ATS applies when your app is making a connection to a remote server using the URL Loading System [1] but even then you're able to configure exceptions for this behavior [2] using the NSAppTransportSecurity key [3] in your Info.plist [4]. If your app is sandboxed you'll need the com.apple.security.network.server entitlement [5] as well. [1] https://developer.apple.com/documentation/Foundation/url-loading-system [2] https://developer.apple.com/documentation/security/preventing-insecure-network-connections [3] https://developer.apple.com/documentation/bundleresources/information-property-list/nsapptransportsecurity [4] https://developer.apple.com/documentation/bundleresources/information-property-list [5] https://developer.apple.com/documentation/bundleresources/entitlements/com.apple.security.network.server