User guide

Audio Guidelines for Navigation and Workout Apps

Navigations and workout apps use the AVAudioSessionCategoryPlayback or

AVAudioSessionCategoryPlayAndRecord categories. The audio from these apps are typically short prompts

and will mix with other apps. As it is assumed that the user wants to hear the audio from these apps even

when other apps are playing, these apps will duck audio from other apps.

Apple recommends the following guidelines:

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Do not activate the audio session until a prompt needs to be played.

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Always deactivate the audio session after a prompt is played.

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Ignore all interruptions and route changes.

Audio Guidelines for Cooperative Music Apps

Cooperative music apps are designed to play while other apps are playing. These types of apps will use the

AVAudioSessionCategoryPlayback or AVAudioSessionCategoryPlayAndRecord category and will

mix with other apps.

Apple recommends the following guidelines:

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If the app does not have a start/stop button, then also follow the guidelines for game apps.

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If the UI contains a start/stop button, only activate the audio session when the user presses the play button.

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Do not sign up for remote control events.

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Ensure that the audio UIBackgroundModes flag is set.

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If the app records user input, ask the user for permission to record input using the

requestRecordPermission: method. Don’t rely on the iOS to prompt the user.

Audio Guidelines By App Type

Audio Guidelines for Navigation and Workout Apps