Here are some questions we received and answers:
Q1: Is there a limit to the number of alarms that can be scheduled using AlarmKit?
There is no set number as a limit, but this does not mean you can schedule a limitless number of alarms. Depending on device state, available resources, etc., the device may impose a limit, and restrict an app trying to schedule too many alarms simultaneously.
When you hit a limit and not able to schedule more alarms, you will receive the maximumLimitReached error.
Q2: Will the scheduled alarms persist after system or app events that may terminate an app, for example, a reboot, force quit, or app crash?
Yes, all alarms are expected to persist regardless of app or device state changes, once they are successfully scheduled.
Q3: Will alarms work if scheduled by an app that is hidden, or requires a passcode or Touch ID/Face ID to launch?
Hidden or passcode required apps do not work with AlarmKit. Currently, any scheduled alarms by such apps will silently fail.
Q4: When an alarm is dismissed (either by swiping or pressing the power button), can an app detect this action and execute code in response? What about force closed apps?
When an alarm is dismissed, the stopIntent set in the AlarmConfiguration is called.
Any code in the perform method of this AppIntent would execute.
Q5: Is there a focus mode that AlarmKit cannot break through?
No. AlarmKit alarms can break through all focus modes.
Q6: What is the expected behavior when alarms from multiple apps overlap? Which one gets priority?
Which alarm would get activated when multiple alarms are scheduled for the same time is non-deterministic. There is no way to guarantee which app or which alarm will "win".
Q7: What do pressing the physical buttons do when an AlarmKit alarm is active?
Any physical button that causes a reaction from AlarmKit will stop the currently alerting alarm.
Q8: If there are multiple alarms active at one time, which ones do physical buttons interact with?
Pressing a physical button will dismiss all currently alerting alarms
Argun Tekant / DTS Engineer / Core Technologies
Change History:
- 2025-08-15: First posted