Apple Human Interface Guidelines (HIG) Handbook

The Apple Human Interface Guidelines (HIG) Handbook is the definitive guide for designing intuitive, consistent, and visually refined user experiences across Apple platforms, including iOS, macOS, watchOS, and visionOS. It outlines Apple’s core design principles, interface patterns, accessibility standards, and platform-specific components. Intended for designers and developers, the handbook provides comprehensive direction for creating products that align with Apple’s design philosophy of clarity, depth, and simplicity.

Apple Inc. — Human Interface Design Team

1. Introduction
• Purpose of the Human Interface Guidelines
• Apple Design Philosophy
• Principles of Clarity, Depth, and Deference

2. Design Fundamentals
• Layout and Spacing
• Color and Typography
• Iconography and Imagery
• Animation and Motion
• Branding and Consistency

3. Interface Elements
• Buttons, Menus, and Controls
• Navigation Structures (Tabs, Sidebars, Split Views)
• Containers and Modals
• Input Fields, Pickers, and Lists
• Gestures and Touch Targets

4. Platform Guidelines
• iOS Design Principles
• macOS Design Principles
• watchOS Design Principles
• tvOS Design Principles
• visionOS Design Principles

5. Interaction and Feedback
• Gestures, Haptics, and Sound
• System Feedback and Notifications
• Transitions and State Changes
• Accessibility and Inclusive Design

6. Visual and Spatial Design
• Hierarchy and Depth
• 3D and Spatial Interfaces (visionOS)
• Visual Effects and Transparency
• Lighting, Shadows, and Focus

7. Accessibility and Inclusivity
• Designing for Everyone
• Dynamic Type and Contrast
• VoiceOver, Switch Control, and Assistive Touch
• Testing for Accessibility Compliance

8. Prototyping and Testing
• Using Xcode and Interface Builder
• SwiftUI and UIKit Integration
• Design Validation and Usability Testing

9. Resources and Tools
• Apple Design Resources and Templates
• Human Interface Libraries
• Developer Documentation Links
• WWDC Design Sessions and Videos

10. Appendices
• Terminology and Design Patterns
• Historical Evolution of HIG
• References and External Resources