Apple is about to make a high-profile change in the iOS platform, which will greatly affect the way iPhone users use third-party apps such as Google Photos and OneDrive to back up their photo libraries. As first discovered by 9to5Mac, with the release of iOS 26.1, Apple is launching a new framework that allows third-party applications to automatically back up photos in the background.
Previously, due to limitations of the iOS system, applications such as Google Photos, Dropbox, and OneDrive could only upload pictures when the application was activated and running. Problems such as incomplete backup and poor user experience often occurred. Popular apps including WhatsApp and Telegram are also unable to send photos in batches in the background for the same reason. Now, with the arrival of iOS 26.1, Apple may completely break this limitation.
The new feature is based on Apple's PhotoKit toolkit and introduces the "Background Resource Upload (background resource upload)" extension. This system hosting process allows apps to upload data when they are inactive, even if the device is locked or another app is running in the foreground. Apple stated in the developer documentation that the system will automatically call the extension when it needs to upload photos, and will also manage the device's power consumption and network resources to ensure stability and battery efficiency.
According to Apple's developer guidelines, accessing this new extension requires steps such as creating and configuring extension targets, processing upload tasks, retrying failed uploads, confirming completed projects, and handling termination events. Some steps require explicit authorization from the user, while others run automatically after activating the extension.
For ordinary users, this move means that when they back up photos on a third-party platform, they will have an almost identical experience to iCloud Photos, without having to keep the app open for a long time.
Apple’s move is also considered a preventive measure against industry monopoly review, especially after the EU’s Digital Market Act officially comes into effect.
It is reported that this framework is still in the testing stage, and it is expected that there will be adjustments and changes before the official release of iOS 26.1.