Disabling CallKit for Chinese App Stores: A Comprehensive Guide
Problem: You're developing an app with voice or video calling features, and you're aiming to distribute it on Chinese app stores like the Apple App Store (China) and Huawei AppGallery. However, you need to disable the CallKit framework on iOS to comply with Chinese regulations. This can be a tricky situation as CallKit is a powerful framework for integrating your app's calling features into the native phone interface.
Solution: This article will guide you through the best practices for disabling CallKit in your app specifically for distribution in Chinese app stores, while still ensuring a seamless user experience.
Scenario and Original Code:
Let's assume you have an app that uses CallKit for its calling functionality. Here's a simplified example of how you might be integrating CallKit:
import CallKit
// ...
// Register your app's provider with CallKit
let provider = CXProvider(configuration: configuration)
provider.setDelegate(self, queue: nil)
provider.register(completionHandler: { error in
// Handle registration errors
})
// ...
// Handle incoming calls
provider.reportNewIncomingCall(with: UUID(),
update: CXCallUpdate(remoteHandle: remoteHandle, localizedCallerName: callerName),
completion: { error in
// Handle call reporting errors
})
Disabling CallKit for Chinese App Stores:
The key to disabling CallKit specifically for Chinese app stores lies in conditional compilation using preprocessor directives. Here's how you can implement this:
#if !TARGET_OS_SIMULATOR && (TARGET_IPHONE_SIMULATOR || TARGET_OS_IOS) && !CHINA_APP_STORE
import CallKit
// ... (your CallKit code goes here)
#else
// ... (use your custom implementation for calling without CallKit)
#endif
Explanation:
#if !TARGET_OS_SIMULATOR && (TARGET_IPHONE_SIMULATOR || TARGET_OS_IOS) && !CHINA_APP_STORE: This preprocessor directive only executes the CallKit code if the app is not running on a simulator, is running on iOS, and is not intended for the Chinese App Store.CHINA_APP_STORE: This macro should be defined in your Xcode project settings for the build configuration specifically intended for Chinese app stores. This way, you can easily switch between the CallKit implementation and your custom alternative based on the build configuration.
Implementing a Custom CallKit Alternative:
When CallKit is disabled, you'll need to implement a custom solution to handle incoming and outgoing calls. Here are some key considerations:
- Audio and Video Handling: Use libraries like
AVFoundationto handle audio and video for calls. - Call UI: Design your own UI elements to display caller information, control call duration, and provide call options (mute, speaker, etc.).
- Background Operations: Manage background tasks related to calls using the background modes provided by iOS.
- Call State Management: Track the call state (ringing, active, ended, etc.) and update your UI accordingly.
Advantages of This Approach:
- Compliance: Ensures your app complies with Chinese regulations by disabling CallKit for Chinese app stores.
- Flexibility: Allows you to maintain CallKit functionality for other markets, enhancing user experience where permitted.
- Control: Gives you full control over the call experience, allowing for customized UI and call management.
Resources:
- Apple CallKit Documentation: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/callkit
- AVFoundation Documentation: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/avfoundation
- Chinese App Store Policies: https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/ (Refer to the specific requirements for apps with voice/video calling features)
Conclusion:
Disabling CallKit for Chinese app stores requires a strategic approach. By implementing conditional compilation and building a custom alternative for calling functionality, you can ensure compliance while still providing a positive user experience for all other markets. This approach provides the necessary flexibility to adapt to different regulatory landscapes while delivering a tailored and efficient app for a global audience.
