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iOS Limitations

iOS lacking equivalent notification filtering capabilities, Apple not allowing third-party access to notifications, iOS users unable to control notification spam effectively

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iOS users express frustration over an "all-or-nothing" notification system that frequently bundles essential service alerts with intrusive marketing spam. Because Apple’s strict privacy policies prevent third-party apps from accessing or filtering notification data, users lack the granular controls and sophisticated ad-blocking tools available to their Android counterparts. This has led to a growing demand for Apple to either enforce stricter App Store guidelines against promotional notifications or implement on-device AI classifiers that can intelligently distinguish critical status updates from promotional clutter.

11 comments tagged with this topic

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I’m now an iOS user but the problem is actually the same here : apps not respecting communication channels to push ads (mostly to their own app or service). I usually fully block notifications from most apps but for some apps the notifications are really convenient (carpooling, transport or delivery app). Yes I want to know if the train I booked is delayed. No I don’t want to be notified that you are now partnering with another transport company and that you are sharing 5% off coupons to try it… I systematically give a 1 star review explaining the issue and mail the devs if possible. I even think that Apple Store and Play Store ToSs are against this practice but they are not enforcing it sadly…
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Worse even because iOS doesn't offer notification groups/channels like Android does (ignoring the fact that market leaders like Uber, DoorDash, etc. eschew them in favor of "General" channels they can pump both delivery/ride info and ads through.) IMO this needs to be an app guideline enforced by the iOS App Store and Play Store. I remember back in the day, iOS used to be known for having less spammy notifications.
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At least on iOS, internet call is treated basically the same as cellular, showing a splash caller screen and ringing if not on silent. This means that it's trivial to setup phone in such a way that no notification gets through but calls do, even with sound.
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Android (at least on Pixel) recently added a notification spam detection system, under the name "Notification Organizer". Unfortunately they don't let you block the spam, only deprioritize it. So it won't make noise, but you still have to manually dismiss it from the notification drawer. The PMs almost had the right idea... Luckily on Android you can use Tasker and the AutoNotification plugin to block specific notifications that bug you. And I guess this app is now another alternative. I don't know how iOS people live without the ability to do this. My wife, who uses iOS, is constantly complaining about annoying notifications and there's nothing I can do to help her.
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Wow, I had no idea Android allowed a third party app to take over absolute control of all notifications. I assume you have to allow it somehow? It’s actually very cool that this is possible. Apple would never even consider allowing this.
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yes! I looked into implementing adblock on the iPhone notification tray and it didn't look like it was possible. Glad someone is working on it for android. Apps shouldn't be allowed to send notifications for Ads! I give any app on my phone one chance to be annoying and then turn them off. This feels like something where we should be able to use an on device classifier or even LLM to bucket notifications, similar to a spam inbox. Even better if they can pull any potential coupons out for use later without flavor text from the notification itself.
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Is there anything like this for iOS? Or is something like this impossible for a 3rd party to do on iOS?
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iOS doesn't give developers access to other apps' notifications, AFAIK. I'm not an iOS developer though - maybe someone with more knowledge can chime in.
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ad block for android notifications (maybe for ios notifications too?)
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If you really need an app, e.g. for work, put in a separate user profile (sorry iOS users, your phone is gimped).
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It would be neat to be able to do LLM filtered notifications. Perhaps with a local LLM for users that prefer. I hope that Apple does a better job of this too! I don't want Uber's ad notifications, but I do want their notifications about my vehicle status.