iOS push notifications using TLS certificate vs. using authentication tokens

Question

I am reading the documentation for both push using TLS certificates and push using authentication tokens

But besides explaining how to configure each, the articles don't really explain the differences or pros/cons of both approaches. Can somebody explain them to me?

Answer 1

Token-based authentication is newer and essentially simplifies APNS authentication. It is based on a public and private key pair that you can generate on your Apple developer account.

Here are the main reasons why it is simpler:

• The same key can be used for development and production apps whereas different certificates are needed when using certificate-based authentication.
• The same key is used for all your apps referenced in your Apple developer account. Certificate-based authentication needs one certificate per app.
• The key does not expire. Certificates do expire and need to be renewed every year or so.

A good source of intel is the 2016 WWDC video regarding APNS: https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2016/724/