Apple Human Interface Guidelines

Comprehensive design reference covering all Apple platforms. Use this skill when:

• Designing or reviewing UI for any Apple platform
• Implementing SwiftUI or UIKit components following Apple conventions
• Making decisions about layout, typography, color, accessibility, or interaction patterns
• Integrating Apple technologies (Apple Pay, HealthKit, Game Center, etc.)
• Applying Apple's design principles to web or cross-platform development

How to Use This Skill

1. Identify the task category (platform design, component, pattern, input, or technology)
2. Find the matching reference below
3. Load the specific reference file(s) needed
4. For cross-cutting concerns (accessibility, color, typography), load the relevant foundations reference alongside any component reference

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Quick Reference: Common Tasks

Task	Load These References
Building a login/auth screen	foundations/privacy.md, technologies/sign-in-with-apple.md, patterns/managing-accounts.md
Designing a settings screen	patterns/patterns-settings.md, components/selection-and-input/toggles-guidelines.md
Choosing colors / dark mode	foundations/color-guidelines.md, foundations/dark-mode.md
Implementing navigation	components/navigation-and-search/tab-bars.md, components/navigation-and-search/sidebars.md, components/layout-and-organization/split-views.md
Typography / text sizing	foundations/typography-guidelines.md, foundations/writing-guidelines.md
Accessibility audit	foundations/accessibility.md, technologies/voiceover-guidelines.md
Designing a form	patterns/entering-data.md, components/selection-and-input/text-fields.md, components/selection-and-input/pickers.md
Building a list/table view	components/layout-and-organization/lists-and-tables.md, components/presentation/scroll-views.md
Adding search	patterns/searching-patterns.md, components/navigation-and-search/search-fields.md
Creating an app icon	foundations/app-icons.md
Designing notifications	patterns/managing-notifications.md, components/system-experiences/notifications-component.md
Building widgets	components/system-experiences/widgets-design-guidelines.md
Implementing payments	technologies/apple-pay.md, technologies/in-app-purchase.md
Designing charts/data viz	patterns/charting-data.md, components/content/components-charts.md
Building for visionOS	getting-started/designing-for-visionos.md, foundations/spatial-layout.md, foundations/immersive-experiences.md
Modal presentations	patterns/modality-guidelines.md, components/presentation/sheets-guidelines.md, components/presentation/alerts-component.md
Onboarding flow	patterns/onboarding.md, patterns/launching.md
Video/audio playback	patterns/playing-video.md, patterns/playing-audio.md
Game design	getting-started/designing-for-games.md, inputs/game-controls.md, technologies/game-center.md
RTL / internationalization	foundations/right-to-left.md, foundations/inclusion-guidelines.md
Sharing / collaboration	patterns/collaboration-and-sharing.md, components/menus-and-actions/activity-views.md
Generative AI features	technologies/generative-ai-guidelines.md, technologies/machine-learning-design.md

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1. Getting Started — Platform Design Fundamentals

Load these when starting design for a specific platform or needing platform constraints (screen sizes, input methods, ergonomics).

Reference	When to Consult
reference/getting-started/designing-for-ios.md	iPhone app design: display characteristics, ergonomics, control placement, appearance adaptation
reference/getting-started/designing-for-ipados.md	iPad app design: large display, multitasking, multiple input modes, widgets
reference/getting-started/designing-for-macos.md	macOS app design: window management, menu bar, keyboard shortcuts, Dock
reference/getting-started/designing-for-tvos.md	tvOS/Apple TV: 8+ ft viewing, focus system, Siri Remote, cinematic presentation
reference/getting-started/designing-for-visionos.md	visionOS/Vision Pro: spatial design, immersion levels, eye/hand input, comfort
reference/getting-started/designing-for-watchos.md	watchOS: glanceable UI, Digital Crown, complications, Always On
reference/getting-started/designing-for-games.md	Game design across platforms: text sizes, controls, onboarding, accessibility

2. Foundations — Cross-Cutting Design Principles

Core design principles applicable across platforms. Many of these apply to web and cross-platform development too.

