Configure devices to work with APNs

Device management services use the Apple Push Notification service (APNs) to maintain persistent communication with Apple devices across both public and private networks. Using APNs, Apple devices learn about updates, device management service policies and incoming messages. Device management services require multiple certificates, including an APNs certificate to talk to devices, an SSL certificate to communicate securely, and a certificate to sign configuration profiles.

A diagram showing how a device management service uses APNs.

For your Apple devices to work with APNs, allow network traffic from the devices to the Apple network (17.0.0.0/8) directly or by using a network proxy. Apple devices need to be able to connect to specific ports on specific hosts:

TCP port 443 during device activation, and afterwards for fallback if devices can’t reach APNs on port 5223
TCP port 5223 to communicate with APNs
TCP port 443 or 2197 to send notifications from the device management service to APNs

You may also need to configure your web proxy or firewall ports to allow all network traffic from Apple devices to the Apple network. On devices with iOS 13.4, iPadOS 13.4, macOS 10.15.4 or tvOS 13.4, or later, APNs can use a web proxy when it’s specified in a proxy auto-config (PAC) file.

Note: Apple Vision Pro can receive push notifications only when the device is being worn and unlocked.

Multiple layers of security are applied to APNs at the endpoints and the servers. Attempts to inspect the traffic or reroute it result in the client, APNs and the push provider servers marking the network conversation as compromised and invalid. No confidential or proprietary information is transmitted through APNs.

Tip: When you create APNs certificates for use with a device management service, note the Managed Apple Account (recommended) or Apple Account you use — you need it when it’s time to renew the certificates, which you need to do annually. Also, be prepared to update all certificates that your device management service uses well before they expire. For more information, see the Apple Push Certificates Portal.

Security improvements for setting up push notifications

Device management service developers can currently use the Apple Push Notification service (APNs) to create a streamlined push-certificate-creation process for their customers. This involves creating and signing a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) for each customer. Then each customer can use the provided CSR to obtain a certificate from the Apple Push Certificates portal.

The Apple Push Certificates portal requires CSRs to be signed with the SHA2 algorithm for better security. Certificates won’t be issued for CSRs signed with SHA1. For more information on best practices, see Setting Up Push Notifications in Apple Developer documentation.

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Apple Platform Deployment

Configure devices to work with APNs

Security improvements for setting up push notifications