Deep Linking

Overview

Deep Linking in iOS applications allows seamless navigation to specific app pages triggered by external events, such as push notifications or hyperlinks. This functionality enhances user engagement by directly linking to relevant content.

Use Case

1. Purpose:

   • Provide direct access to specific app content from external triggers.

   • Enhance the user journey by eliminating unnecessary navigation steps.

2. Benefits:

   • Increase user retention through targeted and efficient navigation.

   • Drive campaign-specific actions by linking users directly to promotional content.

Implementation Details

1. URL Scheme Definition: Define custom URL schemes for your application in the Info.plist file:

   • <key>CFBundleURLTypes</key>
     <array>
         <dict>
             <key>CFBundleURLSchemes</key>
             <array>
                 <string>apx</string>
             </array>
         </dict>
     </array>

2. Handling Deep Links: Implement URL handling in the AppDelegate class for Objective-C:

   - (BOOL)application:(UIApplication *)app openURL:(NSURL *)url options:(NSDictionary<UIApplicationOpenURLOptionsKey,id> *)options {
       if ([[url scheme] isEqualToString:@"apx"]) {
           NSString *targetPage = [url host];
           [self navigateToTargetPage:targetPage];
           return YES;
       }
       return NO;
   }
   
   - (void)navigateToTargetPage:(NSString *)page {
       // Implement navigation logic based on the page identifier
   }

   For Swift:

   func application(_ app: UIApplication, open url: URL, options: [UIApplication.OpenURLOptionsKey : Any] = [:]) -> Bool {
       if url.scheme == "apx" {
           let targetPage = url.host
           navigateToTargetPage(targetPage)
           return true
       }
       return false
   }
   
   func navigateToTargetPage(_ page: String?) {
       // Implement navigation logic based on the page identifier
   }

3. Push Notification Integration:

   • Include the deep link URI in the aps payload when sending push notifications.

   • Use delegate methods to handle push notification clicks and open the appropriate app page.

Keep in mind:

• Test deep link handling for multiple scenarios, such as app launched, app in the background, and app not installed.

• Ensure deep links work consistently across different iOS versions.

• Document deep link formats and usage for marketing and development teams.