About Apple URL Schemes

Describes the URL schemes used to communicate with standard iPhone applications.

At a Glance

You should read this document if you want to launch a system app from your iOS or macOS app, or from your web app running in Safari. This document contains both Cocoa Touch sample code—using the openURL:options:completionHandler: method of the shared UIApplication object to open URLs—and HTML samples.

Composing Items Using Mail

Use the mailto scheme to open the Mail app and populate a new email with information.

Relevant Chapter: Mail Links

Starting a Phone or FaceTime Conversation

Use the tel and facetime schemes to initiate telephone or video conversations.

Relevant Chapter: Phone Links , FaceTime Links

Specifying Text Messages

Use the sms scheme to compose a text message and specify a recipient.

Relevant Chapter: SMS Links

Opening Locations in Maps

Use specially formatted URLs to open the Maps app and display directions or locations.

Relevant Chapter: Map Links

Opening Items in iTunes

Use specially formatted URLs to open iTunes and display items in the iTunes Music Store.

Relevant Chapter: iTunes Links

Opening YouTube Videos

Use specially formatted URLs to open YouTube videos in Safari.

Relevant Chapter: YouTube Links