Request Type

Feature Request

Summary

Add push notification support to the iOS and Android apps so users receive real-time alerts for order updates, payment confirmations, and account activity without needing to open the app.

Problem or Pain Point

Users currently have to manually open the app to check order status or payment confirmations
Customer support receives ~150 tickets/month asking "where is my order?" that could be prevented with proactive push notifications
Competitor apps all offer push notifications — we are behind market expectations
The mobile app launch ([Launch] iOS App v1.0 #23 iOS, [Launch] Android App v1.0 #24 Android) will feel incomplete without notifications

Proposed Solution (Feature) / Steps to Reproduce (Bug)

Integrate Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) for Android and APNs for iOS
Support notification categories: order updates, payment confirmations, security alerts, marketing (opt-in)
Allow users to configure notification preferences per category in app settings
Include deep links so tapping a notification opens the relevant screen

Urgency

Medium — would like it soon, but not blocking

Who is affected?

All mobile app users — projected ~5,000 users in first quarter after launch based on the Mobile App Launch initiative (#22). This is a cross-platform feature affecting both iOS (#23) and Android (#24) launches.

Success Criteria

Push notifications delivered within 30 seconds of triggering event
Users can enable/disable notifications per category
Notification tap opens the correct in-app screen
Opt-in rate for order update notifications exceeds 60%

Additional Context

This aligns with the Mobile App Launch initiative (#22). Firebase is already in our tech stack for analytics, so FCM integration should be straightforward. See competitor analysis in the initiative issue for market expectations around notifications.