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Explore the networking protocols and technologies used by the device to connect to Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices, and cellular data services.

Networking Documentation

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Safari block the access to some port of an IP on the whole system
Hi, Since iOS 26 (and any other apple system with a 26 version) there is a very weird behavior in the whole apple ecosystem (iOS, iPadOS, macOS and visionOS). I'm self-hosting a web project called mempool (https://github.com/Retropex/mempool). This project is entirely self-hosted on my own infrastructure, so I have advanced control to be sure it's just not an anti-DDoS feature that makes the bug happen. So the bug is once I visit my website, for example this page (https://mempool.guide/tx/d86192252a6631831e55f814aea901e65407b6dbda77e1abdea8ec27861e9682) the OS will lose the ability to connect to the underlying IP of the domain (mempool.guide) but the issue seems to affect only the HTTPS/HTTP port (443/80). The issue is system wide, not only is Safari. For exemple I have another domain that resolve to the same IP (haf.ovh) and if this link above trigger the bug then I will also lose the ability to connect to https://haf.ovh A temporary fix that I have is that if I turn off wifi/cellular then I turn it on again I can connect again to my server again until the bug is triggered again. I have done test with tcpdump on my server and the connection isn't making it to my server that's why I think it's an OS issue, especially given the fix above. This issue can be reproduced on any apple device out of the box with a system with >v26. All device (Mac, iPad, iPhone, vision) with version pre-26 are completely unaffected by the bug and can freely explore the website without loosing the connection macOS is less affected by this bug, it can be random with it. With iOS/iPadOS it's systematic. Another thing to note is that the same URL on firefox/chrome for iOS doesn't trigger the bug. Let me know if anyone has an idea on what's going on. Thanks, Léo.
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182
Oct ’25
Multipeer Connectivity connection is flaky on iOS 26
While updating our test devices to iOS 26, we noticed that the connection between devices are flaky. Often when connecting to a Peer from a device running iOS 26 we can observe the invite coming through and when accepting said invite, both ends going to .connecting state and a while later going back to .notConnected within the peer(_ peerID: MCPeerID, didChange state: MCSessionState) function. This happens regularly and retrying the invitation process several times usually resolves it. Do anyone have any information or guidance on how to resolve this issue?
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388
Oct ’25
Get UDP/TCP Payload for NWConnections?
Is it somehow possible to get the transport layer (UDP and TCP) payload amounts for TLS or QUIC connections established via the Network framework? (From within the app itself that establishes the connections.) I am currently using the ntstat.h kernel socket calls, but I hope there is a simpler solution. With ntstat, I have not yet been able to observe a specific connection. I have to search for the connection I am looking in all (userspace) connections.
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132
Mar ’26
The network connection fails with NEFilterDataProvider and QQMusic running at the same time
The environment: macOS 12.0 ~ 15.6 A NetworkExtension NEFilterDataProvider configured with filterSockets = YES, filterPackets = NO, and it doesn't actually block any network connection. QQMusic (download: https://y.qq.com/n/ryqq/download_detail/mac?ADTAG=YQQ) is constantly playing. Any of the following operations can reproduce the issue: Kill the NetworkExtension process and then restarted by the system. Disable the NEFilterDataProvider, and then enable it. When this problem occurs, there are two different phenomena on the NetworkExtension process: It is zombie, or is in high CPU state (100%). When the NetworkExtension process is zombie, obviously, the new network connections will enter it, and they can't be disposed by the old zombie process, so the network is disconnected. Spindump-qqmusic-ne-zombie When the NetworkExtension process is in high CPU state, its thread DispatchQueue "NEFilterExtensionProviderContext queue" is blocked in the kernel when calling close. Spindump-qqmusic-ne-cpuhigh In most cases, the network will recover after stopping QQ Music, that is the suspended zombie NetworkExtension process will exist or the cpu of it return to normal. To reproduce the issue in a simple environment, I have tried many ways to simulate the network behavior of QQMusic, but all failed. It seems that this issue is caused by UDP traffic of QQMusic, because everything is ok after blocking the UDP connections of QQMusic (the music is still playing at this time) in the NEFilterDataProvider.
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190
Oct ’25
OS 26.0 mDNSResponder suppresses DNS queries ("blocked by policy") for some devices until reboot
Hello, Since the release of iOS 26.0, we are seeing DNS traffic being blocked from within our NEPacketTunnelExtension on some devices. We have not isolated exact reproduction steps, but DNS resolves successfully for a period of time after enabling "iCloud Private Relay" (varying from 1-day to 2-weeks), until it then fails as MDNSResponder then returns: mDNSResponder [Q37046] DetermineUnicastQuerySuppression: Query suppressed for <mask.hash: 'REDACTED'> Addr (blocked by policy) DNS resolution continues to fail for all domains with the above until the device is rebooted. The Packet Tunnel intentionally does not have a DNS server set and this occurs for traffic from the Extension yet off-tunnel, which needs resolution from the system DNS server (and this configuration works perfectly for a period of time before being "blocked by policy"). The following do not resolve the issue once DNS queries are being "blocked by policy" on affected devices: disconnecting then reconnecting the vpn; toggling airplane mode for 10+ seconds; switching connection between WiFi & cellular data; disabling iCloud Private Relay. We have currently only seen this on unmanaged devices running iOS 26.0 or 26.1 beta and with iCloud Private Relay enabled. We did not see this issue on iOS 16,17 nor 18. We also have not yet seen this when iCloud Private Relay is disabled nor on iOS 26.0.1, however we cannot confirm whether they too are also affected. Is there a known a bug with iOS 26.0 & 26.1 Beta 1 that could cause this? How can we prevent DNS requests from NEPacketTunnelExtension being sporadically "blocked by policy" until the device is rebooted? Many thanks in advance.
