Can I enable push notifications in an iOS app built from a web app URL using PWA Builder?

Question

Abjayon OP

Created 1w

Replies 1

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Participants 2

Hi all,

I have a React web app that we use as a Progressive Web App (PWA). We currently:

Use PWA Builder to package it for Android and iOS

Host the app on a secure HTTPS URL

Use Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) for push notifications (working on Android)

However, on iOS, we are unable to get push notifications to work. I understand that PWAs on iOS have limited push support (Safari only, and not through WebView). So I explored using Capacitor, but:

Capacitor can load a server.url pointing to our hosted app (great for reuse), but push notifications don’t work

If we build the web app locally (npm run build) and embed it in the native iOS shell via Capacitor, push works

We would prefer not to fully merge our authentication and main app UIs if avoidable

Questions: Is there any approved way to enable push notifications in an iOS .ipa built from a hosted web app (URL) using PWA Builder?

If not, is embedding the web assets locally the only Apple-approved way to get push support?

Are there any best practices or native plugin recommendations (e.g., APNs or FCM) for handling push notifications in iOS app?

Thanks in advance for any guidance. 🙏 Let me know if more technical details would help.

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Answer 1

Engineer OP

Apple

1w

We cannot assist you with developing your PWA with 3rd party tools, or with the tools for setting up and sending of push notifications, but we can assist with finding where the problem might be.

Push notifications for PWAs are supported as long as the user has given permission, and the app has been added to the Home Screen.

What does "embed it in the native iOS shell" mean? If that is adding the app to the Home Screen, then that explains it all. Like I said above, the PWA must be added to the Home Screen for push to work.

If you have a web app that you want to use remotely, you can always use Web Push

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