We connect application notifications in your system to Apple devices through the Apple Push Notification service (APNs).

A push notification is the quickest way to get the attention of someone using your iPhone app — a field technician with a new job, a manager with an approval waiting or a customer whose order has shipped. Every notification to an Apple device ultimately passes through APNs, whether sent directly or through a service such as Firebase.

What we build with it

  • Alerting field staff to new assignments
  • Payment and approval notifications
  • Appointment reminders on device

How it works

  1. When the user installs the app and allows notifications, the device receives a token that identifies it to Apple.
  2. The app sends that token to your system, which stores it against the user.
  3. When an event happens, the system sends the notification and the device token to APNs.
  4. Apple delivers the notification to the device, and tapping it opens the relevant screen in the app.

Data exchanged

  • Device token
  • Notification title and body
  • Delivery status

What is needed to set it up

  • An Apple Developer Program membership
  • An APNs authentication key
  • An iOS application with push notifications enabled

Good to know

  • Users must allow notifications, and they can switch them off at any time, so important information should also be available inside the app.
  • Apple does not guarantee delivery of every notification, especially when a device is offline for a long time.
  • Notification text can appear on a locked screen, so we avoid putting sensitive details in it.