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122
Oct ’25
Apple-Hosted Background Assets question
I have a Vision Pro app, which I intend to use Apple-Hosted Background Assets for some of my videos after watching: https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2025/325 I added a Apple-Hosted, Managed extension. New Target -> Background Download -> Apple-Hosted, Managed After creating an Archive, I tried uploading it to TestFlight, it complains about a DTPlatformName error in my Info.plist. So I added the following : <key>DTPlatformName</key> <string>xros</string> With which, I managed to upload the app with the extension to TestFlight. However, when I tried installing the app on TestFlight to Vision Pro, it gives me an error that says the app cannot be verified. Any help or pointers is greatly appreciated. Info.plist Entitlements
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218
Oct ’25
URL Filter - blocked web page behaviour
1) Blocked page UX When a URL is blocked, the browser typically shows a generic error like “"Safari cannot open the page because it couldn’t load any data,” with no indication that the page was blocked by a policy. Is there any plan to add an API that allows developers to present a custom “blocked” page or remediation action, similar to NEFilterControlProvider’s remediationMap? Even a minimal hook (custom HTML, deep link, or support URL) would make the experience clearer for users. 2) Cross‑app link‑opening behavior With a block rule in place, direct navigation in Safari is blocked as expected. However, tapping the same URL in a messaging app (e.g., WhatsApp) opens Safari - and the page loads, not blocked. Repro steps: Configure a URL Filter extension that blocks https://example.com. Case A: Open a browser and type the URL in the address bar → blocked (expected). Case B: Tap the same URL in WhatsApp (or another messenger) → a browser opens and the page loads (unexpected). iOS version - 26.0
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208
Mar ’26
URL Filter not blocking specified keywords
I have been playing around with the new URL Filtering API. I have successfully installed and configured the sample code, Installed the example app to my iPhone, and am also running the PIR server locally on my Mac. In my input.txtpb file, I simply have 2 endpoints: rows: [{ keyword: "instagram.com", value: "1" }, { keyword: "youtube.com/shorts", value: "1" }] Neither of these are blocked when I attempt to load them from either a browser, or their dedicated apps. Are there any debugging tips I should know about? Additionally, I have also noticed a few times I have left the filter running on my phone, after leaving my LAN (where the PIR server is running), suddenly throughout the day I'm having random, completely unrelated endpoints blocked on my phone. I thought this API was never supposed to produce false positives (without calling back to the PIR server for confirmation).
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172
Sep ’25
VPN Split DNS behaviour
I encountered an undesired DNS behaviour when using L2TP/ipsec VPN. I have DHCP configured Wi-Fi connection, which send dns servers and search domain (192.168.0.10, lan) VPN sends its own DNS server (10.0.0.2), search domain (intranet) is added manually in VPN DNS config settings. I expect, when VPN is connected, to be still able to resolve local names, i.e some-host.lan. However, they become unresolvable. quick check shows that the remote dns server is used to resolve local names. shilishper@mac ~ % host -v some-host.lan Trying "some-host.lan" Host some-host.lan not found: 3(NXDOMAIN) Received 106 bytes from 10.0.0.2#53 in 16 ms Received 106 bytes from 10.0.0.2#53 in 16 ms Actually, all dns queries are going to the remote server. I would expect that only queries for the configured domain (intranet) should go to that server. I played with the service order, but it didn't change anything. Is anything can be done about this, programmatically? PS new to macOS, but have extensive linux knowledge
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Sep ’25
Example of DNS Proxy Provider Network Extension
I am trying to setup a system-wide DNS-over-TLS for iOS that can be turned off and on from within the app, and I'm struggling with the implementation details. I've searched online, searched forums here, used ChatGPT, and I'm getting conflicting information or code that is simply wrong. I can't find example code that is valid and gets me moving forward. I think I need to use NEDNSProxyProvider via the NetworkExtension. Does that sound correct? I have NetworkExtension -> DNS Proxy Capability set in both the main app and the DNSProxy extension. Also, I want to make sure this is even possible without an MDM. I see conflicting information, some saying this is opened up, but things like https://developer.apple.com/documentation/Technotes/tn3134-network-extension-provider-deployment saying a device needs to be managed. How do private DNS apps do this without MDM? From some responses in the forums it sounds like we need to parse the DNS requests that come in to the handleNewFlow function. Is there good sample code for this parsing? I saw some helpful information from Eskimo (for instance https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/723831 ) and Matt Eaton ( https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/665480 )but I'm still confused. So, if I have a DoT URL, is there good sample code somewhere for what startProxy, stopProxy, and handleNewFlow might look like? And valid code to call it from the main app?
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282
Oct ’25
Local Hotspot
Hello, we are developing hardware that needs to connect to an iPhone via Wi-Fi to send requests to a server. On Android, we have managed to create a programmatic local hotspot within the app to facilitate connection and improve the user experience. On iOS, however, Personal Hotspot must be manually enabled from the system settings, and the user must manually enter the SSID and password, which significantly degrades the UX. My questions are: Is there a workaround, unofficial method, or private API to generate a local hotspot from an app on iOS, similar to what can be done on Android? Is there an alternative within the MFi program or through specific frameworks to facilitate a quick and automatic connection between the hardware and the iPhone without relying on the manual Personal Hotspot? Are there any best practices for improving the local Wi-Fi connection experience between an accessory and an iPhone in the absence of hotspot controls? I would appreciate any guidance, experience, or resources that would help me better understand the feasible options in iOS for scenarios where fast and direct communication between hardware and mobile devices via Wi-Fi is required.
