iOS Human Interface Guidelines
Apple's Human Interface Guidelines define the visual language, interaction patterns, and accessibility standards that make iOS apps feel native and intuitive. The core principle: clarity and consistency through thoughtful design.
Reference Loading Guide
ALWAYS load reference files if there is even a small chance the content may be required. It's better to have the context than to miss a pattern or make a mistake.
| Reference | Load When |
|---|---|
| Interaction | Touch targets, navigation, layout, hierarchy, or gesture patterns |
| Content | Empty states, writing copy, typography, or placeholder text |
| Visual Design | Colors, materials, contrast, dark mode, or SF Symbols |
| Accessibility | VoiceOver, Dynamic Type, Reduce Motion, or accessibility labels |
| Feedback | Animations, haptics, loading states, or error messages |
| Performance | Responsiveness, system components, or app launch |
| Privacy | Permission requests, data handling, or privacy-sensitive APIs |
Common Mistakes
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Touch targets smaller than 44x44 points — Buttons and interactive elements must be at least 44x44 points (iOS) to accommodate thumbs. Smaller targets cause frustrated users and accessibility failures.
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Ignoring Dynamic Type constraints — Text with fixed sizes doesn't respect user accessibility settings. Use Dynamic Type sizes, test with Large or Extra Large settings, and avoid hardcoded font sizes.
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Insufficient color contrast in dark mode — Colors that work in light mode may fail accessibility in dark mode. Test with Reduce Contrast accessibility setting enabled for both modes.
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Over-animating transitions — Animations that feel smooth at 60fps can trigger motion sickness in users with vestibular issues. Respect Reduce Motion settings and keep animations under 300ms.
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Missing VoiceOver labels on custom controls — Custom buttons, toggles, or interactive views need
.accessibilityLabel()and.accessibilityHint()or they're completely unusable to screen reader users. -
Haptic overuse — Every action does NOT need haptic feedback. Reserve haptics for confirmations (purchase, critical action) and errors. Excessive haptics are annoying and drain battery.