Using Branch.io generated link with Facebook share dialog - ios

Question

I went through Branch.io's documentation a lot over the past few days and I can't seem to pinpoint the problem. I got the generated link to work properly by setting up the BranchUniversalObject as follows:
let branchUniversalObject: BranchUniversalObject = BranchUniversalObject(canonicalIdentifier: "ios_share_user")
branchUniversalObject.title = "My Title"
branchUniversalObject.contentDescription = "My Description"
branchUniversalObject.imageUrl = "www.example.com/image.jpg"
branchUniversalObject.addMetadataKey("id", value: self.userId)
branchUniversalObject.addMetadataKey("type", value: self.userType)
let linkProperties = BranchLinkProperties()
linkProperties.channel = "Facebook"
linkProperties.feature = "Share"
branchUniversalObject.getShortUrl(with: linkProperties, andCallback: { (shareURL, error) in
if error != nil {
print(error!)
return
}
// using shareURL here
})
The generated URL works perfectly fine, but only when launched from Notes or Messages apps. Safari always redirects me to the AppStore and so does the Facebook app when I try sharing the URL like this:
let content = FBSDKShareLinkContent()
content.contentTitle = "My Title"
content.contentURL = shareURL // generated above
content.contentDescription = "My Description"
content.imageURL = "www.example.com/image.jpg"
let dialog = FBSDKShareDialog()
dialog.fromViewController = self
dialog.delegate = self
dialog.shareContent = content
if dialog.canShow() {
dialog.show()
}
That shows up the dialog and shares the content as intended, but the link always redirects me to the AppStore just like in Safari.
Here's a screenshot of the Dashboard:
I also have applinks:myLinkDomain.app.link and applinks:myLinkDomain-alternate.app.link in the Associated Domains, branch_app_domain = myLinkDomain.app.link along with branch_key = ["live": "key_live_myKey"] in Info.plist, and AppDelegate is properly set.
What am I missing to get the app to open from Safari and Facebook instead of getting redirected to the AppStore?
I'm deploying the app for iOS 9.3+
Thanks!

Answer 1

I came across this link and it shows that the problem isn't with Branch.io SDK's setup by any means, but a limitation imposed by Apple. The only workaround is using Branch's Deepviews, which unfortunately I can't use in my case.
Hope Branch.io figure out a way around that! ...And possibly update their documentation to clearly state that some app browsers are not supported