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108
Sep ’25
Transparent proxy crash on macOS 15.5
Hello! I develop transparent proxy based application, and I'm receiving a lot of crash reports from macOS 15.5 for crash in __88-[NEExtensionAppProxyProviderContext setInitialFlowDivertControlSocket:extraValidation:]_block_invoke.90 when stopping. Even very old versions of my software started crashing on macOS 15.5. I checked my extension that it correctly calls setTunnelNetworkSettings:nil on proxy stop, but crash is still here. Does anybody else have this problem? Do you know any workaround for it?
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134
Jun ’25
NEVPNConnectionErrorDomainPlugin code 7 on URLFilter sample code
Hello, I have been playing around the the SimpleURLFilter sample code. I keep getting this error upon installed the filter profile on the device: mapError unexpected error domain NEVPNConnectionErrorDomainPlugin code 7 which then causes this error: Received filter status change: <FilterStatus: 'stopped' errorMessage: 'The operation couldn’t be completed. (NetworkExtension.NEURLFilterManager.Error error 14.)'> I can't find much info about code 7. Here is the configuration I am trying to run: <Configuration: pirServerURL: 'http://MyComputer.local:8080' pirAuthenticationToken: 'AAAA' pirPrivacyPassIssuerURL: 'http://MyComputer.local:8080' enabled: 'true' shouldFailClosed: 'true' controlProviderBundleIdentifier: 'krpaul.SimpleURLFilter.SimpleURLFilterExtension' prefilterFetchInterval: '2700.0'>
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372
Nov ’25
SSL certificate failure
This problem doesn’t appear to relate to the app as everything worked when using http (although an https setup issue may still be the problem). The problem appears to relate to the SSL server certificate on the Ubuntu server and the fact that apple does not accept that it is secure. However I have no problem with the equivalent Android app or web browser connections to the same rest API web services. There are numerous posts on these problems on Apple and other Forums, but none have helped me successfully address the issue. I ran an SSL server test on https://www.ssllabs.com/ssltest/ which gives ratings for SSL sites. The test gave an A rating although a number of minor issues were shown that may be crucial to the iOS failure. Some Sectigo certificates said self signed, which I couldn't understand. Error message from XCode log attached 2025-09-10 10:28:01.725091+0100 locateandclock[2291:1585213] ATS failed system trust 2025-09-10 10:28:01.725192+0100 locateandclock[2291:1585213] Connection 1: system TLS Trust evaluation failed(-9802) 2025-09-10 10:28:01.725291+0100 locateandclock[2291:1585213] Connection 1: TLS Trust encountered error 3:-9802 2025-09-10 10:28:01.725352+0100 locateandclock[2291:1585213] Connection 1: encountered error(3:-9802) 2025-09-10 10:28:01.726727+0100 locateandclock[2291:1585213] Task <4E41098F-6B71-4FB8-8753-78DD32961812>.<1> HTTP load failed, 0/0 bytes (error code: -1200 [3:-9802]) 2025-09-10 10:28:01.736504+0100 locateandclock[2291:1585213] Task <4E41098F-6B71-4FB8-8753-78DD32961812>.<1> finished with error [-1200] Error Domain=NSURLErrorDomain Code=-1200 "An SSL error has occurred and a secure connection to the server cannot be made." UserInfo={NSLocalizedRecoverySuggestion=Would you like to connect to the server anyway?, _kCFStreamErrorDomainKey=3, NSErrorPeerCertificateChainKey=( "<cert(0x10681be00) s: *.xxxxxxxxxxx.co.uk i: Sectigo Public Server Authentication CA DV R36>", "<cert(0x10681c800) s: Sectigo Public Server Authentication CA DV R36 i: Sectigo Public Server Authentication Root R46>", "<cert(0x10681d200) s: Sectigo Public Server Authentication Root R46 i: Sectigo Public Server Authentication Root R46>" ), NSErrorClientCertificateStateKey=0, NSErrorFailingURLKey=https://xxxxxxxxxxxx.co.uk/insertclocking, NSErrorFailingURLStringKey=https://xxxxxxxxxxxx.co.uk/insertclocking, NSUnderlyingError=0x282361650 {Error Domain=kCFErrorDomainCFNetwork Code=-1200 "(null)" UserInfo={_kCFStreamPropertySSLClientCertificateState=0, kCFStreamPropertySSLPeerTrust=<SecTrustRef: 0x281cf4460>, _kCFNetworkCFStreamSSLErrorOriginalValue=-9802, _kCFStreamErrorDomainKey=3, _kCFStreamErrorCodeKey=-9802, kCFStreamPropertySSLPeerCertificates=( "<cert(0x10681be00) s: *.xxxxxxxxxxxxxco.uk i: Sectigo Public Server Authentication CA DV R36>", "<cert(0x10681c800) s: Sectigo Public Server Authentication CA DV R36 i: Sectigo Public Server Authentication Root R46>", "<cert(0x10681d200) s: Sectigo Public Server Authentication Root R46 i: Sectigo Public Server Authentication Root R46>" )}}, _NSURLErrorRelatedURLSessionTaskErrorKey=( "LocalDataTask <4E41098F-6B71-4FB8-8753-78DD32961812>.<1>" ), _kCFStreamErrorCodeKey=-9802, _NSURLErrorFailingURLSessionTaskErrorKey=LocalDataTask <4E41098F-6B71-4FB8-8753-78DD32961812>.<1>, NSURLErrorFailingURLPeerTrustErrorKey=<SecTrustRef: 0x281cf4460>, NSLocalizedDescription=An SSL error has occurred and a secure connection to the server cannot be made.}
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Oct ’25
NWConnection: how to recover data connection after RF cellular data connection loss
iOS Development environment Xcode 16.4, macOS 15.6.1 (24G90) Run-time configuration: iOS 17.2+ Short Description After having successfully established an NWConnection (either as UDP or TCP), and subsequently receiving the error code: UDP Connection failed: 57 The operation couldn't be completed. (Network.NWError error 57 - Socket is not connected), available Interfaces: [enO] via NWConnection.stateUpdateHandler = { (newState) in ... } while newState == .failed the data connection does not restart by itself once cellular (RF) telephony coverage is established again. Detailed Description Context: my app has a continuous cellular data connection while in use. Either a UDP or a TCP connection is established depending on the user settings. The setup data connection works fine until the data connection gets disconnected by loss of connection to a available cellular phone base station. This disconnection simply occurs in very poor UMTS or GSM cellular phone coverage. This is totally normal behavior in bad reception areas like in mountains with signal loss. STEPS TO REPRODUCE Pre-condition App is running with active data connection. Action iPhone does loss the cellular data connection previously setup. Typically reported as network error code 57. Observed The programmed connection.stateUpdateHandler() is called in network connection state '.failed' (OK). The self-programmed data re-connection includes: a call to self.connection.cancel() a