Apple Hig Expert

# Accessibility Compliance Guide

Accessibility isn't a feature; it's a foundational standard. Apple's design philosophy requires apps to be fully usable by everyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities.

## The 4 Pillars of Accessibility

### 1. Perceivable
Information and UI components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive.
- **VoiceOver**: Provide meaningful accessibility labels and hints. Avoid "Button 1". Use "Submit Order" with hint "Double tap to place your order."
- **Visuals**: Don't rely on color alone to convey meaning (e.g., use icons + color for errors).

### 2. Operable
User interface components and navigation must be operable.
- **Tap Targets**: 44x44 points minimum.
- **Motor Control**: Support Switch Control and AssistiveTouch.

### 3. Understandable
Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable.
- **Predictability**: Use standard Apple UI patterns (Tab Bars, Sidebars) so users already know how they work.

### 4. Robust
Content must be robust enough to be interpreted by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.

## Technical Requirements (2026)

### Dynamic Type
Apps must respond to system-wide font size changes.
- **Scaling Layouts**: Use Auto Layout or SwiftUI `VStack`/`HStack` that wrap content when fonts get large.
- **No Clipped Text**: Text should never be truncated unnecessarily.

### Contrast Ratios
- **Normal Text**: 4.5:1 minimum against its background.
- **Large Text**: 3:1 minimum.
- **Liquid Glass Exception**: Be extremely careful with translucency (vibrancy). If a background is too busy, reduce transparency for accessibility.

### Haptics & Audio
- Provide haptic feedback for primary actions (success, failure, selection change).
- Ensure all audio content has captions or visual equivalents.

## Checklist for Designers

- [ ] Does the app work in Grayscale mode?
- [ ] Are all buttons at least 44pt tall?
- [ ] Is every icon labeled for VoiceOver?
- [ ] Does the layout remain usable at the largest Dynamic Type size?
- [ ] Have you tested with "Reduce Transparency" enabled in system settings?


# Platform Specific Guidelines

While Apple aims for a unified aesthetic (Liquid Glass), each platform has unique ergonomics and hardware constraints.

## iOS (iPhone)
Designed for one-handed operation and touch-first input.
- **Bottom Navigation**: Primary controls should be reachable by the thumb at the bottom (Tab Bars, Toolbars).
- **Safe Area**: Avoid placing UI near the Dynamic Island or the home indicator.
- **Dynamic Island**: Use Live Activities and the Dynamic Island for high-value background status (e.g., timers, delivery status).

## macOS (Desktop)
Designed for precision cursor input and multitasking.
- **Sidebars**: Use for primary navigation.
- **Menu Bar**: Always provide standard File, Edit, and View menus.
- **Windowing**: Support multi-window environments and Split View.
- **Keyboard Shortcuts**: Every primary action must have a `Cmd` + [Key] equivalent.

## visionOS (Spatial Computing)
Designed for eyes (gaze) and hands (gestures).
- **Windows**: Have a physical presence in space. They cast shadows and reflect light.
- **Ornaments**: Floating controls that attach to the edge of a window.
- **Gaze-Contingent Feedback**: Elements should react (subtle hover state) when the user looks at them.
- **Z-Axis**: Use depth to prioritize content. Closer items are more important.

## watchOS (Wrist)
Designed for "Glances" — 2 to 5 second interactions.
- **Vertical Layout**: Scroll everything vertically using the Digital Crown.
- **Complications**: Design for the watch face to provide high-value data at a glance.
- **Full-Bleed Images**: Use the entire screen to reduce the perception of bezels.

## Platform Differences Table

| Feature | iOS | macOS | visionOS |
|---------|-----|-------|----------|
| **Navigation** | Tab Bar / Nav Bar | Sidebar / Menu Bar | Ornaments / Sidebars |
| **Input** | Touch / Voice | Mouse / Tr