Apple has released iOS 16.4, adding the ability for websites to send notifications to users on iPhone, without the need for an app.
The new feature means that like notifications through apps downloaded from the App Store, users can now receive alerts and messages from websites on the fly, although to begin receiving notifications, users must first add the website to the Home Screen, helping prevent spam and unwanted notifications from sites they only visit once.
Similar to how users choose to accept notifications from apps downloaded from the App Store, websites will show a pop-up requesting permission to send push notifications. iOS will prompt the user to give the web app permission to send notifications. The user can then manage those permissions per web app in Notifications Settings — just like any other app on iPhone and iPad.
To add a website to the Home Screen, users should tap the share icon in the menu bar, scroll down the list of options, then tap Add to Home Screen. The website’s icon will then appear on the Home Screen, and if notifications are supported, users will be able to tap the prompt to begin receiving alerts.
iOS 16.4 is the latest major update to Apple’s iOS 16 operating system, bringing enhancements, bug fixes, and security updates to iPhone.
In addition to Voice Isolation, iOS 16.4 introduces Crash Detection optimizations for iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models, over 20 new emojis, a new Voice Isolation feature to iPhone, and more.