call to self.setupUDPConnection() or self.setupConnection() depending on the user settings to re-establish an operative data connection. However, the iPhone's UMTS/GSM network data (re-)connection state is not properly identified/notified via NWConnection API. There's no further network state notification by means of NWConnection even though the iPhone has recovered a cellular data network. Expected The iPhone or any other means automatically reconnects the interrupted data connection on its own. The connection.stateUpdateHandler() is called at time of the device's networking data connection (RF) recovering, subsequently to a connection state failed with error code 57, as the RF module is continuously (independently from the app) for available telephony networks. QUESTION How to systematically/properly detect a cellular phone data network reconnection readiness in order to causally reinitialize the NWConnection data connection available used in app. Relevant code extract Setup UDP connection (or similarly setup a TCP connection) func setupUDPConnection() { let udp = NWProtocolUDP.Options.init() udp.preferNoChecksum = false let params = NWParameters.init(dtls: nil, udp: udp) params.serviceClass = .responsiveData // service type for medium-delay tolerant, elastic and inelastic flow, bursty, and long-lived connections connection = NWConnection(host: NWEndpoint.Host.name(AppConstant.Web.urlWebSafeSky, nil), port: NWEndpoint.Port(rawValue: AppConstant.Web.urlWebSafeSkyPort)!, using: params) connection.stateUpdateHandler = { (newState) in switch (newState) { case .ready: //print("UDP Socket State: Ready") self.receiveUDPConnection(). // data reception works fine until network loss break case .setup: //print("UDP Socket State: Setup") break case .cancelled: //print("UDP Socket State: Cancelled") break case .preparing: //print("UDP Socket State: Preparing") break case .waiting(let error): Logger.logMessage(message: "UDP Connection waiting: "+error.errorCode.description+" \(error.localizedDescription), available Interfaces: \(self.connection.currentPath!.availableInterfaces.description)", LoggerLevels.Error) break case .failed(let error): Logger.logMessage(message: "UDP Connection failed: "+error.errorCode.description+" \(error.localizedDescription), available Interfaces: \(self.connection.currentPath!.availableInterfaces.description)", LoggerLevels.Error) // data connection retry (expecting network transport layer to be available) self.reConnectionServer() break default: //print("UDP Socket State: Waiting or Failed") break } self.handleStateChange() } connection.start(queue: queue) } Handling of network data connection loss private func reConnectionServer() { self.connection.cancel() // Re Init Connection - Give a little time to network recovery let delayInSec = 30.0. // expecting actually a notification for network data connection availability, instead of a time-triggered retry self.queue.asyncAfter(deadline: .now() + delayInSec) { switch NetworkConnectionType { case 1: self.setupUDPConnection() // UDP break case 2: self.setupConnection() // TCP break default: break } } } Does it necessarily require the use of CoreTelephony class CTTelephonyNetworkInfo or class CTCellularData to get notifications of changes to the user’s cellular service provider?
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Sep ’25
PacketTunnelProvider gets corrupted when app updated with connected Tunnel
We currently supporting proxy app with Tunnel.appEx and PacketTunnelProvider. Some users report about constant error "The VPN session failed because an internal error occurred." on VPN start (which fails rapidly). This error occur mostly after user updated app with active VPN. Rebooting device solves the problem and it doesnt come again, but it is still very frustrating. I can provide any required info about app setup to solve this issue if you need. Thanks
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Aug ’25
macOS 15.6 network failure with VPNs?
I filed FB19631435 about this just now. Basically: starting with 15.6, we've had reports (internally and outternally) that after some period of time, networking fails so badly that it can't even acquire a DHCP lease, and the system needs to be rebooted to fix this. The systems in question all have at least 2 VPN applications installed; ours is a transparent proxy provider, and the affected system also had Crowdstrike's Falcon installed. A customer system reported seemingly identical failures on their systems; they don't have Crowdstrike, but they do have Cyberhaven's. Has anyone else seen somethng like this? Since it seems to involve three different networking extensions, I'm assuming it's due to an interaction between them, not a bug in any individual one. But what do I know? 😄
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Jan ’26
Safari block the access to some port of an IP on the whole system
Hi, Since iOS 26 (and any other apple system with a 26 version) there is a very weird behavior in the whole apple ecosystem (iOS, iPadOS, macOS and visionOS). I'm self-hosting a web project called mempool (https://github.com/Retropex/mempool). This project is entirely self-hosted on my own infrastructure, so I have advanced control to be sure it's just not an anti-DDoS feature that makes the bug happen. So the bug is once I visit my website, for example this page (https://mempool.guide/tx/d86192252a6631831e55f814aea901e65407b6dbda77e1abdea8ec27861e9682) the OS will lose the ability to connect to the underlying IP of the domain (mempool.guide) but the issue seems to affect only the HTTPS/HTTP port (443/80). The issue is system wide, not only is Safari. For exemple I have another domain that resolve to the same IP (haf.ovh) and if this link above trigger the bug then I will also lose the ability to connect to https://haf.ovh A temporary fix that I have is that if I turn off wifi/cellular then I turn it on again I can connect again to my server again until the bug is triggered again. I have done test with tcpdump on my server and the connection isn't making it to my server that's why I think it's an OS issue, especially given the fix above. This issue can be reproduced on any apple device out of the box with a system with >v26. All device (Mac, iPad, iPhone, vision) with version pre-26 are completely unaffected by the bug and can freely explore the website without loosing the connection macOS is less affected by this bug, it can be random with it. With iOS/iPadOS it's systematic. Another thing to note is that the same URL on firefox/chrome for iOS doesn't trigger the bug. Let me know if anyone has an idea on what's going on. Thanks, Léo.
