In addition to the other new and improved features that iOS 7.1 brings to iOS devices, a report from BEEKn notes that it also brings new functionality to Apple’s iBeacon protocol, allowing “always on” beacon tracking.
Conducting various tests with iBeacon-compatible apps, the publication found iOS 7.1 allows software to search for beacon signals even after the app has been closed and the iPhone rebooted. Previously, apps would only receive iBeacon notifications when open or running in the background.
Under the new functionality, once an iBeacon-enabled app is installed, it will continually be on the lookout for new iBeacon signals until the user either opts out in the Location Services settings, turns off Bluetooth, or deletes the app. No word on how Apple plans to handle iBeacon spam, which could now be pushed to a user’s device.
Last but not least, BEEKn also notes that in their experiences with the update, Bluetooth LE seems to be more responsive under iOS 7.1, with region changes, exits, and beacon notifications being logged almost instantly.
