Why Apple doesn’t allow Safari browser to send web push notifications in iOS?
People frequently ask this questions.
With time, web nush notifications established as a real-time marketing channel.
Top browsers like Chrome, FireFox, and Safari support this powerful engagement tool.
Talking about Safari, it only catches the Mac OS. iOS platform (iPhone & iPad) can’t let Safari send web push notifications yet.
So, is it under consideration to Apple? Or they just going to stay as they are right now?
Web Push Notifications in iOS – Current Status
Apple was the pioneer of in-app push notifications; they introduced this robust marketing channel back in 2009.
The digital marketing world adopted push notifications rapidly.
In 2013, Apple introduced web push notifications too by a proprietary format in their OS X Mavericks.
People started to hope; they also bring web push notification service in their iOS devices.
But years have been passed; they don’t take any further initiatives.
Since then, web push notifications has developed more positively.
It delivers a real impact, instantly make an engagement that makes people converting for your offers and services.
Google Chrome adopt web push for both desktop and Android device almost 3 years ago.
They initiate support for Chrome extended web push API back in 2015.
There is no doubt about their marketing intuition and adoption ability with modern time.
Right now, Chrome consumes almost 61% of the browser market share.
And, at last, Apple changed their service API status from being considered to under development this year. According to tech blogger Jake Archibald, who reported this first.
So, yes, we truly are getting closer to the good news.
Service Workers for Web Push Notifications
Web push notifications use service workers to get through. It’s essential for this marketing tool.
Service worker is a script. Your web browser runs it in the background. It is separate from a web page. Help to open the door to features that don’t need a web page or user interaction.
If you don’t have any idea on how a service worker help sending web push, you can check google developers here.
Let’s take a look at this chart below.
You can see this, how lately Apple adopt service workers for iOS Safari 11.4 and 12.1 version.
Though compared to last few years, it’s a step forward for them, we believe.
What we need is web push notifications in iOS platform.
Why iOS isn’t taking enough initiatives?
Apple still believes in their in-app push notification service (APNS). They are so selective even for the apps to install in iOS devices.
They always want their user to use the iOS app store to download apps, and if you’re going to send in-app push notifications to your subscribers, they want you to abide by their rules and regulation.
If you want to add apps into iOS app stores, you must be progressive following iOS standards. That is a thing; Apple doesn’t want to keep their hands putting back.
In such cases, Chrome and other browsers are far more reasonable with easiness and opt-in process.
Web Push Notification in iOS – Final Thoughts
So, still, we have to wait. Safari browsers can deliver your web push notifications in Mac.
But again, you can’t send them to iOS devices all over the world.
Maybe in a few years, we are going to hear the grand (!!)announcement.
Apple must make it available for safari browser to inject push notifications in iOS.
Apple started to think about it seriously.
They have taken steps to grant service workers, right? So, yes, there is hope.
Till then, keep your eyes open for the updates.
And, you shouldn’t waste your time waiting.
Using web push notifications for your site is the best way you can engage, retarget your customer. Keep your retention rate higher.
Tech posts without dates is like food recipes without quantities.
Cheers,
Pedro