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Rich Push Notifications on iOS: Enhancing Engagement and Interactivity

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In a world where attention spans are shorter than ever, standing out in a crowded app market is crucial.

Enter rich push notifications for iOS.

With the introduction of iOS 10, developers now have the power to deliver captivating notifications that go beyond plain text.

By harnessing the potential of various media attachments, these notifications have become essential in creating a dynamic app user experience.

But how exactly does one enable these eye-catching notifications?

Fear not, we will explore the world of rich push notifications, from configuring notification service and content extensions to utilizing the powerful CTNotificationService library.

And the best part?

CleverTap has got your back with its range of rich push templates.

So buckle up and prepare to take your app notifications to new heights.

rich push notifications ios

Rich push notifications on iOS refer to the ability for users to add image, video, audio, and GIF attachments to push notifications.

Introduced in iOS 10, these rich notifications have become increasingly significant in enhancing the user experience of mobile apps.

To enable rich push notifications, developers need to enable push notifications for their app and create a notification service extension in Xcode.

The CTNotificationService library can be used for configuring the Notification Service Extension, while the Notification Content Extension can be configured to use the CTNotificationContent class for displaying custom interfaces for notifications.

To send rich notifications via APNS, developers need to include the mutable-content flag in the payload’s aps entry and add the media URL and media type separately.

CleverTap supports various rich push templates, including Single Media, Content Slider, Basic Template, Auto Carousel Template, Manual Carousel Template, and Timer Template.

In cases where an image cannot be downloaded, a basic template with a caption and subcaption can be used as a fallback option.

Key Points:

  • Rich push notifications on iOS allow users to add image, video, audio, and GIF attachments to push notifications.
  • Introduced in iOS 10, these notifications enhance the user experience of mobile apps.
  • Developers need to enable push notifications and create a notification service extension in Xcode to enable rich push notifications.
  • The CTNotificationService library can be used to configure the Notification Service Extension, while the Notification Content Extension can be configured with the CTNotificationContent class.
  • To send rich notifications via APNS, developers need to include the mutable-content flag in the payload’s aps entry and add the media URL and media type separately.
  • CleverTap supports various rich push templates, including Single Media, Content Slider, Basic Template, Auto Carousel Template, Manual Carousel Template, and Timer Template.

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💡 Did You Know?

1. Rich push notifications on iOS were first introduced in the iOS 10 update, allowing app developers to include images, buttons, and interactive elements within their push notifications.

2. The ability to send rich push notifications is not limited to specific app categories. From gaming and productivity apps to news and e-commerce, all types of iOS applications can leverage this feature to enhance user engagement.

3. “Rich” in rich push notifications refers to the inclusion of multimedia content such as images, GIFs, videos, and audio clips. This helps apps deliver more compelling and visually appealing messages to their users.

4. With rich push notifications, iOS users can view and interact with app content directly from the notification itself. For example, users can play a video, respond to a message, or complete a purchase without opening the app.

5. To ensure a seamless user experience, rich push notifications can also be designed to be visually consistent with the branding and overall design of the app. This cohesive look and feel further enhances the integration of the notification into the user’s device.

1. Introduction To Rich Push Notifications In iOS 10

Rich push notifications were introduced in iOS 10, enabling app developers to enhance their push notifications by adding image, video, audio, and GIF attachments. This new feature underscores the growing significance of notifications in the overall app user experience.

With rich push notifications, app developers can offer more interactive and visually appealing content directly in the push notifications, which consequently boosts user engagement and drives app usage.

  • Rich push notifications in iOS 10 allow app developers to add image, video, audio, and GIF attachments.
  • Notifications play an increasingly important role in the overall app user experience.
  • Rich push notifications provide more interactive and visually appealing content, leading to increased user engagement.
  • These enhanced notifications contribute to driving app usage.

2. Enhancing Push Notifications With Image, Video, Audio, And GIF Attachments

The introduction of rich push notifications in iOS 10 brings a whole new level of interactivity and engagement to push notifications. App developers can now include image, video, audio, and GIF attachments along with their push notifications. This means that instead of just receiving a simple text notification, users can now see and interact with various types of media directly from the notification.

For example, an e-commerce app can send a push notification with an image attachment showcasing a product on sale. Users can preview the product image without having to open the app, increasing the chances of them making a purchase. Similarly, a news app can send push notifications with video attachments, allowing users to watch news highlights directly from the notification.

3. The Significance Of Notifications In App User Experience

Notifications have become an integral part of the app user experience. They act as a direct communication channel between the app and the user, providing timely and relevant information. Rich push notifications allow app developers to not only inform users about updates or events but also instantly catch their attention with visually appealing media attachments.

The use of rich push notifications can significantly contribute to user engagement. By leveraging this feature, app developers can create a seamless and interactive user experience that keeps users engaged and encourages continued app usage.

4. Enabling Rich Push Notifications In iOS 10

Enabling rich push notifications in iOS 10 requires the following steps:

  1. Enable push notifications for the app through the app’s settings and register for remote notifications.

  2. Create a notification service extension in Xcode. The CTNotificationService library can be used for configuring this extension.

The notification service extension is responsible for handling and modifying the push notification before it is displayed to the user.

  • By implementing these steps, your app will be able to deliver rich push notifications with enhanced features and functionality.

5. Configuring The Notification Service Extension Using CTNotificationService Library

The CTNotificationService library simplifies the process of configuring the Notification Service Extension. By integrating the library into the project, developers can easily customize the appearance and behavior of the push notification.

The Notification Service Extension allows developers to:

  • Add media attachments
  • Modify the notification content
  • Download additional content from non-SSL URLs

By utilizing the features provided by the CTNotificationService library, developers can efficiently configure the extension to suit their specific needs.

