Safari Notifications Explained: From User Setup to API Integration

Safari notifications are a powerful tool that can engage users on both macOS and iOS devices. What makes them such a great tool for your business is that they are unlike traditional web push notifications. This happens because Safari relies on Apple's Push Notification service, or APNs, so that your alerts will appear even when Safari isn't open. This way, your Safari push notifications will have a more native feel, which will boost user engagement. And now, even iOS users can enjoy them.

This article is your complete guide to Safari push notifications. From market performance to Safari notifications settings , you will have quick access to everything you need to know to integrate them.

Part 1: Safari Push Notifications Ecosystem Overview

In the first section, we will take a deeper dive into the Safari ecosystem. When you understand that, you will recognize how Safari notifications differ from push notifications.

Market Performance & Adoption

Safari Push Notification Penetration

Safari notifications started as a macOS-exclusive feature using APNs. In iOS 16.4, though, Apple extended support to iPhones and iPads, a feature that many companies and developers have been asking for. At this point, however, a Safari notification is only available through Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) installed on the user's home screen. While specific penetration data from PushEngage for iOS 14.5+ isn't directly available, we do know that users of iOS and iPadOS 16.4 and above are beginning to understand the advantages of this tool.

User Opt-in Rate Benchmarks

Before getting into more details on Safari notifications, it is worth taking a look at user opt-in rates. As with most metrics, opt-ins vary widely from industry to industry. According to numerous reports (Braze, OneSignal, PushWoosh), we can see that iOS opt-ins are still a little behind Android opt-ins. However, some industries perform better than others. In more detail, here is a table with some indicative benchmarks for 2025:

Technical Constraints & Differences

Architecture Comparison: Safari vs. Chrome/Firefox

Another important aspect you need to study if you want to integrate Safari website notifications is how Safari compares to the other popular browsers. For instance, we have already mentioned that Safari uses APNs to deliver notifications, which browsers like Chrome and Firefox don't. In addition to this, there are some other important differences that have a direct effect on how users receive and view their web push notifications.

To make things easier for you, here are the key elements you need to know about each browser.

Certificate Requirements (APNs vs. Web Push Standard)

When it comes to push notifications, it is easy to understand that the main difference between browsers is the certificate they utilize. This means that Safari requires an APNs, while Chrome or Firefox relies solely on the Web Push API VAPID keys. A developer needs to understand this distinction to plan and create cross-browser notification campaigns that succeed.

Below, you will find the basic elements of these certifications.

Part 2: Safari Notification Settings & Management

Now that you know all about the Safari ecosystem, it's time to look at specific Safari notifications settings.

iOS Device Setup Guide

How to Turn on Safari Notifications on iPhone

The first thing you need to learn is how to enable notifications on Safari. The process is quite easy and requires the following steps:

• On your iPhone, go to Settings > Apps and tap on Safari,
• Scroll down and tap on the "Advanced " option,
• Then, locate and tap the "Feature Flags " option,
• Find "Notifications " and enable them.

These steps show you how to turn on Safari notifications on iPhone. Nevertheless, on iOS, Safari notifications only work through installed PWAs. So, if you want to get notifications from a specific website, you must follow these steps:

• Launch Safari and load the website you wish to get notifications from,
• Tap the "Share " button, and tap the "Add to Home Screen " option,
• Rename the PWA if needed and tap "Add ".

How to Disable Safari Notifications on iPhone

If you know how to enable a Safari notification, you already know how to disable it as well. The process is the same, as you will only need to flip the "Notifications" toggle off.

Managing Website-Specific Permissions

Apart from enabling notifications in Safari, users can also manage permissions for each website. A PWA works like a regular app, and so users can manage notification permissions through it.

In more detail, here are the steps you need to take:

• Go to Settings > Notifications,
• Find the PWA on the list and manage its notification permissions.

Mac-Specific Configuration

⚡ System Preferences & Safari Sync⚡

Similarly, you can adjust the Safari notifications settings on macOS. In this operating system, you can find notification settings in Apple Menu > System Settings > Notifications > Safari. From there, you can set alerts to appear as banners, alerts, or in the Notification Center. Safari also syncs permissions across devices logged into the same Apple ID, which is very convenient if you have numerous devices registered.

⚡ Bulk Notification Control Tips⚡

Managing your notification permission can take a long time if you change the settings for each website. If you want to manage multiple site permissions at once, then you have a better and quicker option. Go to Safari's Preferences > Websites > Notifications tab to allow bulk approval or blocking.

