CLLocationManager

CLLocationManager is a class in Apple's Core Location framework that provides location and heading updates to apps. It enables apps to obtain the device’s geographic coordinates, track movement, and monitor changes in proximity to regions or beacons.

Usage typically involves creating an instance of CLLocationManager, assigning a delegate that conforms to CLLocationManagerDelegate, configuring options, requesting user authorization, and starting location services. Common configurations include setting desiredAccuracy to control the precision and distanceFilter to limit update frequency. Apps can start standard location updates, or use startMonitoringSignificantLocationChanges for battery-efficient updates. Additional services include heading updates with startUpdatingHeading, and visits or region monitoring with startMonitoringVisits and startMonitoring(for: CLRegion).

The delegate receives updates through methods such as locationManager:didUpdateLocations:, which provides an array of CLLocation objects, and locationManager:didFailWithError:, which reports failures. Other delegate methods handle authorization changes, region entry and exit, state changes for regions, and heading updates. In iOS, privacy and authorization are essential: apps must request appropriate permissions, such as when-in-use or always authorization, and comply with the platform’s usage description requirements in the app’s Info.plist.

CLLocationManager exposes data types including CLLocation, which contains coordinates, altitude, speed, course, and a timestamp, and CLLocationCoordinate2D for latitude and longitude. Region monitoring uses CLRegion objects. Developers should consider battery impact, background execution requirements, and user privacy when enabling location services.

Notes: starting location services requires appropriate capabilities and user consent, and different iOS versions introduce evolving privacy controls and APIs for authorization and background access.