Note: The CTNotificationService library enhances the capabilities of the Notification Service Extension.

6. Displaying Custom Interfaces For Notifications With Notification Content Extension And CTNotificationContent Class

To display custom interfaces for notifications, the Notification Content Extension needs to be configured. This extension is responsible for presenting the content of the push notification.

By utilizing the CTNotificationContent class, developers can create custom interfaces that display image captions, sub-captions, and carousel media. This allows for a more visually appealing and interactive notification experience. For example, a messaging app can display an image with a caption and sub-caption directly in the notification, providing a glimpse of the message content.

7. Ensuring Secure Downloading Of Non-SSL URLs In Rich Push Notifications

To download content from non-SSL URLs in rich push notifications, the app’s plist file needs to have the App Transport Security Settings enabled. This ensures that the app can securely download content from sources that do not have SSL certificates.

By enabling the App Transport Security Settings, app developers can provide a seamless and secure experience for users when downloading media attachments or additional content from non-SSL URLs.

Improvements:

  • Use App Transport Security Settings in the app’s plist file to download content from non-SSL URLs in rich push notifications.
  • Ensure the app can securely download content from sources without SSL certificates by enabling the settings.
  • Enable the settings for a seamless and secure experience when downloading media attachments or additional content from non-SSL URLs.

Note: Bullet points are not necessary in this case as the information is already concise and focused.

8. Sending Rich Push Notifications Via APNS With Mutable-Content Flag And Media URL

To send rich push notifications via APNS (Apple Push Notification Service), the payload of the notification needs to include the mutable-content flag in the aps entry. This flag indicates that the notification content may change before it is presented to the user.

In addition to the mutable-content flag, the media URL and media type also need to be included outside of the aps entry. This allows the notification service extension to retrieve the media attachment and present it to the user.

9. Utilizing CTNotificationContent For Image Captions, Sub-Captions, And Carousel Media In Notifications

The CTNotificationContent class provided by the CTNotificationService library offers various features for enhancing the display of rich push notifications. Developers can utilize this class to add image captions, sub-captions, and carousel media to their notifications.

By including image captions and sub-captions, developers can provide additional context and information for the media attachments in the notification. The carousel media feature allows developers to create a slideshow-like experience within the notification, showcasing multiple images or videos.

If, for any reason, an image cannot be downloaded, developers can revert to a basic template that includes a caption and sub-caption. This ensures that even if the media attachment is not available, the user still receives a visually appealing notification with relevant information.

10. CleverTap’s Rich Push Template Options For Enhanced User Engagement

CleverTap, a leading customer engagement platform, offers a range of rich push template options to enhance user engagement. These templates include:

  • Single Media: Allows developers to send a push notification with a single media attachment, such as an image or video.
  • Content Slider: Enables developers to create a carousel-like experience with multiple media attachments that users can swipe through.
  • Basic Template: Provides a simple yet effective layout for push notifications that include a title, message, and media attachment.

By utilizing these rich push templates, developers can leverage CleverTap’s platform to create visually appealing and engaging notifications that drive user interaction and improve app usage.

In conclusion, rich push notifications have transformed the way app developers can engage users. By incorporating images, videos, audio, and GIFs into push notifications, developers can create more interactive and visually appealing notifications. The significance of notifications in the app user experience cannot be underestimated, and rich push notifications have become an essential tool for enhancing engagement and interactivity.

Key takeaways:

  • Rich push notifications introduced in iOS 10 have revolutionized app developer-user engagement.
  • Developers can easily enable and configure rich push notifications using various libraries and templates.
  • Rich push notifications provide users with a seamless and immersive app experience.
  • The availability of different media attachments and templates allows developers to create visually appealing and interactive push notifications.

FAQ

What are rich push notifications?

Rich push notifications are a form of interactive and highly engaging alerts that go beyond regular text-based notifications. They incorporate multimedia content, such as images, videos, or gifs, to provide a more visually appealing and dynamic user experience. These notifications are created or selected by the sender and then transmitted to a notification service provider, such as Apple Push Notification service or Google Cloud Messaging, which ensures their delivery to the intended recipients on iOS or Android devices, respectively. With rich push notifications, brands have the opportunity to captivate their users with captivating visuals and enhance the overall impact of their messaging.

What is the image size for iOS rich push?

When it comes to iOS rich push, the image size plays an important role. For iOS, the maximum file size allowed for image attachments is 10MB. Furthermore, the maximum dimensions permitted for an image are 1038 x 1038 pixels. If an image exceeds this height, iOS will automatically downscale it and add padding to ensure it is displayed as a square. Therefore, understanding and adhering to these specifications is crucial for optimizing the image appearance in iOS rich push notifications.

What is the difference between notifications and rich notifications?

While both notifications and rich notifications serve the purpose of delivering information to users, the main difference lies in their level of customization and additional content. Notifications typically consist of basic copy, providing a simple message or update to users. On the other hand, rich notifications offer a broader range of options by allowing the inclusion of additional content, such as images or interactive elements. With rich notifications, developers have the opportunity to enhance the user experience and provide more engaging and visually appealing updates. To put it simply, rich notifications take regular notifications a step further by incorporating multimedia and interactive features into the notification itself.

Why you should turn off push notifications?

When you choose to disable push notifications, you regain control over your digital life. With the constant stream of updates and alerts silenced, you can focus on tasks at hand without unnecessary interruptions. By taking control of your notifications, you create a more peaceful and productive environment, free from the stress and distractions that can come with a buzzing phone. Give yourself the gift of uninterrupted focus and reclaim your attention by turning off push notifications.