What it does
Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines explain design foundations, interaction patterns, system components and input methods across Apple platforms. The free reference connects platform conventions with layout, typography, accessibility and technology-specific guidance. No developer membership is needed to read it.
Begin with Getting started for the platform, then open Patterns for a task or Components for a system control. Foundations covers layout, colour, typography, materials and accessibility. Inputs and Technologies explain the methods and system features an app can support.
The Layout guide goes beyond fixed screen dimensions. It explains adapting to text-size changes, resizable windows, reading direction and safe areas. On iOS and iPadOS, it recommends using available horizontal and vertical size classes instead of assuming a layout from the device name or orientation. Examples show how a wider layout can expose a sidebar while preserving the app’s functions.
Platform considerations sit within the relevant topic. For example, layout guidance addresses television safe areas and the extra space needed when a tvOS control gains focus. Links lead to related developer documentation and Apple Design Resources when implementation details or templates are needed. The HIG is free to read without an Apple account; it is guidance for Apple-platform experiences, not a general licence for Apple assets.
Strengths
- Foundations and system-component guidance share one reference
- Topic pages explain platform-specific considerations
- Layout guidance addresses text size, window changes and reading direction
Watch out for
- Recommendations need to be read in the context of the target Apple platform
Best for
- Teams designing apps and games for Apple platforms
Sources
- Apple Human Interface Guidelines (Oct 27, 2026)
- Apple HIG layout guidance (Oct 27, 2026)