age assurance and parental approval flows are consistent with system behavior while meeting regulatory compliance requirements. Thank you for your guidance.
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Dec ’25
Share Age Range Permission - Defect 'Ask Always'
Share Age Range Permission is set to 'Ask First'. Application requested for AgeRange via requestAgeRange API. System presented a consent window where user has to make a choice. User did not acted. Application was pushed to background. Our Application supports PushToTalk Framework and we have successfully joined the channel already. User tapped on the blue-pill , SystemUI will get presented. User tapped on the SystemUI, A New Full Screen SystemUI will get presented. User chosen 'Leave' option and our application left the active channel. 10 User brought the application to foreground and the previous "Share Age Range" system window disappeared. 11. After Step 10, We need to terminate and launch our application in order to get the "Share Age Range" system window. Is "Share Age Range" system window getting disappear is expected here or a BUG
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Dec ’25
先调用isEligibleForAgeFeatures,返回YES后,调用requestEligibility,不会弹出是否分享年龄框的提示
[MTAgeRangeService requestEligibility:^(BOOL eligible) { if (eligible) { //您应用程序的用户所在的地区,需要执行特定年龄相关义务 [MTAgeRangeService requestAgeRangeWithAgeGates:18 in:[ViewU getCurrentVC] completion:^(enum ARResponseType responseType, ARAgeRange * _Nullable ageRange, NSError * _Nullable error) { [weakself.ageRangeLoadingView dissmiss]; self->_ageRangeLoadingView = nil; if (responseType == ARResponseTypeSharing) { //用户同意并分享了年龄范围 if ([ageRange.lowerBound intValue] >= 18) { //满18岁可以注册 }else{ //不到18岁不能注册,提示一下 } }else{ //用户拒绝或者其他未知错误,需要提示 }else{ } } }] ; }else{ }];
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Dec ’25