[Feature] iOS app stops uploading photos when app is closed (no reliable background sync)

[sofiafernandezmoreno]

I have searched the existing feature requests, both open and closed, to make sure this is not a duplicate request.

• Yes

The feature

On iOS, the Immich app stops uploading photos as soon as the app is closed or sent to the background. Upload only resumes when the app is reopened manually.

This makes automatic backup unreliable compared to other photo backup apps.

To Reproduce
Steps to reproduce the behavior:

1. Open the Immich app on iPhone
2. Enable photo backup
3. Take several new photos
4. send it to background
5. Wait some time

Expected behavior
Photos should continue uploading in the background, or at least resume automatically without requiring the user to reopen the app.

Actual behavior
Uploads stop completely when the app is closed. They only resume when reopening the app.

Environment (please complete the following information):

• Device: iPhone (model: [e.g. iPhone 13])
• iOS version: [e.g. iOS 17.x]
• Immich app version: [e.g. 1.xx.x]
• Server version: [e.g. 1.xx.x]
• Installation method: [Docker / other]

Additional context

• Background App Refresh is enabled
• Low Power Mode is disabled
• Full photo access is granted
• Issue persists even under optimal conditions

This appears to be related to iOS background execution limitations, but other apps (e.g., Google Photos) seem to handle this more reliably.

It would be helpful to clarify whether this is a limitation of iOS or if improvements/workarounds are planned.

Platform

• Server
• Web
• Mobile