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2
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182
Activity
Oct ’25
Multipeer Connectivity connection is flaky on iOS 26
While updating our test devices to iOS 26, we noticed that the connection between devices are flaky. Often when connecting to a Peer from a device running iOS 26 we can observe the invite coming through and when accepting said invite, both ends going to .connecting state and a while later going back to .notConnected within the peer(_ peerID: MCPeerID, didChange state: MCSessionState) function. This happens regularly and retrying the invitation process several times usually resolves it. Do anyone have any information or guidance on how to resolve this issue?
Replies
1
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1
Views
388
Activity
Oct ’25
Get UDP/TCP Payload for NWConnections?
Is it somehow possible to get the transport layer (UDP and TCP) payload amounts for TLS or QUIC connections established via the Network framework? (From within the app itself that establishes the connections.) I am currently using the ntstat.h kernel socket calls, but I hope there is a simpler solution. With ntstat, I have not yet been able to observe a specific connection. I have to search for the connection I am looking in all (userspace) connections.
Replies
5
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132
Activity
Mar ’26
The network connection fails with NEFilterDataProvider and QQMusic running at the same time
The environment: macOS 12.0 ~ 15.6 A NetworkExtension NEFilterDataProvider configured with filterSockets = YES, filterPackets = NO, and it doesn't actually block any network connection. QQMusic (download: https://y.qq.com/n/ryqq/download_detail/mac?ADTAG=YQQ) is constantly playing. Any of the following operations can reproduce the issue: Kill the NetworkExtension process and then restarted by the system. Disable the NEFilterDataProvider, and then enable it. When this problem occurs, there are two different phenomena on the NetworkExtension process: It is zombie, or is in high CPU state (100%). When the NetworkExtension process is zombie, obviously, the new network connections will enter it, and they can't be disposed by the old zombie process, so the network is disconnected. Spindump-qqmusic-ne-zombie When the NetworkExtension process is in high CPU state, its thread DispatchQueue "NEFilterExtensionProviderContext queue" is blocked in the kernel when calling close. Spindump-qqmusic-ne-cpuhigh In most cases, the network will recover after stopping QQ Music, that is the suspended zombie NetworkExtension process will exist or the cpu of it return to normal. To reproduce the issue in a simple environment, I have tried many ways to simulate the network behavior of QQMusic, but all failed. It seems that this issue is caused by UDP traffic of QQMusic, because everything is ok after blocking the UDP connections of QQMusic (the music is still playing at this time) in the NEFilterDataProvider.
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2
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190
Activity
Oct ’25
OS 26.0 mDNSResponder suppresses DNS queries ("blocked by policy") for some devices until reboot
Hello, Since the release of iOS 26.0, we are seeing DNS traffic being blocked from within our NEPacketTunnelExtension on some devices. We have not isolated exact reproduction steps, but DNS resolves successfully for a period of time after enabling "iCloud Private Relay" (varying from 1-day to 2-weeks), until it then fails as MDNSResponder then returns: mDNSResponder [Q37046] DetermineUnicastQuerySuppression: Query suppressed for <mask.hash: 'REDACTED'> Addr (blocked by policy) DNS resolution continues to fail for all domains with the above until the device is rebooted. The Packet Tunnel intentionally does not have a DNS server set and this occurs for traffic from the Extension yet off-tunnel, which needs resolution from the system DNS server (and this configuration works perfectly for a period of time before being "blocked by policy"). The following do not resolve the issue once DNS queries are being "blocked by policy" on affected devices: disconnecting then reconnecting the vpn; toggling airplane mode for 10+ seconds; switching connection between WiFi & cellular data; disabling iCloud Private Relay. We have currently only seen this on unmanaged devices running iOS 26.0 or 26.1 beta and with iCloud Private Relay enabled. We did not see this issue on iOS 16,17 nor 18. We also have not yet seen this when iCloud Private Relay is disabled nor on iOS 26.0.1, however we cannot confirm whether they too are also affected. Is there a known a bug with iOS 26.0 & 26.1 Beta 1 that could cause this? How can we prevent DNS requests from NEPacketTunnelExtension being sporadically "blocked by policy" until the device is rebooted? Many thanks in advance.
