Set default iOS local notification style for application

I would like to add something, since I've opened a TSI and somehow I asked about this and have been answered. From Quinn "The Eskimo!":

"This depends on you mean. You have some control over how the notification appears based on how you set the UILocalNotification properties (things like alertBody, soundName, and so on). However, if you're asking about the way in which those properties are interpreted (the things the user can customise in Settings > Notifications), those are user preferences and not exposed via any API."

I have an alarm app for which I also need this functionality. Under iOS5 if the user is using another app when it goes off then the banner appears. Consequently I spent a lot of time browsing for a solution.

However, it's not possible to control the style of alert generated by a UILocalNotification I'm afraid :(

You can see from the class reference that there's no provision for it:

http://developer.apple.com/library/IOs/#documentation/iPhone/Reference/UILocalNotification_Class/Reference/Reference.html

Or in the plist:

http://developer.apple.com/library/ios/#documentation/general/Reference/InfoPlistKeyReference/Articles/iPhoneOSKeys.html

Best thing to do is tell the user what to do to change the settings.

You probably won't find 'authoritative' from your peers here, you should better ask directly to Apple; and the question has already been asked several times on theirs forums and not answered...

The HIG programming guide - http://developer.apple.com/library/ios/#documentation/UserExperience/Conceptual/MobileHIG/TechnologyUsage/TechnologyUsage.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40006556-CH18-SW1 -

"iOS apps that support local or push notifications can participate in Notification Center in various ways, depending on the user’s preferences."

That last sentence is the only 'authoritative hint' i found.

The USER'S preferences <= you can't force the user ('s preferences). Period.This design choice is clearly the Apple Way (applications' playground IS limited, to ensure the best user experience possible)

As for more authority... maybe shouting ?

NO YOU CAN'T CHOOSE YOUR NOTIFICATIONS DISPLAY STYLE, IT'S THE USER'S CHOICE

Just kidding...Anyway, a workaround might be to provide a way in your application - hint/ tutorial - to push the user to change the alert style himself...

good luck !