iOS 16 enables web push notifications

iOS 16 was announced today at WWDC 2022 with several new features, including a completely redesigned lock screen with widgets and enhancements to several system apps. Specifically speaking about Safari, Apple’s web browser will now support web push notifications, extension syncing, and more with the update.

One of the biggest complaints about the iOS version of Safari is that it lacks push notifications for web apps, so websites are unable to notify a user if they’re running Safari in the background – although this is already possible on the Mac.

With iOS 16, the wait for this feature is finally over. Developers can push web applications even further, by notifying their users with important information, directly to their devices. This has been a feature that developers have been longing for, as it gives them the ability to really push what a web application is capable of, instead of relying on native phone applications.

Apple says the feature will come in 2023 with a future update of iOS 16, so it won’t be available at launch. At least the company has now finally confirmed that it is working on web push notifications.

Developers can now download the first beta of iOS 16 via the Apple Developer website. A public beta version will be available next month with the official release expected this fall.