Replies
1
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1
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122
Activity
Oct ’25
Apple-Hosted Background Assets question
I have a Vision Pro app, which I intend to use Apple-Hosted Background Assets for some of my videos after watching: https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2025/325 I added a Apple-Hosted, Managed extension. New Target -> Background Download -> Apple-Hosted, Managed After creating an Archive, I tried uploading it to TestFlight, it complains about a DTPlatformName error in my Info.plist. So I added the following : <key>DTPlatformName</key> <string>xros</string> With which, I managed to upload the app with the extension to TestFlight. However, when I tried installing the app on TestFlight to Vision Pro, it gives me an error that says the app cannot be verified. Any help or pointers is greatly appreciated. Info.plist Entitlements
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3
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Views
218
Activity
Oct ’25
URL Filter - blocked web page behaviour
1) Blocked page UX When a URL is blocked, the browser typically shows a generic error like “"Safari cannot open the page because it couldn’t load any data,” with no indication that the page was blocked by a policy. Is there any plan to add an API that allows developers to present a custom “blocked” page or remediation action, similar to NEFilterControlProvider’s remediationMap? Even a minimal hook (custom HTML, deep link, or support URL) would make the experience clearer for users. 2) Cross‑app link‑opening behavior With a block rule in place, direct navigation in Safari is blocked as expected. However, tapping the same URL in a messaging app (e.g., WhatsApp) opens Safari - and the page loads, not blocked. Repro steps: Configure a URL Filter extension that blocks https://example.com. Case A: Open a browser and type the URL in the address bar → blocked (expected). Case B: Tap the same URL in WhatsApp (or another messenger) → a browser opens and the page loads (unexpected). iOS version - 26.0
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2
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208
Activity
Mar ’26
URL Filter not blocking specified keywords
I have been playing around with the new URL Filtering API. I have successfully installed and configured the sample code, Installed the example app to my iPhone, and am also running the PIR server locally on my Mac. In my input.txtpb file, I simply have 2 endpoints: rows: [{ keyword: "instagram.com", value: "1" }, { keyword: "youtube.com/shorts", value: "1" }] Neither of these are blocked when I attempt to load them from either a browser, or their dedicated apps. Are there any debugging tips I should know about? Additionally, I have also noticed a few times I have left the filter running on my phone, after leaving my LAN (where the PIR server is running), suddenly throughout the day I'm having random, completely unrelated endpoints blocked on my phone. I thought this API was never supposed to produce false positives (without calling back to the PIR server for confirmation).
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2
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0
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172
Activity
Sep ’25
VPN Split DNS behaviour
I encountered an undesired DNS behaviour when using L2TP/ipsec VPN. I have DHCP configured Wi-Fi connection, which send dns servers and search domain (192.168.0.10, lan) VPN sends its own DNS server (10.0.0.2), search domain (intranet) is added manually in VPN DNS config settings. I expect, when VPN is connected, to be still able to resolve local names, i.e some-host.lan. However, they become unresolvable. quick check shows that the remote dns server is used to resolve local names. shilishper@mac ~ % host -v some-host.lan Trying "some-host.lan" Host some-host.lan not found: 3(NXDOMAIN) Received 106 bytes from 10.0.0.2#53 in 16 ms Received 106 bytes from 10.0.0.2#53 in 16 ms Actually, all dns queries are going to the remote server. I would expect that only queries for the configured domain (intranet) should go to that server. I played with the service order, but it didn't change anything. Is anything can be done about this, programmatically? PS new to macOS, but have extensive linux knowledge
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2
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172
Activity
Sep ’25
Example of DNS Proxy Provider Network Extension
I am trying to setup a system-wide DNS-over-TLS for iOS that can be turned off and on from within the app, and I'm struggling with the implementation details. I've searched online, searched forums here, used ChatGPT, and I'm getting conflicting information or code that is simply wrong. I can't find example code that is valid and gets me moving forward. I think I need to use NEDNSProxyProvider via the NetworkExtension. Does that sound correct? I have NetworkExtension -> DNS Proxy Capability set in both the main app and the DNSProxy extension. Also, I want to make sure this is even possible without an MDM. I see conflicting information, some saying this is opened up, but things like https://developer.apple.com/documentation/Technotes/tn3134-network-extension-provider-deployment saying a device needs to be managed. How do private DNS apps do this without MDM? From some responses in the forums it sounds like we need to parse the DNS requests that come in to the handleNewFlow function. Is there good sample code for this parsing? I saw some helpful information from Eskimo (for instance https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/723831 ) and Matt Eaton ( https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/665480 )but I'm still confused. So, if I have a DoT URL, is there good sample code somewhere for what startProxy, stopProxy, and handleNewFlow might look like? And valid code to call it from the main app?
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10
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282
Activity
Oct ’25
Local Hotspot
Hello, we are developing hardware that needs to connect to an iPhone via Wi-Fi to send requests to a server. On Android, we have managed to create a programmatic local hotspot within the app to facilitate connection and improve the user experience. On iOS, however, Personal Hotspot must be manually enabled from the system settings, and the user must manually enter the SSID and password, which significantly degrades the UX. My questions are: Is there a workaround, unofficial method, or private API to generate a local hotspot from an app on iOS, similar to what can be done on Android? Is there an alternative within the MFi program or through specific frameworks to facilitate a quick and automatic connection between the hardware and the iPhone without relying on the manual Personal Hotspot? Are there any best practices for improving the local Wi-Fi connection experience between an accessory and an iPhone in the absence of hotspot controls? I would appreciate any guidance, experience, or resources that would help me better understand the feasible options in iOS for scenarios where fast and direct communication between hardware and mobile devices via Wi-Fi is required.
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1
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108
Activity
Sep ’25
Transparent proxy crash on macOS 15.5
Hello! I develop transparent proxy based application, and I'm receiving a lot of crash reports from macOS 15.5 for crash in __88-[NEExtensionAppProxyProviderContext setInitialFlowDivertControlSocket:extraValidation:]_block_invoke.90 when stopping. Even very old versions of my software started crashing on macOS 15.5. I checked my extension that it correctly calls setTunnelNetworkSettings:nil on proxy stop, but crash is still here. Does anybody else have this problem? Do you know any workaround for it?
