I keep getting rejected when I ask for permission to use the API.
Describe your app and how it will use the Local Push Connectivity API.
Smartotum is a home‑automation console for on‑premises gateways that control a professional intrusion alarm and a VoIP video intercom. On restricted local networks with no WAN route, Smartotum uses Apple’s Local Push Connectivity via an App Extension (NEAppPushProvider). The extension is activated only on whitelisted SSIDs and maintains a persistent, TLS‑secured connection to the on‑prem gateway to receive two types of time‑critical events: security alarm triggers and intercom calls.
For alarm events, the extension posts local notifications to alert the user immediately while the device is on the restricted SSID. For intercom, the extension reports the incoming call to the system, and the containing app presents the CallKit UI, per Apple’s model for VoIP calls. Outside of those SSIDs, Local Push is disabled; the app uses APNs / PushKit on networks where APNs are available. The entitlement will not be used for marketing, analytics, or any non‑essential traffic.
Describe the isolated network environment in which your app is used.
Deployments provide a dedicated Wi‑Fi SSID with no Internet connectivity (no route to APNs by design). The gateway broadcasts this SSID solely for local automation and intercom services. The app configures NEAppPushManager.matchSSIDs with only these SSIDs so that the provider extension runs exclusively on those networks; when the device leaves them, the system stops the extension. This satisfies the Local Push requirement that notifications be delivered on networks isolated from APNs. We apply the entitlement to both the app target and the provider extension, as Apple requires.
Explain why PushKit is not a solution for your app.
PushKit depends on APNs' reachability. In our restricted deployments, the SSIDs intentionally have no WAN path, so APNs—and therefore PushKit—cannot function. Local Push Connectivity is the only compliant mechanism that allows the gateway to wake the app and deliver time‑critical alarm and VoIP intercom events on these offline networks. When the device is connected to any network with Internet connectivity, Smartotum does not use Local Push; it reverts to APNs/PushKit and reports calls through CallKit, consistent with Apple guidance to prefer APNs where available.
I tried to explain in different ways why I need it, but the reply is always:
Hi,
After reviewing your request, the engineering team has declined your request.
This API is intended to replace APNS for VoIP and other communication apps that are designed to operate in environments where APNS cannot function.
Best Regards,
Apple Developer Relations
So the situation is like: we forked Home Assistant and added some features. The mainstream app has the local push notifications, we need it because in case of internet shortage, the user is not receiving critical push notifications for the alarm system and/or the VoIP video intercom.
Could someone help me get the local push notification API?
