Apple Push Notification Service vs Pushwoosh: What are the differences?

### Introduction
In the world of push notification services, two major players are Apple Push Notification Service (APNs) and Pushwoosh. Both services offer businesses the capability to send push notifications to their users, but there are key differences between them that make each unique.

1. **Platform Compatibility**: Apple Push Notification Service is specifically designed for iOS devices and can only be used to send push notifications to users on Apple devices. On the other hand, Pushwoosh is a cross-platform service that supports a wide range of devices including iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and others.

2. **Customization Options**: APNs offers limited customization options in terms of the content and appearance of push notifications. Pushwoosh, on the other hand, provides more flexibility and customization features, allowing businesses to create tailored push notifications that align with their branding and messaging.

3. **Integration Capabilities**: Apple Push Notification Service seamlessly integrates with Apple's ecosystem, making it easy for developers to send push notifications from iOS applications. Pushwoosh, on the other hand, offers a more versatile integration that allows businesses to send push notifications from various platforms and devices.

4. **Delivery Speed**: APNs is known for its fast delivery speed when sending push notifications to iOS devices. Pushwoosh also delivers notifications efficiently, but the speed may vary depending on the device and platform of the recipient.

5. **Advanced Analytics**: Pushwoosh provides advanced analytics features that allow businesses to track the performance of their push notification campaigns, monitor user engagement, and make data-driven decisions. While APNs provides basic analytics data, Pushwoosh offers more in-depth insights and metrics.

6. **Cost Structure**: Apple Push Notification Service is free for developers, but there may be associated costs for businesses sending a high volume of push notifications. Pushwoosh offers a tiered pricing structure based on the number of push notifications sent, allowing businesses to choose a plan that suits their needs and budget.

In Summary, Apple Push Notification Service is tailored for iOS devices with limited customization options and basic analytics, while Pushwoosh is a cross-platform service with more customization, advanced analytics, and a flexible cost structure.