Universally Applicable (any platform)

Reference	When to Consult
reference/foundations/accessibility.md	Vision, hearing, mobility, speech, cognitive accessibility requirements and contrast ratios
reference/foundations/color-guidelines.md	Color choices, theming, contrast, system color specs, dark mode color values
reference/foundations/dark-mode.md	Dark mode implementation: adaptive colors, contrast (4.5:1 min), icon/image adaptation
reference/foundations/typography-guidelines.md	Font sizes, weights, leading, Dynamic Type specs, text styles per platform
reference/foundations/writing-guidelines.md	UX writing: voice/tone, button labels, error messages, capitalization
reference/foundations/inclusion-guidelines.md	Inclusive language, diverse representation, cultural sensitivity
reference/foundations/layout-guidelines.md	Visual hierarchy, adaptive layout, safe areas, device dimensions
reference/foundations/motion-guidelines.md	Animation best practices, accessibility, frame rates
reference/foundations/privacy.md	Permission flows, purpose strings, tracking rules, data protection
reference/foundations/branding-guidelines.md	Brand integration: accent colors, custom fonts, logos, content-first design

Apple Platform–Specific

Reference	When to Consult
reference/foundations/app-icons.md	App icon design: layers, shapes, sizes, dark/tinted, platform-specific specs
reference/foundations/icons-guidelines.md	Interface icons/glyphs, SF Symbol name mapping, macOS document icons
reference/foundations/images-guidelines.md	Image resolution, scale factors, file formats, tvOS layered images
reference/foundations/sf-symbols.md	SF Symbols: rendering modes, variable color, weights, animations, custom symbols
reference/foundations/materials-guidelines.md	Liquid Glass, vibrancy, material thickness, platform-specific materials
reference/foundations/right-to-left.md	RTL interfaces: text alignment, numeral handling, control/image flipping
reference/foundations/spatial-layout.md	visionOS: field of view, depth, 60pt min center-to-center spacing
reference/foundations/immersive-experiences.md	visionOS immersion: mixed/progressive/full, passthrough, comfort

3. Patterns — Interaction & UX Patterns

Recurring UX patterns. Many are applicable beyond Apple platforms.

Data & Content

Reference	When to Consult
reference/patterns/charting-data.md	Data visualization: chart simplicity, accessibility, chart type selection
reference/patterns/entering-data.md	Form design: validation, secure input, offering choices over text
reference/patterns/searching-patterns.md	Search: field placement, suggestions, privacy, Spotlight integration
reference/patterns/file-management.md	Document apps: auto-save, Quick Look, open/save dialogs

Feedback & Status

Reference	When to Consult
reference/patterns/feedback-patterns.md	Status, errors, task completion, warnings
reference/patterns/loading-patterns.md	Progress indicators, placeholder content, background downloads
reference/patterns/playing-haptics.md	Haptic feedback: predefined patterns, custom haptics

Lifecycle & Navigation

Reference	When to Consult
reference/patterns/launching.md	Launch screens (no text/branding), state restoration
reference/patterns/onboarding.md	First-run: interactive teaching, TipKit, permission timing
reference/patterns/modality-guidelines.md	Modal usage: when, dismiss conventions, avoiding stacked modals
reference/patterns/going-full-screen.md	Full-screen modes: layout, control visibility, gesture deferral
reference/patterns/multitasking.md	App switching, background tasks, multi-window

Media

Reference	When to Consult
reference/patterns/playing-audio.md	Audio categories, interruptions, Spatial Audio
reference/patterns/playing-video.md	Video playback: aspect ratio, PiP, system player, visionOS immersive video
reference/patterns/live-viewing-apps.md	Live TV/streaming: EPG, content footers, cloud DVR

Social & Commerce

Reference	When to Consult
reference/patterns/collaboration-and-sharing.md	Share button, collaboration popover, share sheet
reference/patterns/managing-accounts.md	Login flows, passkeys, biometrics, account deletion requirements
reference/patterns/managing-notifications.md	Interruption levels, Focus, marketing notification rules
reference/patterns/ratings-and-reviews.md	Rating prompts: timing, frequency, system prompt

Utility

Reference	When to Consult
reference/patterns/drag-and-drop.md	Drag & drop: move/copy, visual feedback, multi-item, accessibility
reference/patterns/offering-help.md	TipKit, tooltips (macOS/visionOS), contextual help
reference/patterns/printing-pattern.md	Print action placement, macOS print panel customization
reference/patterns/undo-and-redo.md	Undo/redo: multi-level, platform-specific shortcuts/gestures
reference/patterns/patterns-settings.md	Settings placement, defaults, macOS settings windows
reference/patterns/workouts-pattern.md	Fitness/workout UI: session screens, metrics, Activity rings