⚡ Cross-Platform Differences⚡

When it comes to Safari push notification behavior, it is very interesting to note that there is a slight difference between iOS and macOS. In essence, the main difference is persistence. On macOS, notifications can appear even when Safari is closed, while on iOS, notifications only function for installed PWAs.

The table below shows a more comprehensive comparison between iOS vs. macOS notification behavior:

⚡ Syncing Issues & Fixes⚡

Despite the syncing function, sometimes permissions fail to sync across devices. In most cases, simply reinstalling the PWA, clearing the Safari cache, and checking the Apple ID credentials can solve the issue.

⚡ Security & Anti-Spam Measures⚡

Safari is a safe browser that prevents unsolicited notifications. However, users should remain vigilant for any signs of malicious notifications. As a rule of thumb, only accept Safari push notifications from trusted websites and PWAs that you have added to your Home Screen.

Part 3: Safari Push Notifications for Developers

The above Safari notifications settings are focused on the user experience. However, you will need to have more technical details as a developer. This section explains some of these aspects.

Technical Implementation

🔔 Web Push API in Safari: Key Differences

A Safari notification uses the same technologies as any other push notification. However, its implementation of the Web Push API has some unique characteristics compared to other browsers.

The key differences include:

• APNs Dependency: Unlike Chrome or Firefox, Safari relies on APNs to deliver notifications, even when the browser is closed.
• Payload Limitations: Safari supports smaller notification payloads, so you need to optimize the message content.
• Push Package Requirement: Safari notifications require a push package containing icons, manifest files, and website credentials for authentication.
• Subscription Management: Users can manage permissions per website, and Safari syncs these preferences across all Apple devices registered to the same Apple ID.
• Platform Differences: On macOS, notifications can appear even when Safari isn't running. On iOS, notifications only work for installed PWAs.
• Limited Action Buttons: Safari push notifications support fewer interactive buttons than Chrome or Firefox, which may affect your engagement strategies.

🔔 APNs Certificate Requirements

We've already mentioned that to send Safari push notifications, you will need an APNs certificate. Your developers need to upload it to your push server or platform. A basic requirement is that you have an Apple account.

Compatibility Solutions

At this point, you might wonder what happens with legacy support. Older Safari versions, especially Safari 15 and below, only support Safari notifications on macOS. iOS devices before 16.4 cannot receive Safari push notifications at all. Therefore, you must consider this technical detail if you are targeting users on older devices. If that's the case, you should find alternate channels, like app push notifications or email alerts.

🔔 Multi-Browser Fallback Strategies

Another facet you need to consider is full cross-platform coverage. To achieve that, combine Safari website notifications with Chrome/Firefox Web Push. This strategy will ensure that users on all devices will receive your notifications, regardless of their devices and operating systems. The best way to achieve that is to select a platform that allows you to develop both.

Part 4: Why EngageLab is the Best Safari Push Solution

If you are interested in developing your Safari push strategy, there is no better platform than EngageLab. This tool allows you to create and manage your Safari notifications, while it also gives you access to numerous other channels like web push, email, and SMS.

Key Advantages

API Integration Guide

EngageLab is an easy-to-use platform with detailed instructions and extensive documentation. If you need help in integrating Safari notifications, you can refer to its resources.

In more detail, here is a step-by-step guide:

• Log in to your EngageLab account and open your App Push dashboard.
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• Go to Integration Settings > iOS.

• Select the "iOS certificate configuration " option and upload the P12 certificate. The app will then authenticate it in the background.

Performance Tracking

Once you have set up everything, you can start sending your Safari website notifications.

✨ Push Analytics Dashboard

Whenever you send your campaigns, EngageLab allows you to track their performance in read time. Its statistics track several insightful metrics from delivery rates to user engagement.

✨ A/B Testing for Campaign Optimization

At the same time, you can optimize your Safari push notifications in EngageLab by using its A/B testing function. With it, you can test different notification messages, send times, and targeting strategies to improve click-through rates and overall engagement.

The Bottom Line

Safari notifications offer a unique way to engage users on both macOS and iOS. While technical requirements like APNs certificates and PWA installation add complexity, they also take your notifications to another level. EngageLab is the ideal platform for developing your notification strategy for all devices and operating systems. Create your free account today to try it out!