Apple Push Notification Service (APNs)

What is Apple Push Notification Service (APNs)?
Apple Push Notification Service (APNs) is a remote notification service that sends notifications and data to OS X and iOS devices. It is used to send third-party notifications over a secure connection. The service is provided through an API built into all third party iOS and Mac OS devices.

First and foremost, APNs provides app developers with an easy, efficient, and secure way to send app notifications to Apple devices. These notifications can contain anything from sounds, text, and badges. Typically, APNs work when a third party app connects to a device and then transfers / sends data or notifications. The main benefit and goal behind APNs is the ability to save battery time as traditional pull technologies are often linked to a third party provider for new updates even when none are available. With APNs, however, a device is only notified when there is a new notification or message.