4. Components — UI Building Blocks

Content

Reference	When to Consult
reference/components/content/components-charts.md	Chart components: mark types, axes, color, interaction, accessibility
reference/components/content/image-views.md	Image display: overlays, animation, tvOS layered, visionOS spatial
reference/components/content/text-views.md	Multiline text views: when to use, legibility, editing
reference/components/content/web-views.md	Embedded web content: navigation, avoiding browser replication

Layout & Organization

Reference	When to Consult
reference/components/layout-and-organization/components-boxes.md	GroupBox/NSBox: grouping content, titles, nesting
reference/components/layout-and-organization/collections-component.md	Grid/row visual layouts: galleries, padding, dynamic changes
reference/components/layout-and-organization/column-views.md	macOS column (browser) views for deep hierarchies
reference/components/layout-and-organization/disclosure-controls.md	Disclosure triangles/buttons: expandable sections
reference/components/layout-and-organization/components-labels.md	Static labels: color hierarchy (primary→quaternary), legibility
reference/components/layout-and-organization/lists-and-tables.md	Lists/tables: styles, editing, selection, per-platform rules
reference/components/layout-and-organization/lockups-tvos.md	tvOS lockups: cards, posters, focus expansion
reference/components/layout-and-organization/outline-views.md	macOS outline views: hierarchical data, sorting, disclosure
reference/components/layout-and-organization/split-views.md	Multi-pane layouts: dividers, resizing, per-platform rules
reference/components/layout-and-organization/tab-views.md	Tabbed content panes: max tabs, labeling, alternatives

Menus & Actions

Reference	When to Consult
reference/components/menus-and-actions/activity-views.md	Share sheets: custom activities, icon sizing
reference/components/menus-and-actions/buttons.md	Button design: hit regions, styles, roles, per-platform types
reference/components/menus-and-actions/context-menus.md	Context menus: ordering, previews, destructive actions
reference/components/menus-and-actions/dock-menus.md	macOS Dock menus
reference/components/menus-and-actions/edit-menus.md	Edit menus: system vs custom, per-platform behavior
reference/components/menus-and-actions/home-screen-quick-actions.md	iOS/iPadOS long-press quick actions (4-action limit)
reference/components/menus-and-actions/menus-design-guidelines.md	Menu design: labeling, icons, grouping, submenus
reference/components/menus-and-actions/ornaments-visionos.md	visionOS ornaments: window-associated floating controls
reference/components/menus-and-actions/pop-up-buttons.md	Pop-up buttons: mutually exclusive option selection
reference/components/menus-and-actions/pull-down-buttons.md	Pull-down buttons: action menus, destructive actions
reference/components/menus-and-actions/menu-bar-guidelines.md	macOS/iPadOS menu bar: standard menus, required items, shortcuts
reference/components/menus-and-actions/toolbars.md	Toolbars: item grouping, overflow, navigation bars

Navigation & Search

Reference	When to Consult
reference/components/navigation-and-search/path-controls.md	macOS path controls: standard/pop-up styles
reference/components/navigation-and-search/search-fields.md	Search fields: placement, scope controls, tokens
reference/components/navigation-and-search/sidebars.md	Sidebars: hierarchy, hide/show, per-platform rules
reference/components/navigation-and-search/tab-bars.md	Tab bars: tab count, badges, Liquid Glass, sidebar adaptation
reference/components/navigation-and-search/token-fields.md	macOS token fields: text-to-token conversion

Presentation

Reference	When to Consult
reference/components/presentation/action-sheets.md	Action sheets: destructive buttons, Cancel, vs alerts/menus
reference/components/presentation/alerts-component.md	Alerts: titles, button placement, destructive styling
reference/components/presentation/page-controls.md	Page indicators: placement, interaction, customization
reference/components/presentation/panels.md	macOS panels/HUDs: floating supplementary windows
reference/components/presentation/popovers.md	Popovers: positioning, sizing, dismissal
reference/components/presentation/scroll-views.md	Scroll views: nesting, paging, edge effects, zoom
reference/components/presentation/sheets-guidelines.md	Sheets: detents, button placement, grabber, modal/nonmodal
reference/components/presentation/windows-component.md	Windows: types, states, visionOS volumes, glass backgrounds