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3
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1
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134
Activity
Jun ’25
NEVPNConnectionErrorDomainPlugin code 7 on URLFilter sample code
Hello, I have been playing around the the SimpleURLFilter sample code. I keep getting this error upon installed the filter profile on the device: mapError unexpected error domain NEVPNConnectionErrorDomainPlugin code 7 which then causes this error: Received filter status change: <FilterStatus: 'stopped' errorMessage: 'The operation couldn’t be completed. (NetworkExtension.NEURLFilterManager.Error error 14.)'> I can't find much info about code 7. Here is the configuration I am trying to run: <Configuration: pirServerURL: 'http://MyComputer.local:8080' pirAuthenticationToken: 'AAAA' pirPrivacyPassIssuerURL: 'http://MyComputer.local:8080' enabled: 'true' shouldFailClosed: 'true' controlProviderBundleIdentifier: 'krpaul.SimpleURLFilter.SimpleURLFilterExtension' prefilterFetchInterval: '2700.0'>
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6
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1
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372
Activity
Nov ’25
Can I Exporting a Developer ID PacketTunnelProvider Plugin?
I can develop a PacketTunnelProvider on Mac with xcode. I work with my self codesign. But when I sign it with Developer ID after read https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/737894 , it still fail when I turn on the vpn .
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12
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240
Activity
Sep ’25
SSL certificate failure
This problem doesn’t appear to relate to the app as everything worked when using http (although an https setup issue may still be the problem). The problem appears to relate to the SSL server certificate on the Ubuntu server and the fact that apple does not accept that it is secure. However I have no problem with the equivalent Android app or web browser connections to the same rest API web services. There are numerous posts on these problems on Apple and other Forums, but none have helped me successfully address the issue. I ran an SSL server test on https://www.ssllabs.com/ssltest/ which gives ratings for SSL sites. The test gave an A rating although a number of minor issues were shown that may be crucial to the iOS failure. Some Sectigo certificates said self signed, which I couldn't understand. Error message from XCode log attached 2025-09-10 10:28:01.725091+0100 locateandclock[2291:1585213] ATS failed system trust 2025-09-10 10:28:01.725192+0100 locateandclock[2291:1585213] Connection 1: system TLS Trust evaluation failed(-9802) 2025-09-10 10:28:01.725291+0100 locateandclock[2291:1585213] Connection 1: TLS Trust encountered error 3:-9802 2025-09-10 10:28:01.725352+0100 locateandclock[2291:1585213] Connection 1: encountered error(3:-9802) 2025-09-10 10:28:01.726727+0100 locateandclock[2291:1585213] Task <4E41098F-6B71-4FB8-8753-78DD32961812>.<1> HTTP load failed, 0/0 bytes (error code: -1200 [3:-9802]) 2025-09-10 10:28:01.736504+0100 locateandclock[2291:1585213] Task <4E41098F-6B71-4FB8-8753-78DD32961812>.<1> finished with error [-1200] Error Domain=NSURLErrorDomain Code=-1200 "An SSL error has occurred and a secure connection to the server cannot be made." UserInfo={NSLocalizedRecoverySuggestion=Would you like to connect to the server anyway?, _kCFStreamErrorDomainKey=3, NSErrorPeerCertificateChainKey=( "<cert(0x10681be00) s: *.xxxxxxxxxxx.co.uk i: Sectigo Public Server Authentication CA DV R36>", "<cert(0x10681c800) s: Sectigo Public Server Authentication CA DV R36 i: Sectigo Public Server Authentication Root R46>", "<cert(0x10681d200) s: Sectigo Public Server Authentication Root R46 i: Sectigo Public Server Authentication Root R46>" ), NSErrorClientCertificateStateKey=0, NSErrorFailingURLKey=https://xxxxxxxxxxxx.co.uk/insertclocking, NSErrorFailingURLStringKey=https://xxxxxxxxxxxx.co.uk/insertclocking, NSUnderlyingError=0x282361650 {Error Domain=kCFErrorDomainCFNetwork Code=-1200 "(null)" UserInfo={_kCFStreamPropertySSLClientCertificateState=0, kCFStreamPropertySSLPeerTrust=<SecTrustRef: 0x281cf4460>, _kCFNetworkCFStreamSSLErrorOriginalValue=-9802, _kCFStreamErrorDomainKey=3, _kCFStreamErrorCodeKey=-9802, kCFStreamPropertySSLPeerCertificates=( "<cert(0x10681be00) s: *.xxxxxxxxxxxxxco.uk i: Sectigo Public Server Authentication CA DV R36>", "<cert(0x10681c800) s: Sectigo Public Server Authentication CA DV R36 i: Sectigo Public Server Authentication Root R46>", "<cert(0x10681d200) s: Sectigo Public Server Authentication Root R46 i: Sectigo Public Server Authentication Root R46>" )}}, _NSURLErrorRelatedURLSessionTaskErrorKey=( "LocalDataTask <4E41098F-6B71-4FB8-8753-78DD32961812>.<1>" ), _kCFStreamErrorCodeKey=-9802, _NSURLErrorFailingURLSessionTaskErrorKey=LocalDataTask <4E41098F-6B71-4FB8-8753-78DD32961812>.<1>, NSURLErrorFailingURLPeerTrustErrorKey=<SecTrustRef: 0x281cf4460>, NSLocalizedDescription=An SSL error has occurred and a secure connection to the server cannot be made.}
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5
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306
Activity
Oct ’25
What is the memory limit for a network extension?
I've been wondering what is the memory limit for network extensions. Specifically, I'm using the NEPacketTunnelProvider extension point.The various posts on this forum mention 5 MB and 6 MB for 32-bit and 64-bit respectively. However I find that (at least on iOS 10) the upper limit seems to be 15 MB. Is this the new memory limit for extensions?
