I would like to inquire about the feasibility of developing an iOS application with the following requirements: The app must support real-time audio communication based on UDP. It needs to maintain a TCP signaling connection, even when the device is locked. The app will run only on selected devices within a controlled (closed) environment, such as company-managed iPads or iPhones. Could you please clarify the following: Is it technically possible to maintain an active TCP connection when the device is locked? What are the current iOS restrictions or limitations for background execution, particularly related to networking and audio? Are there any recommended APIs or frameworks (such as VoIP, PushKit, or Background Modes) suitable for this type of application?

Is it possible using the network framework to retrieve the list of certificates presented by the host alone, and not the reconstructed chain assembled by the system? For example, in OpenSSL one can call SSL_get_peer_cert_chain which will return exactly this - a list of the certificates presented by the server. This is useful for when you may want to manually reconstruct the chain, or if the server is misconfigured (for example, is missing an intermediate cert). Is something like this possible with the network framework? If I connect to a host that I know only returns 1 certificate, the trust ref already has the reconstructed chain by the time my code is called: sec_protocol_options_set_verify_block(tlsOptions.securityProtocolOptions, { metadata, trustRef, verifyComplete in let trust = sec_trust_copy_ref(trustRef).takeRetainedValue() let numberOfCertificates = SecTrustGetCertificateCount(trust) // Returns 3 even though the server only sent 1

Using NEHotspotConfigurationManager.joinAccessoryHotspot(_ accessory: ASAccessory, passphrase: String) to connect the WiFi, but this function implicitly sets joinOnce to YES. Is there any api that can use ASAccessory to connect to WiFi while maintaining JoinOnce = false. Is it possible to open up this feature？

I have been using networking multicast permissions in my Xamarin application for UDP device discovery, and it has been working reliably for years. However, I am now encountering an issue specific to iPadOS 18.1 (potentially also iPadOS 18, though I haven’t tested this). The issue is that my app no longer requests the required network permission on devices running iPadOS 18.1. On the other hand, the app works perfectly on iPhone and iPadOS 17.7 without any problems. Has there been any change in the networking or permissions framework in iPadOS 18.1 that could cause this behavior? I would appreciate any guidance or insights to resolve this issue. Thank you for your assistance!

I'm creating a custom VPN app which should only work on Cellular. Apart from cellular interface binding VPN is working fine. Even though I specified cellular interface like let cellularParams = NWParameters.udp cellularParams.requiredInterfaceType = .cellular It is going via Wifi when it is ON. I know this is the default iOS behaviour. How can I prevent this and route through cellular only even when Wifi is enabled on device?

I am trying to intercept localhost connections within NETransparentProxyProvider system extension. As per NENetworkRule documentation If the address is a wildcard address (0.0.0.0 or ::) then the rule will match all destinations except for loopback (127.0.0.1 or ::1). To match loopback traffic set the address to the loopback address. I tried to add NWHostEndpoint *localhostv4 = [NWHostEndpoint endpointWithHostname:@"127.0.0.1" port:@""]; NENetworkRule *localhostv4Rule = [[NENetworkRule alloc] initWithDestinationNetwork:localhostv4 prefix:32 protocol:NENetworkRuleProtocolAny]; in the include network rules. I tried several variations of this rule like port 0, prefix 0 and some others. But the provider disregards the rule and the never receives any traffic going to localhost on any port. Is there any other configuration required to receive localhost traffic in NETransparentProxyProvider?

We are trying to connect an accessory to the home's Wi-Fi network and we want to pass that name from the app to the accessory. Passing via Bluetooth. Is there and API available on iOS to list the networks that the phone can see?

I have few API's written with URLSession. Will they work in Carrier-constrained network / satellite mode ?

