Core Bluetooth
Build direct Bluetooth Low Energy workflows with Core Bluetooth.
Install
npx skills add dpearson2699/swift-ios-skills --skill core-bluetooth -g -a claude-code -y- Repository
- dpearson2699/swift-ios-skills1.3k
- Category
- Writing
- Updated
- 3mo ago
- License
- See repository
- Context cost
- Mediumabout 3,000 tokens
- Runs scripts
- No, instructions only
What it does
Build direct Bluetooth Low Energy workflows with Core Bluetooth. Use when implementing BLE central or peripheral GATT communication, scanning or connecting with CBCentralManager, discovering services and characteristics, reading/writing/subscribing with CBPeripheral, publishing local services with CBPeripheralManager, handling Bluetooth authorization, background BLE modes, state restoration, write flow control, or CBUUID-based workflows. For privacy-preserving accessory setup/picker flows, use accessorysetupkit first and return here for post-setup GATT communication.
Core Bluetooth
Scan for, connect to, and exchange data with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices.
Covers the central role (scanning and connecting to peripherals), the peripheral
role (advertising services), background modes, and state restoration.
Use accessorysetupkit for privacy-preserving accessory discovery and setup;
use this skill for direct Core Bluetooth GATT communication.
Contents
- Setup
- Central Role: Scanning
- Central Role: Connecting
- Discovering Services and Characteristics
- Reading, Writing, and Notifications
- Peripheral Role: Advertising
- Background BLE
- State Restoration
- Common Mistakes
- Review Checklist
- References
Setup
Info.plist Keys
| Key | Purpose |
|---|---|
NSBluetoothAlwaysUsageDescription | Required. Explains why the app uses Bluetooth |
UIBackgroundModes with bluetooth-central | Background scanning and connecting |
UIBackgroundModes with bluetooth-peripheral | Background advertising |
Bluetooth Authorization
Core Bluetooth has no explicit permission request API. Add
NSBluetoothAlwaysUsageDescription, create the manager when the app is ready for
Bluetooth access, then check manager.authorization and manager.state.
Treat .denied and .restricted as terminal until the user changes Settings;
wait for .poweredOn before scanning, connecting, advertising, or publishing
services.
Central Role: Scanning
Creating the Central Manager
Always wait for the poweredOn state before scanning.
import CoreBluetooth
final class BluetoothManager: NSObject, CBCentralManagerDelegate {
private var centralManager: CBCentralManager!
private var discoveredPeripheral: CBPeripheral?
