Apple is finally addressing one of iOS’s longest-standing inconveniences. The upcoming iOS 26.1 update will introduce a highly requested feature that could change how third-party apps handle photo and video backups.
According to documentation discovered by 9to5Mac, Apple is rolling out a new PhotoKit framework designed to enable seamless cloud backups for apps like Google Photos and other photo storage services. Here’s how Apple describes it:
“In iOS 26.1 and later, PhotoKit provides a new Background Resource Upload extension type that enables photo apps to provide seamless cloud backup experiences. The system manages uploads on your app’s behalf and processes them in the background, even when people switch to other apps or lock their devices. The system calls your extension when it’s time to process uploads and automatically handles network connectivity, power management, and timing to ensure reliable performance.”
In practical terms, this means users will no longer need to keep apps like Google Photos open and their iPhone screens on just to complete a backup. Instead, uploads can continue quietly in the background—a small but meaningful change that brings iOS in line with what Android users have enjoyed for years.
Developers Will Need to Opt In
With iOS 26.1 expected to roll out in the coming weeks, Apple is already guiding developers on how to integrate the new Background Resource Upload extension. The setup isn’t complicated, but certain parts of this functionality may require explicit user permission. That means you’ll still have to grant apps ongoing background access for them to take full advantage of the feature.
Still, for those who rely on non-iCloud services, this update will make media management far more effortless. Seamless, automatic syncing should soon become a standard experience across apps.
More Than Just Backups
Beyond the new PhotoKit capabilities, iOS 26.1 will bring other improvements as well. Apple Intelligence is set to expand support for additional languages, while Live Translation will reach more regions. Together, these updates reflect Apple’s push to make iOS smarter and more globally accessible.
For years, background uploads have been a sore spot for iPhone users. If Apple delivers on what it’s promising, iOS 26.1 could finally make multitasking smoother across popular apps like Google Drive, WhatsApp, and Instagram—no more waiting with your screen on to finish a file upload.