I have an accessory which uses both Bluetooth and WiFi to communicate with the app. I am trying to migrate to Accessory Setup Kit. However, the API expects both the bluetooth identifiers and WIFI SSID or SSID prefix in the ASDiscoveryDescriptor. The problem is we only have the WIFI SSID after BLE pairing. Our current flow looks like this: Pair via BLE Connect via BLE Send a BLE command to request WIFI settings (SSID and password) (Each device has a different SSID and password) Connect to WI-FI hotspot by calling NEHotspotConfigurationManager applyConfiguration with the retrieved credentials. Is there a way to set the Wi-Fi SSID of an ASAccessory object after the initial setup? To use Accessory Setup Kit we would need something like this: Call Accessory Setup Kit with bluetooth identifiers in the descriptor, finish the setup and get ASAccessory object. Connect via BLE Send a BLE command to request WIFI settings (SSID and password) Set the SSID of the ASAccessory to the retrieved value. Connect to WI-FI hotspot by calling `NEHotspotConfigurationManager joinAccessoryHotspot. Thanks!

Hello, im currently developing proxy app with XrayCore trying to bypass APNs when tunnel us up and i found .excludeAPNs property in NETunnelProviderProtocol that works only when includeAllNetworks property is also TRUE. I wonder if there is a possible way to make APNs bypass tunnel in split tunnelling mode? because we use excludedRoutes and full tunnel is not an option

I have checked the storage space of my phone. There is still over a hundred gigabytes of space left. An error occurred when the app was checking the network interface status. The error message is as follows:Error : Error Domain=NSPOSIXErrorDomain Code=28 "No space left on device" UserInfo={_NSURLErrorFailingURLSessionTaskErrorKey=LocalDataTask <7DB1CBFD-B9BE-422D-9C9A-78D8FC04DC1B>.<76>, _kCFStreamErrorDomainKey=1, _kCFStreamErrorCodeKey=28, _NSURLErrorRelatedURLSessionTaskErrorKey=( "LocalDataTask <7DB1CBFD-B9BE-422D-9C9A-78D8FC04DC1B>.<76>" ), _NSURLErrorNWPathKey=satisfied (Path is satisfied), interface: pdp_ip0[lte], ipv4, ipv6, dns, expensive, estimated upload: 65536Bps, uses cell}

My app sent a network request to the backend. The backend returns a 200, but the front end received a -1001 or -1005 NSURLError. Any clue why this could be happening?

Hello, We have a SwiftUI-based application that runs as a LaunchAgent and communicates with other internal components using Unix domain sockets (UDS). On Sequoia (macOS virtualized environment), when installing the app, we encounter the Local Network Privacy Alert, asking: "Allow [AppName] to find and connect to devices on the local network?" We are not using any actual network communication — only interprocess communication via UDS. Is there a way to prevent this system prompt, either through MDM configuration or by adjusting our socket-related implementation? Here's a brief look at our Swift/NIO usage: class ClientHandler: ChannelInboundHandler { ... public func channelRead(context: ChannelHandlerContext, data: NIOAny) { ... } ... } // init bootstrap. var bootstrap: ClientBootstrap { return ClientBootstrap(group: group) // Also tried to remove the .so_reuseaddr, the prompt was still there. .channelOption(ChannelOptions.socketOption(.so_reuseaddr), value: 1) .channelInitializer { channel in // Add ChannelInboundHandler reader. channel.pipeline.addHandler(ClientHandler()) } } // connect to the UDS. self.bootstrap.connect(unixDomainSocketPath: self.path).whenSuccess { (channel) in .. self.channel = channel } ... ... // Send some data. self.channel?.writeAndFlush(buffer).wait() Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