Selection & Input

Reference	When to Consult
reference/components/selection-and-input/color-wells.md	Color picker/wells
reference/components/selection-and-input/combo-boxes.md	macOS combo boxes
reference/components/selection-and-input/digit-entry-views.md	tvOS PIN/digit entry
reference/components/selection-and-input/image-wells.md	macOS image wells (drag-and-drop image editing)
reference/components/selection-and-input/pickers.md	Pickers/date pickers: styles, modes, per-platform
reference/components/selection-and-input/segmented-controls.md	Segmented controls: modes, segment limits
reference/components/selection-and-input/sliders.md	Sliders: direction, tick marks, labels, circular (macOS)
reference/components/selection-and-input/components-steppers.md	Steppers: value visibility, pairing with text fields
reference/components/selection-and-input/text-fields.md	Text fields: sizing, placeholder, validation, keyboard types
reference/components/selection-and-input/toggles-guidelines.md	Toggles/switches/checkboxes/radio buttons
reference/components/selection-and-input/virtual-keyboards.md	Virtual keyboards: types, custom input views, extensions

Status

Reference	When to Consult
reference/components/status/activity-rings.md	Activity rings: colors, backgrounds, label RGB values
reference/components/status/gauges.md	Gauges/level indicators: styles, gradients
reference/components/status/progress-indicators.md	Progress bars, spinners, refresh controls
reference/components/status/rating-indicators.md	Star ratings (macOS only)

System Experiences

Reference	When to Consult
reference/components/system-experiences/app-shortcuts.md	App Shortcuts: Siri, Spotlight, voice interaction design
reference/components/system-experiences/watchos-complications.md	watchOS complications: families, image sizes, templates
reference/components/system-experiences/controls-system-experience.md	iOS Controls: Control Center, Lock Screen, Action button
reference/components/system-experiences/live-activities.md	Live Activities: anatomy, layout, dimensions per device
reference/components/system-experiences/notifications-component.md	Notification content, actions (4 max), badges, watchOS looks
reference/components/system-experiences/status-bars.md	iOS/iPadOS status bar: visibility, readability
reference/components/system-experiences/top-shelf.md	tvOS Top Shelf: templates, image dimensions
reference/components/system-experiences/watch-faces.md	watchOS watch faces: sharing, complications, previews
reference/components/system-experiences/widgets-design-guidelines.md	Widgets: families, sizes, rendering modes, exact dimensions

5. Inputs — Interaction Methods

Reference	When to Consult
reference/inputs/action-button.md	iPhone/Watch Action button: labeling (3-word max), behaviors
reference/inputs/apple-pencil-and-scribble.md	Apple Pencil: hover, double tap, squeeze, Scribble, PencilKit
reference/inputs/camera-control.md	iPhone 16 Camera Control: overlays, viewfinder layout
reference/inputs/digital-crown.md	Digital Crown: watchOS scrolling/navigation, visionOS system use
reference/inputs/visionos-eyes-input.md	visionOS gaze: hover effects, spacing (60pt centers), comfort
reference/inputs/focus-and-selection.md	Focus navigation: iPadOS, tvOS (5 states), visionOS
reference/inputs/game-controls.md	Game input: touch, game controllers, keyboard, visionOS spatial
reference/inputs/gestures.md	Gesture specs per platform, custom gestures, visionOS direct/indirect
reference/inputs/gyro-and-accelerometer.md	Motion sensing: permission copy, accessibility
reference/inputs/keyboards-guidelines.md	Physical keyboard shortcuts, modifier keys, Full Keyboard Access
reference/inputs/nearby-interactions.md	Ultra Wideband proximity/spatial awareness
reference/inputs/pointing-devices.md	Pointer/mouse/trackpad: effects, hit regions, magnetism
reference/inputs/remotes-tvos.md	Siri Remote: gestures, button behavior, focus integration

6. Technologies — Platform Integrations

Payments & Commerce

Reference	When to Consult
reference/technologies/apple-pay.md	Apple Pay: button types/styles/sizing, checkout, subscriptions
reference/technologies/in-app-purchase.md	IAP: subscription sign-up, offer codes, refunds, Family Sharing
reference/technologies/tap-to-pay-on-iphone.md	Tap to Pay: merchant flows, checkout UX, error handling

