iOS 26.1 will enable third-party apps to back up photos automatically in the background

Apple is preparing a significant update in iOS 26.1 that allows third-party photo apps to back up images automatically in the background, fulfilling a long-standing developer request. This new framework, integrated into PhotoKit, ensures reliable cloud backups even when users switch apps or lock their devices.

The system introduces a Background Resource Upload extension type. Once enabled, it handles uploads on the app’s behalf, managing network connectivity, power usage, and timing automatically. The extension is called whenever the system determines it’s time to process uploads, allowing photos to back up seamlessly without requiring the user to manually reopen the app or take any additional action.

For developers, the implementation process involves several steps, including creating and configuring the extension target, enabling the extension, processing upload jobs, retrying failed uploads, acknowledging completed jobs, creating new upload tasks, and handling extension termination. While some tasks require explicit user consent, others run automatically once the extension is active.

Apple emphasises that this update will improve the reliability of third-party photo and cloud backup apps, eliminating previous workarounds that often relied on the app being open or actively used. By automating these processes, users can be confident their photos are backed up continuously and safely.