I'm working on enabling a content filter in my iOS app using NEFilterManager and NEFilterProviderConfiguration. The setup works perfectly in debug builds when running via Xcode, but fails on TestFlight builds with the following error: **Failed to save filter settings: permission denied ** **Here is my current implementation: ** (void)startContentFilter { NSUserDefaults *userDefaults = [NSUserDefaults standardUserDefaults]; [userDefaults synchronize]; [[NEFilterManager sharedManager] loadFromPreferencesWithCompletionHandler:^(NSError * _Nullable error) { dispatch_async(dispatch_get_main_queue(), ^{ if (error) { NSLog(@"Failed to load filter: %@", error.localizedDescription); [self showAlertWithTitle:@"Error" message:[NSString stringWithFormat:@"Failed to load content filter: %@", error.localizedDescription]]; return; } NEFilterProviderConfiguration *filterConfig = [[NEFilterProviderConfiguration alloc] init]; filterConfig.filterSockets = YES; filterConfig.filterBrowsers = YES; NEFilterManager *manager = [NEFilterManager sharedManager]; manager.providerConfiguration = filterConfig; manager.enabled = YES; [manager saveToPreferencesWithCompletionHandler:^(NSError * _Nullable error) { dispatch_async(dispatch_get_main_queue(), ^{ if (error) { NSLog(@"Failed to save filter settings: %@", error.localizedDescription); [self showAlertWithTitle:@"Error" message:[NSString stringWithFormat:@"Failed to save filter settings: %@", error.localizedDescription]]; } else { NSLog(@"Content filter enabled successfully!"); [self showAlertWithTitle:@"Success" message:@"Content filter enabled successfully!"]; } }); }]; }); }]; } **What I've tried: ** Ensured the com.apple.developer.networking.networkextension entitlement is set in both the app and system extension. The Network extension target includes content-filter-provider. Tested only on physical devices. App works in development build, but not from TestFlight. **My questions: ** Why does saveToPreferencesWithCompletionHandler fail with “permission denied” on TestFlight? Are there special entitlements required for using NEFilterManager in production/TestFlight builds? Is MDM (Mobile Device Management) required to deploy apps using content filters? Has anyone successfully implemented NEFilterProviderConfiguration in production, and if so, how?

Hi we want to use CONNECT-IP extension within the MASQUE protocol suite. we want to be able to reroute ICMP packets from our machine and redirect them to our MASQUE proxy. we want to avoid a creation of virtual interface or modifying the routing tables. is it possible, if so, how can it be achieved. thanks

Hello Everyone, I'm currently working on a cross-platform application that uses IP-based multicast for device discovery across both Apple and non-Apple devices running the same app. All devices join a multicast group "X.X.X.X" on port Y. For Apple devices, I am using NWConnectionGroup for multicast discovery, while for non-Apple devices, I am using BSD sockets. The issue arises when I attempt to send a multicast message to the group using NWConnectionGroup. The message is sent from a separate ephemeral port rather than the multicast port Y. As a result, all Apple processes that are using NWConnectionGroup can successfully receive the multicast message. However, the processes running on the non-Apple devices (using BSD sockets) do not receive the message. My Questions: Is there a way to configure NWConnectionGroup to send multicast messages from the same multicast port Y rather than an ephemeral port? Is there any known behavior or limitation in how NWConnectionGroup handles multicast that could explain why non-Apple devices using BSD sockets cannot receive the message? How can I ensure cross-platform multicast compatibility between Apple devices using NWConnectionGroup and non-Apple devices using BSD sockets? Any guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Harshal

Question: Best Practice for NEFilterRule and NENetworkRule Initializers with Deprecated NEHostEndpoint? Hi all, I'm looking for guidance on the right way to construct an NEFilterRule that takes a NENetworkRule parameter. Reading the latest documentation, it looks like: All initializers for NENetworkRule that accept an NEHostEndpoint are now deprecated, including initWithDestinationHost:protocol: and those using the various *Network:prefix: forms. NEHostEndpoint itself is also deprecated; Apple recommends using the nw_endpoint_t type from the Network framework instead. However, NEFilterRule still requires a NENetworkRule for its initializer (docs). With all NENetworkRule initializers that take NEHostEndpoint deprecated, it’s unclear what the recommended way is to create a NENetworkRule (and thus an NEFilterRule) that matches host/domain or network traffic. What’s the proper way to construct these objects now—should we create the endpoints using nw_endpoint_t and use new/undocumented initializers, or is there an updated approach that’s considered best practice? Helpful doc links for reference: NEFilterRule docs NENetworkRule docs NWHostEndpoint (now deprecated)

I am unable to apply for Multicast Entitlement at https://developer.apple.com/contact/request/networking-multicast The reason for this is unclear. I have paid for a developer account and believe I'm up to date with all agreements.