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27
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19k
Activity
Oct ’25
NWConnection: how to recover data connection after RF cellular data connection loss
iOS Development environment Xcode 16.4, macOS 15.6.1 (24G90) Run-time configuration: iOS 17.2+ Short Description After having successfully established an NWConnection (either as UDP or TCP), and subsequently receiving the error code: UDP Connection failed: 57 The operation couldn't be completed. (Network.NWError error 57 - Socket is not connected), available Interfaces: [enO] via NWConnection.stateUpdateHandler = { (newState) in ... } while newState == .failed the data connection does not restart by itself once cellular (RF) telephony coverage is established again. Detailed Description Context: my app has a continuous cellular data connection while in use. Either a UDP or a TCP connection is established depending on the user settings. The setup data connection works fine until the data connection gets disconnected by loss of connection to a available cellular phone base station. This disconnection simply occurs in very poor UMTS or GSM cellular phone coverage. This is totally normal behavior in bad reception areas like in mountains with signal loss. STEPS TO REPRODUCE Pre-condition App is running with active data connection. Action iPhone does loss the cellular data connection previously setup. Typically reported as network error code 57. Observed The programmed connection.stateUpdateHandler() is called in network connection state '.failed' (OK). The self-programmed data re-connection includes: a call to self.connection.cancel() a call to self.setupUDPConnection() or self.setupConnection() depending on the user settings to re-establish an operative data connection. However, the iPhone's UMTS/GSM network data (re-)connection state is not properly identified/notified via NWConnection API. There's no further network state notification by means of NWConnection even though the iPhone has recovered a cellular data network. Expected The iPhone or any other means automatically reconnects the interrupted data connection on its own. The connection.stateUpdateHandler() is called at time of the device's networking data connection (RF) recovering, subsequently to a connection state failed with error code 57, as the RF module is continuously (independently from the app) for available telephony networks. QUESTION How to systematically/properly detect a cellular phone data network reconnection readiness in order to causally reinitialize the NWConnection data connection available used in app. Relevant code extract Setup UDP connection (or similarly setup a TCP connection) func setupUDPConnection() { let udp = NWProtocolUDP.Options.init() udp.preferNoChecksum = false let params = NWParameters.init(dtls: nil, udp: udp) params.serviceClass = .responsiveData // service type for medium-delay tolerant, elastic and inelastic flow, bursty, and long-lived connections connection = NWConnection(host: NWEndpoint.Host.name(AppConstant.Web.urlWebSafeSky, nil), port: NWEndpoint.Port(rawValue: AppConstant.Web.urlWebSafeSkyPort)!, using: params) connection.stateUpdateHandler = { (newState) in switch (newState) { case .ready: //print("UDP Socket State: Ready") self.receiveUDPConnection(). // data reception works fine until network loss break case .setup: //print("UDP Socket State: Setup") break case .cancelled: //print("UDP Socket State: Cancelled") break case .preparing: //print("UDP Socket State: Preparing") break case .waiting(let error): Logger.logMessage(message: "UDP Connection waiting: "+error.errorCode.description+" \(error.localizedDescription), available Interfaces: \(self.connection.currentPath!.availableInterfaces.description)", LoggerLevels.Error) break case .failed(let error): Logger.logMessage(message: "UDP Connection failed: "+error.errorCode.description+" \(error.localizedDescription), available Interfaces: \(self.connection.currentPath!.availableInterfaces.description)", LoggerLevels.Error) // data connection retry (expecting network transport layer to be available) self.reConnectionServer() break default: //print("UDP Socket State: Waiting or Failed") break } self.handleStateChange() } connection.start(queue: queue) } Handling of network data connection loss private func reConnectionServer() { self.connection.cancel() // Re Init Connection - Give a little time to network recovery let delayInSec = 30.0. // expecting actually a notification for network data connection availability, instead of a time-triggered retry self.queue.asyncAfter(deadline: .now() + delayInSec) { switch NetworkConnectionType { case 1: self.setupUDPConnection() // UDP break case 2: self.setupConnection() // TCP break default: break } } } Does it necessarily require the use of CoreTelephony class CTTelephonyNetworkInfo or class CTCellularData to get notifications of changes to the user’s cellular service provider?
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7
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371
Activity
Sep ’25
PacketTunnelProvider gets corrupted when app updated with connected Tunnel
We currently supporting proxy app with Tunnel.appEx and PacketTunnelProvider. Some users report about constant error "The VPN session failed because an internal error occurred." on VPN start (which fails rapidly). This error occur mostly after user updated app with active VPN. Rebooting device solves the problem and it doesnt come again, but it is still very frustrating. I can provide any required info about app setup to solve this issue if you need. Thanks
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6
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1
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216
Activity
Aug ’25
macOS 15.6 network failure with VPNs?
I filed FB19631435 about this just now. Basically: starting with 15.6, we've had reports (internally and outternally) that after some period of time, networking fails so badly that it can't even acquire a DHCP lease, and the system needs to be rebooted to fix this. The systems in question all have at least 2 VPN applications installed; ours is a transparent proxy provider, and the affected system also had Crowdstrike's Falcon installed. A customer system reported seemingly identical failures on their systems; they don't have Crowdstrike, but they do have Cyberhaven's. Has anyone else seen somethng like this? Since it seems to involve three different networking extensions, I'm assuming it's due to an interaction between them, not a bug in any individual one. But what do I know? 😄
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8
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498
Activity
Jan ’26
Bloom filter for NEURLFilterPrefilter
I cannot find in the documentation and samples how exactly the Bloom filter is generated. Is there any code sample for that?
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1
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1
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119
Activity
Aug ’25