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iOS setup

Push on iOS goes through APNs, bridged by Firebase Cloud Messaging (or OneSignal) via @capacitor/push-notifications. Local notifications use @capacitor/local-notifications.

1. Install and sync​

yarn add @capacitor/push-notifications @capacitor/local-notifications firebase
npx cap sync ios
cd ios/App && pod install && cd ../..

2. APNs authentication key​

Create an APNs auth key (.p8) in the Apple Developer portal (Certificates, IDs & Profiles → Keys → enable Apple Push Notifications service). Upload it to your provider:

  • Firebase: Project settings → Cloud Messaging → upload the APNs key with its Key ID and Team ID.
  • OneSignal: dashboard → app settings → Apple iOS (APNs) → upload the key.

3. Xcode capabilities​

In Xcode, select the App target → Signing & Capabilities and add:

  • Push Notifications
  • Background Modes → check Remote notifications

4. AppDelegate (Firebase)​

If you use the Firebase iOS SDK directly, configure it and forward the APNs token:

import Firebase
import FirebaseMessaging

func application(_ application: UIApplication,
                 didFinishLaunchingWithOptions launchOptions: [UIApplication.LaunchOptionsKey: Any]?) -> Bool {
  FirebaseApp.configure()
  return true
}

func application(_ application: UIApplication,
                 didRegisterForRemoteNotificationsWithDeviceToken deviceToken: Data) {
  Messaging.messaging().apnsToken = deviceToken
}

@capacitor/push-notifications handles registration through the bridge; follow the plugin's iOS guide for the exact wiring for your Capacitor version.

5. Permission and provisional authorization​

iOS supports provisional (quiet) authorization, which surfaces as the provisional permission status. Request via notifications.requestPermission() and check with notifications.checkPermission().

6. Privacy manifest​

App Store submissions require a privacy manifest. notification-kit does not collect data itself, but the SDKs you add (Firebase / OneSignal) have their own privacy requirements — follow each SDK's documentation for the PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy entries and required-reason API declarations.

Local notifications​

@capacitor/local-notifications schedules through UNUserNotificationCenter. Scheduling, badges, attachments, and thread identifiers in ScheduleOptions map to the native iOS fields. See the Local notifications guide.