In the last month, Apple has sent a flurry of push notifications to iOS users ranging from iPhone XR promotions to HomePod promotions, Carpool Karaoke episode releases, and more.
Last week, users flocked to Twitter to complain that they received a push notification from the TV application on iOS about an “All-new CarPool Karaoke” episode with Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber. The notification was sent shortly after the episode’s premier and acting on it launched the TV app for viewing it.
This isn’t the first Carpool Karaoke notification Apple has sent, but it is rare for a single episode to warrant a notification from Apple.
Apple also recently sent a notification through the Apple Store app prompting users to upgrade to the iPhone XR or iPhone XS. The notification said, “Your new iPhone is ready. Choose iPhone XR or iPhone XS and speed through your upgrade today with the iPhone Upgrade Program.”
Further, Apple sent an Apple Store notification directly touting iPhone XR trade-in prices. This notification read, “For a limited time, upgrade to iPhone XR from $449* when you trade in your iPhone. Talk to a Specialist.” This notification came as Apple was pushing iPhone trade-in deals on its website homepage. It seems to be location-based, replacing the generic “Welcome” Apple Store notification you receive when walking into an Apple Store.
Last week, Apple launched a HomePod promotion for Apple Music subscribers, offering $50 off one HomePod. Apple sent a notification through the Apple Music app offering users this promo. Acting on the notification allowed users to place their HomePod order at the discounted price.
In select markets, Apple this week sent users a push notification via the App Store informing them that they could receive a 10 percent bonus when adding funds to their App Store account. While this promotion is available to everyone, it’s unclear what the criteria is for the push notification.
Humorously, Apple regularly touts that Apple Music has “zero ads,” though one might consider this notification an ad in and of itself.
What’s interesting about Apple’s choice of push notifications is whether or not they are “targeted” in anyway. For instance, it’s clear why almost everyone received the Kendall Jenner Carpool Karaoke alert, even if they had expressed no interest in the Carpool Karaoke series.
Further, there’s the question of whether or not Apple is violating its own App Store guidelines with these notifications. In the App Store guidelines, Apple says that push notifications can’t be used for advertising, promotions, or direct marketing purposes:
What do you think of Apple’s choice in push notifications? Is it something that bothers you or are you ok with it? Let us know down in the comments.
ついにApple Storeから課金を推奨されたんだけどwww pic.twitter.com/G5RaYA5Afc
— べこーん天空 (@kaiteikenn) December 17, 2018
Got a phone notification telling me about the new carpool karaoke with Kendall Jenner, I don’t know why I got this since I truly don’t give a fuck
— Priceless (@PricelessTheOne) December 8, 2018
Why did Apple just send me a notification about an all new carpool karaoke, something I’ve never watched and have absolutely no interest in?
— Mark Fletcher 📎 (@wingedpig) December 14, 2018
Why did my phone just send a notification via the TV app that a new carpool karaoke episode featuring Kendall Jenner is out??
- I have never watched an episode of carpool karaoke2) I give no fucks about any Kardashian or Jenner.3) I have never used iPhone’s tv app
— 𝕄𝕖𝕒𝕘𝕒𝕟 𝕎𝕚𝕝𝕔𝕠𝕩 (@meagan_wilcox) December 8, 2018
I just received a push notification for the offer (not an email) pic.twitter.com/L9R9M4bZNv
— Oliver Thomas (@ulliverti) December 13, 2018
Aren’t advertising notifications like this against App Review guidelines? I’m thinking it’s section 4.5.3 which clearly states “Do not use Apple Services to spam, phish, or send unsolicited messages to customers, including Game Center, Push Notifications, etc.” pic.twitter.com/cdcq1lhaTF
— Steve Lederer 🤔 (@stevieled5) December 7, 2018
Hey @Apple if I ever get a notification like this again I’m switching to Samsung pic.twitter.com/mpGKYXiSka
— Lex (@Just_John10) December 8, 2018
