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Capabilities

Capabilities are advanced iOS features that require special entitlements from Apple. They enable powerful functionality but require additional setup.

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What Are Capabilities?

Capabilities are different from permissions:
PermissionsCapabilities
Runtime access (camera, location)System-level features
User grants accessRequires Apple provisioning
Works immediatelyNeeds developer account setup

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Available Capabilities

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Push Notifications

Send alerts to users even when the app isn’t open. Requirements:
  • Apple Developer account ($99/year)
  • APNS (Apple Push Notification Service) setup
  • Server to send notifications (or service like Firebase, OneSignal)
Use cases:
  • New message alerts
  • Order updates
  • Reminders
  • Marketing (with user consent)

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Sign in with Apple

Let users sign in with their Apple ID. Requirements:
  • Apple Developer account
  • Properly configured entitlements
Use cases:
  • User authentication
  • Required if you offer other social sign-ins (Google, Facebook)
Benefits:
  • Privacy-focused (can hide email)
  • Quick, trusted sign-in
  • No password to remember

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HealthKit

Access health and fitness data from the Health app. Requirements:
  • Apple Developer account
  • Specific usage descriptions
  • Health data review by Apple
Use cases:
  • Fitness tracking apps
  • Health monitoring
  • Workout apps
  • Nutrition apps

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HomeKit

Control smart home devices. Requirements:
  • Apple Developer account
  • MFi (Made for iPhone) certification for accessories
Use cases:
  • Home automation apps
  • Smart device control

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CloudKit

Store data in iCloud. Requirements:
  • Apple Developer account
  • CloudKit dashboard setup
Use cases:
  • Sync data across user’s devices
  • Server-free data storage
  • Sharing between users

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In-App Purchases

Sell content within your app. Requirements:
  • Apple Developer account
  • Products configured in App Store Connect
  • Review process
Use cases:
  • Premium features
  • Subscriptions
  • Consumables (coins, credits)
  • Digital content

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App Groups

Share data between your apps or app extensions. Use cases:
  • Widget data sharing
  • Share extension
  • Multiple apps from same developer

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Background Modes

Run tasks in the background. Types:
  • Audio (music apps)
  • Location (navigation)
  • Background fetch (refresh data)
  • Remote notifications
Note: Apple scrutinizes background modes. Only enable what you actually need.

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Enabling Capabilities

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In Nativeline

  1. Open your project
  2. Go to Settings → Capabilities
  3. Toggle on the capabilities you need
  4. Complete any additional setup (API keys, etc.)

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Via Chat

You can ask: 
Enable Push Notifications capability for this app
Some capabilities require additional setup in Apple Developer Portal or App Store Connect.

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Apple Developer Account

Most capabilities require an Apple Developer account: Cost: $99/year What you get:
  • Ability to use capabilities
  • TestFlight distribution
  • App Store submission
  • Access to developer resources
Sign up: developer.apple.com

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Setting Up Common Capabilities

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Push Notifications Setup

1

Enable in Nativeline

Settings → Capabilities → Push Notifications → Enable
2

Create APNS Key in Apple Developer Portal

Certificates, IDs & Profiles → Keys → Create Key for APNS
3

Download the .p8 key file

Keep this secure — you can only download once
4

Configure push service

Use Firebase, OneSignal, or your own server with the APNS key
5

Enter configuration in Nativeline

Add your Key ID, Team ID, and .p8 file

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Sign in with Apple Setup

1

Enable in Nativeline

Settings → Capabilities → Sign in with Apple → Enable
2

Configure in Apple Developer Portal

Identifiers → Your App ID → Enable “Sign in with Apple”
3

Add to your UI

Ask AI: “Add Sign in with Apple button to the login screen”

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HealthKit Setup

1

Enable in Nativeline

Settings → Capabilities → HealthKit → Enable
2

Specify data types

Configure which health data types your app reads/writes
3

Add usage descriptions

Explain why you need each type of health data
4

Request authorization in app

Ask AI: “Request HealthKit authorization for step count and workouts”

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Capabilities and App Review

Apple reviews capability usage. They may reject apps that:
  • Don’t actually use enabled capabilities
  • Use capabilities inappropriately
  • Don’t explain capability usage clearly
  • Request sensitive data without justification

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HealthKit Specific

HealthKit apps face extra scrutiny:
  • Must have clear health/fitness purpose
  • Need detailed privacy policy
  • May require additional review time

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Sign in with Apple

If your app offers third-party sign-in (Google, Facebook), you must also offer Sign in with Apple. This is an App Store requirement.

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Troubleshooting

Common issues:
  • APNS key not configured correctly
  • Bundle ID doesn’t match
  • Device not registered for push
  • Check certificate expiration
Test with Apple’s Push Notifications Console first.
Check:
  • Capability enabled in Developer Portal
  • Bundle ID matches exactly
  • Entitlements file is correct
  • Testing on real device (Simulator has limitations)
  • User must explicitly grant access
  • Check usage description is clear
  • Some data types require additional justification
  • Test on real device (Simulator has limited Health data)
  • Ensure Apple Developer account is connected
  • Check Team ID is correct
  • Regenerate provisioning profiles
  • Some capabilities need explicit enabling in Developer Portal

Permissions

Runtime permissions (camera, location, etc.)

Apple Developer Account

Setting up your developer account