Apple Developers, Engage Your Users with Notifications

An update is available for those who read the News and Announcements section for Apple developers. Cupertino is encouraging all those who make a living in the App Store to delight their customers by adding local and push notification support in their software.

“Engaging Users with Local and Push Notifications,” reads the latest update from Apple.

The company formerly run by Steve Jobs explains that “Local and push notifications are great for keeping users engaged around timely and relevant content, like score updates on their favorite team or breaking news stories.”

“However,” Apple stresses, “it’s important to adhere to the App Store Review Guidelines and avoid sending users unsolicited messages or spam as notifications.”

“Doing so not only takes away from the user experience, but may cause your app to be removed from the App Store,” the company warns.

Programmers are directed to the Push Notifications page on Apple’s developer site, where they can read through the “tips and best practices for using local and push notifications in your app.”

The message doesn’t just address iOS developers, but Mac developers too. You can use local and push notifications just as well on the Macintosh platform and Apple has put out a “Local and Push Notification Programming Guide” to help you do just that.

The App Store Review Guidelines are also there to help you ensure that app notifications are implemented in accordance with the company’s review guidelines.

A similar update was posted earlier this week with Apple notifying iOS developers (exclusively) that copycat applications have no place in the App Store.

Apple specifically outlined that “when you promote your app, you should avoid using services that advertise or guarantee top placement in App Store charts.”

“Even if you are not personally engaged in manipulating App Store chart rankings or user reviews, employing services that do so on your behalf may result in the loss of your Apple Developer Program membership,” Apple said.