Implementation of opening PWA on iOS via deep-link from WhatsApp
1. General description
The project is created on the Lovable platform.
The application works as a PWA (Progressive Web App) and is installed by users on iPhone through Safari ("Add to Home Screen").
It is necessary to implement a mechanism where:
The user receives a message in WhatsApp
The message contains a URL with a specific route (for example:
https://domain.com/order/123)
When clicking on the link:
if the PWA is installed — the PWA opens,
and the page corresponding to the URL opens immediately
if the PWA is not installed — the web version opens in Safari
2. Functional requirements
2.1 Deep Linking
Implement correct handling of deep-link in PWA on iOS:
Support for opening routes of the type:
/order/:id
/client/:id
other internal routes (SPA navigation)
When opened via Safari or WhatsApp:
if the app is installed via Home Screen → the PWA opens
the route is not lost
the page is not redirected to the main
2.2 Behavior with installed PWA
If the user has already installed the PWA:
The link from WhatsApp should:
open the installed application
preserve the route
correctly initialize the state (auth, data, tokens)
2.3 Behavior with unauthorized user
If the user is not logged in:
After opening the deep-link:
the login page opens
after successful authorization — redirect to the original route
3. Technical requirements
3.1 PWA configuration
Check and implement if necessary:
Correct manifest.json
start_url
scope
display: standalone
HTTPS is mandatory
Correct operation of Service Worker
No full page reloads (SPA)
3.2 iOS specifics
Consider the features of iOS:
PWA opens in a separate standalone context
It is necessary to ensure:
correct handling of window.location
correct initialization of the router
preservation of URL parameters
3.3 Routing
If using:
Next.js / React Router / another SPA router —
it is necessary to guarantee:
the direct opening of the route works
it works when refreshing the page
it works via deep-link
4. Example scenario
The order status changes
The system sends a WhatsApp message with the URL:
Copy code
https://domain.com/order/4582
The user clicks the link
If the PWA is installed:
the PWA opens
the order page №4582 opens
If the PWA is not installed:
the web version opens
5. Expected result
The PWA opens correctly from the deep-link on iOS
The route is not lost
No redirect to the main page occurs
Authorization is preserved
Behavior is stable upon reopening
6. Desirable
Testing on a real iPhone
Checking opening from:
WhatsApp
Safari
Telegram
Considering edge-cases:
the app in the background
the app completely closed
token expired
