Apple is finally giving third-party photo apps the same background access that was once exclusive to its own Photos app. With the upcoming iOS 26.1 update, apps like Google Photos and OneDrive will be able to automatically back up pictures and videos even when the iPhone is locked or another app is being used.
As detailed in Apple’s developer documentation, iOS 26.1 adds a new Background Resource Upload extension within the PhotoKit framework. This feature allows photo apps to delegate upload tasks to the system, which then manages power use, timing, and network conditions. In simple terms, uploads will continue in the background without needing the app to remain open, fixing a long-standing issue for iPhone users who rely on non-Apple cloud services.
Apple explains that the new process enables “seamless cloud backup experiences” by automatically queuing and processing uploads when possible. Developers will need to integrate this extension and request the proper permissions, after which iOS will handle job scheduling and retry failed uploads when network quality improves.
Until now, only iCloud Photos had the ability to continuously sync in the background. Other apps like Google Photos had to pause uploads once closed or inactive, due to iOS power restrictions. Some developers used creative workarounds such as triggering background activity through location services to keep uploads running. With this new PhotoKit feature, Apple is now leveling the field by giving all photo backup apps a fair chance at providing reliable automatic uploads.
Apple also states that explicit user consent will still be required before any app can gain upload privileges. Apps must clearly explain how user data is handled, while iOS will ensure that energy efficiency and background safeguards remain in place.
The feature is currently available in the iOS 26.1 beta version and is expected to roll out publicly later this month along with routine bug fixes and security improvements. For users, this update could bring a major quality-of-life change, making photo backup on iPhone through Google Photos or other services as smooth as using iCloud Photos.
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