A heads-up from our development labs: The latest update to the Apple Push Notification service (APNs) requires the use of HTTP/2 and will be included in the upcoming V16 Update 5. This essentially makes Apple Push Notification service only compatible with operating systems that support HTTP/2. Windows platforms will be affected, as HTTP/2 support is only included in Windows 10, Server 2016 and later versions. Debian and Raspbian Linux versions will not be affected, as HTTP/2 support is already included.

HTTP/2 has significant advantages compared to HTTP/1.1, including:

  • Speedier message delivery and response.
  • Increased efficiency by using the same connection for multiple requests in parallel.
  • Built-in security as all communication is through TLS (Transport Layer Security).

What You Need to Do

If you are running a PBX on:

  • V16 on a Windows OS version earlier than Server 2016 or Windows 10, you need to backup and restore your PBX on a supported Windows OS or Linux Debian 9. Upgrading to a later Windows version or migrating your PBX to Linux is simple and easy, as 3CX backups are interchangeable between supported operating systems.
  • V15.5, we recommend that you upgrade to Version 16. Besides the added features and increased security, this enables you to maintain Apple Push compatibility, regardless of your operating system. If you do not plan to upgrade immediately, be warned that Apple will revoke the binary PUSH messaging service used in all versions below v16 U5, as from the second half of 2020. This applies independently of the new 3CX iOS App update announcement.

Don’t hesitate to ask for further clarification in our forum.