iOS – Handling Interruptions
As we all know, iOS Apps run on mobile devices. The users of mobile devices can be interrupted by any number of things. Many of the interruptions come from other services and features of the devices themselves. Incoming phone calls, text messages, notifications, alerts, etc.
As an App developer, it is a good idea to plan for handling interruptions and test the results.
One simple technique for testing uses the iPhone’s built in Clock App. Setting the alarm clock about ~ 1 minute ahead, use app and observe behavior when alarm interrupts the app.
A well designed App should respect the interruption, be prepared to be backgrounded, and be prepared to be exited. For a good user experience, the current application state should be saved (if applicable) so the user can eventually return to the app and resume where they left off.
