---
source_url: https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/swift-chat-sdk
title: PubNub Swift Chat API & SDK Docs 1.0.0
updated_at: 2026-06-04T11:09:46.434Z
---

> Documentation Index
> For a curated overview of PubNub documentation, see: https://www.pubnub.com/docs/llms.txt
> For the full list of all documentation pages, see: https://www.pubnub.com/docs/llms-full.txt


# PubNub Swift Chat API & SDK Docs 1.0.0

The Swift Chat SDK helps you build feature-rich chat apps or add chat to existing applications. Written in Swift, the SDK builds on the [Swift SDK](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/sdks/swift) and PubNub APIs to provide a streamlined developer experience.

## Why use the Chat SDK?

The Chat SDK simplifies chat development with these benefits:

* **Chat-focused methods** - Call intuitive methods like [startTyping()](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/swift-chat-sdk/build/features/channels/typing-indicator#start-typing) and [join()](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/swift-chat-sdk/build/features/channels/join) instead of working with low-level APIs.
* **Built-in features** - Use ready-made features like [quotes](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/swift-chat-sdk/build/features/messages/quotes), [mentions](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/swift-chat-sdk/build/features/users/mentions), [channel references](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/swift-chat-sdk/build/features/channels/references), [threads](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/swift-chat-sdk/build/features/messages/threads), [rate limiting](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/swift-chat-sdk/build/configuration#initialize-pubnub), and [read receipts](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/swift-chat-sdk/build/features/messages/read-receipts).
* **SwiftUI & UIKit support** - Build iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS apps with your preferred UI framework.
* **UI freedom** - Design your own interface or integrate with any Swift-compatible UI library.

## Learn more

Explore the **Learn** section for deeper understanding:

* [Access control](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/swift-chat-sdk/learn/access-control) - Authentication and authorization
* [Chat SDK entities](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/swift-chat-sdk/learn/chat-entities/chat) - Core objects, properties, and methods
* [Glossary](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/swift-chat-sdk/learn/glossary) - Key terms and concepts

## Installation

Integrate the Swift Chat SDK into your project using Xcode:

1. Create or open your project inside Xcode.
2. Navigate to **File -> Add Package Dependencies**.
3. Search for `https://github.com/pubnub/swift-chat-sdk`.
4. From the **Dependency Rule** drop-down list, select the `Up to Next Major Version` rule, and click **Add Package**.

Once installed, [initialize the Swift Chat SDK](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/swift-chat-sdk/build/configuration) to configure it for the features you want to implement.

The Swift Chat SDK is also available on [GitHub](https://github.com/pubnub/swift-chat-sdk).

## Get started

Follow these steps to build your first chat app:

1. Create a PubNub account - Sign up at the Admin Portal and create an app. You need the publish and subscribe keys from your keyset. Sign upDon't feel like leaving this page to sign up? Required keyset configurationTo use the [getChannels()](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/swift-chat-sdk/build/features/channels/list), [getChannelSuggestions()](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/swift-chat-sdk/build/features/channels/references), [getUsers()](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/swift-chat-sdk/build/features/users/list), and [getUserSuggestions()](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/swift-chat-sdk/build/features/users/mentions) methods in the Chat SDKs with Access Manager, you must uncheck the **Disallow Get All Channel Metadata** and **Disallow Get All User Metadata** checkboxes in the App Context section of your keyset configuration in the [Admin Portal](https://admin.pubnub.com).
2. Build your app: Initialize the Swift Chat SDK with your keys and settings., Add channels, users, messages, and other features.