Dear Apple Developer Support,
I am reaching out for guidance on implementing continuous directional and location updates in a watchOS app designed as part of a mapping/navigation solution.
Current Scenario: We send continuous location and direction updates from our iOS app to the watchOS companion app.
When viewing directions on the Apple Watch, the screen dims after a short period, and the live data stops updating consistently, even though the user is actively looking at the screen.
This negatively impacts the usability of real-time navigation on watchOS.
Our Objective: Prevent screen dimming (or extend screen-on time) while the user is viewing navigation directions.
Ensure reliable, continuous data updates on the watch screen during active navigation sessions.
Request: We would appreciate your guidance on:
The recommended method to keep the watchOS screen active while displaying real-time navigation data.
Proper use of APIs such as WKExtendedRuntimeSession, WorkoutSession, or any other mechanism suitable for this use case.
Any best practices or App Store review considerations for apps that require extended screen time and continuous updates.
How such use cases were traditionally handled on watchOS and what has or hasn’t worked.
We want to ensure we're implementing this in a battery-efficient, user-respectful, and Apple-compliant manner.
Thank you for your assistance and guidance.