APNs
APNs (Apple Push Notification service) is a cloud service provided by Apple that enables developers to send push notifications to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS devices. It acts as a gateway for delivering alerts, sounds, badges, and custom data payloads from servers to Apple devices, ensuring reliable and secure communication. Developers integrate APNs into their apps to keep users engaged with timely updates, such as new messages, reminders, or app-specific events.
Developers should learn and use APNs when building apps for Apple platforms that require real-time user notifications, such as messaging apps, social media platforms, or productivity tools. It is essential for maintaining user engagement by delivering alerts even when the app is not actively running, and it supports features like silent notifications for background data updates. APNs is mandatory for any iOS/macOS app that needs to send push notifications, as it is the only Apple-approved service for this purpose.