Identity & Privacy

Reference	When to Consult
reference/technologies/sign-in-with-apple.md	Sign in with Apple: button specs (min 140×30pt), custom buttons, UX flow
reference/technologies/id-verifier.md	ID Verifier: age/identity verification, data minimization
reference/technologies/wallet-design-guidelines.md	Wallet passes: styles, image specs, order tracking, identity

Health & Fitness

Reference	When to Consult
reference/technologies/healthkit-guidelines.md	HealthKit: privacy, Activity rings rules, Health icon usage
reference/technologies/carekit.md	CareKit: task views, charts, contacts, care plans
reference/technologies/researchkit.md	ResearchKit: onboarding flow order, surveys, active tasks

Media & Communication

Reference	When to Consult
reference/technologies/airplay-guidelines.md	AirPlay: streaming, mirroring, icon specs, terminology
reference/technologies/shareplay.md	SharePlay: activity sharing, visionOS Persona templates
reference/technologies/live-photos.md	Live Photos: frame adjustments, sharing, badges
reference/technologies/shazamkit.md	ShazamKit: mic privacy, iCloud opt-in
reference/technologies/imessage-apps-and-stickers.md	iMessage apps/stickers: views, icon/sticker sizes, formats

AI & Machine Learning

Reference	When to Consult
reference/technologies/generative-ai-guidelines.md	Gen AI: transparency, privacy, hallucination mitigation
reference/technologies/machine-learning-design.md	ML UX: feedback, calibration, confidence, corrections

Platform Extensions

Reference	When to Consult
reference/technologies/app-clips.md	App Clips: card specs, Code sizing, privacy constraints
reference/technologies/mac-catalyst.md	Mac Catalyst: iPad→Mac adaptation, idiom selection, navigation mapping
reference/technologies/carplay-design-guidelines.md	CarPlay: layout specs, icon sizes, audio behavior
reference/technologies/siri-integration-guidelines.md	Siri/Shortcuts: intents, voice UX, shortcut phrases, custom UI

Accessibility

Reference	When to Consult
reference/technologies/voiceover-guidelines.md	VoiceOver: alt labels, image descriptions, reading order, rotor

Other Integrations

Reference	When to Consult
reference/technologies/always-on-display.md	Always On: privacy redaction, dimming, layout consistency
reference/technologies/augmented-reality.md	AR/ARKit: object placement, coaching overlays, multiuser
reference/technologies/game-center.md	Game Center: access point, achievements, leaderboards, image specs
reference/technologies/homekit-guidelines.md	HomeKit: terminology, setup flows, Siri patterns, branding
reference/technologies/icloud-guidelines.md	iCloud: syncing, conflict resolution, storage, game saves
reference/technologies/maps-guidelines.md	MapKit: annotations, overlays, clustering, place cards
reference/technologies/nfc-guidelines.md	NFC: scanning UX, terminology, background tag reading
reference/technologies/photo-editing-extensions.md	Photo editing extensions: toolbar, previews, cancel confirmation

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Cross-Platform Applicability

These references contain principles useful beyond Apple platforms (web, Android, cross-platform):

• Accessibility (foundations/accessibility.md, technologies/voiceover-guidelines.md) — contrast ratios, screen reader patterns, cognitive considerations
• Color & Dark Mode (foundations/color-guidelines.md, foundations/dark-mode.md) — theming, contrast, adaptive design
• Typography (foundations/typography-guidelines.md) — hierarchy, sizing, Dynamic Type concepts
• Writing (foundations/writing-guidelines.md) — UX copy, error messages, tone
• Inclusion (foundations/inclusion-guidelines.md) — inclusive language, representation
• Privacy (foundations/privacy.md) — permission patterns, data minimization
• Motion (foundations/motion-guidelines.md) — animation accessibility, reduced motion
• Layout (foundations/layout-guidelines.md) — responsive/adaptive patterns, visual hierarchy
• Generative AI (technologies/generative-ai-guidelines.md) — responsible AI design principles
• ML Design (technologies/machine-learning-design.md) — confidence display, correction patterns
• Patterns — Most patterns (onboarding, feedback, loading, modality, search, settings, data entry) encode universal UX wisdom