Deep Linking in iOS - Navigate to Apple Store if app not installed

Question

I need to implement Deep Linking concept without using any third party libraries (Branch and etc..). The link (starts with http/https) will be shared from app through Message, Email or any Social media apps. By tapping on shared link I want to open corresponding app if its already installed on device else it should navigate to the Apple Store to download the app.

I have knowledge on URL schemas but it works only when the app is already installed on device and the schema URL format also be different (like fb:// for Facebook app).

I have also done some R&D on Universal Links but I don't know whether it supports for dynamic links as for me the link will be combination of base URL(static) and referrer key(dynamic). I also need to track the referrer information once the corresponding app is opened like who referred this app (referrer details). eg: https://domain.com/ReferrerID Can you please help me on it. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

To make it clear on Universal Links in iOS will not take you to Apple Store if app is not installed on device. When you click on a link then Universal Links helps you to open the app if the app is already installed on device else the same link will be going to browse in Safari . When the url browse in Safari then we have to run JavaScript to navigate/redirect to Apple Store.

Answer 2

Yes you can support universal links to your application from iOS 9 or above. You can generate dynamic links and have deferred deep linking also. Follow this steps its simple Click Here

For the file mentioned in the link you need to add that file in the root of your website which consists of the path valid for deeplinking. And that file should not have any extension.

Then validate your domain at Here .

After that you can add all the domains thing in your associated domain under the project capabilites.