Hi all! I’m having trouble distributing an iOS app with a DNS Proxy NetworkExtension via AdHoc. The app and extension work perfectly with development profiles, but when I export and install the AdHoc IPA, I get a “permission denied” error when trying to install/enable the DNS Proxy extension. What I’ve done: Both the app and the DNS Proxy extension have their own App IDs in the Apple Developer portal. Both App IDs have the same App Group enabled: group.com.irakai.SafeLinkApp2. The extension App ID has the NetworkExtension capability with dns-proxy enabled. I created two AdHoc provisioning profiles (one for the app, one for the extension), both including the same devices and the correct entitlements. I assigned the correct AdHoc profiles to each target in Xcode and exported the IPA via Organizer. I install the IPA on a registered device using Apple Configurator. Entitlements (extracted from the signed binaries on device): App: <key>application-identifier</key><string>6PBG234246.com.irakai.SafeLinkApp2</string> <key>com.apple.developer.networking.networkextension</key><array> <string>packet-tunnel-provider</string> <string>dns-proxy</string> </array> <key>com.apple.developer.team-identifier</key><string>6PBG234246</string> <key>com.apple.security.application-groups</key><array> <string>group.com.irakai.SafeLinkApp2</string> </array> <key>get-task-allow</key><false/> DNSProxy Extension: <key>application-identifier</key><string>6PBG234246.com.irakai.SafeLinkApp2.DNSProxy</string> <key>com.apple.developer.networking.networkextension</key><array> <string>dns-proxy</string> </array> <key>com.apple.developer.team-identifier</key><string>6PBG234246</string> <key>com.apple.security.application-groups</key><array> <string>group.com.irakai.SafeLinkApp2</string> </array> <key>get-task-allow</key><false/> Error message (from my app’s logs): Error instalando DNS Proxy: permission denied Usuario: Roberto AppGroup: group.com.irakai.SafeLinkApp2 AppGroupPath: /private/var/mobile/Containers/Shared/AppGroup/D8AD2DED-AD96-4915-9B7A-648C9504679B Entitlements: BundleId: com.irakai.SafeLinkApp2 Debug info: Error Domain=NEDNSProxyErrorDomain Code=1 "permission denied" UserInfo={NSLocalizedDescription=permission denied} Other details: The device is included in both AdHoc profiles. The App Group is present and identical in both entitlements. The extension’s bundle identifier matches the App ID in the portal. The extension is signed with the correct AdHoc profile. I have tried rebooting the device and reinstalling the IPA. The error only occurs with AdHoc; development builds work fine. Questions: Is there anything else I should check regarding AdHoc provisioning for NetworkExtension DNS Proxy? Are there any known issues with AdHoc and NetworkExtension on recent iOS versions? Is there a way to get more detailed diagnostics from the system about why the permission is denied? Could this be a bug in iOS, or am I missing a subtle configuration step? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I created a self signed CA and use it to generate/sign a client cert using openssl. Then I use the self signed client cert to do TLS client authentication with my server (which also uses the self signed CA). The issue I have is when I validate the self signed CA, by calling SecTrustEvaluateAsyncWithError, it always complains this error “'DigiCert Global Root G3' certificate is not trusted". However that CA (DigiCert Global Root G3) is not my self signed CA (my CA is 'MQTTSampleCA' and I attached a dump of the my CA cert in the PR in the end of this post), so I'm confused why the API keeps complaining that CA. After some researching, I see that is a well known CA so I download its cert from https://www.digicert.com/kb/digicert-root-certificates.htm, install and trust it on my iOS device, but that doesn't help and I still get the same error. I provide all the repro steps in this PR: https://github.com/liumiaojq/EmCuTeeTee/pull/1, including how I generate the certs and the source codes of a test app that I used to do cert validation. I appreciate if anyone can share insights how to resolve this error.