Question

I need to implement an RSS reader on iOS which updates its feed every # minutes, even if the app is in the background. I don’t mind using NSXMLParser to do the parsing of the data, I just need a good way to do the following in the background at scheduled intervals:

• Download the feed’s XML document
• Parse the document
• Let the user know of any updates

I know how to do all of these things when the app is running, I just need to know how to make sure they get done even if the app is in the background.

Answer 1

Apple has strict rules about which apps are allowed to execute in the background. Your app, unfortunately, does not fit any of these categories.

• audio — The app plays audible content to the user while in the background. (This content includes streaming audio or video content using AirPlay.)
• location — The app keeps users informed of their location, even while it is running in the background.
• voip — The app provides the ability for the user to make phone calls using an Internet connection.
• newsstand-content — The app is a Newsstand app that downloads and processes magazine or newspaper content in the background.
• external-accessory — The app works with a hardware accessory that needs to deliver updates on a regular schedule through the External Accessory framework.
• bluetooth-central

From the Apple Docs: [Source]