Apple HIG: Technologies
Check for .claude/apple-design-context.md before asking questions. Use existing context and only ask for information not already covered.
Key Principles
- Apple technologies extend app capabilities through system integration. Each technology has established user-facing patterns; deviating creates confusion and erodes trust.
- Privacy and user control are paramount. Especially for health, payment, and identity technologies. Request only needed data, explain why, respect choices.
- Siri: natural, predictable, recoverable. Clear conversational intent phrases that complete quickly and confirm results. Support App Shortcuts for proactive suggestions. Handle errors with clear fallbacks.
- Payments: transparent and frictionless. Standard Apple Pay button styles. Never ask for card details when Apple Pay is available. Clearly describe what the user is buying, the price, and whether it's one-time or subscription.
- Health data is deeply personal. Explain the health benefit before requesting access. CareKit tasks should be encouraging. ResearchKit consent flows must be thorough, readable, and respect autonomy.
- HomeKit: simple and reliable. Immediate response when controlling devices. Clear device state. Graceful handling of connectivity issues.
- AR: genuine value, not gimmicks. Use AR when spatial context improves understanding. Guide setup (surface, lighting, space). Provide clear exit back to standard interaction.
- ML and generative AI: enhance without surprising. Smart suggestions, image recognition, text prediction. Clearly attribute AI-generated content. Controls to edit, regenerate, or dismiss. Let users correct mistakes.
- Sign in with Apple as top option. Standard button styles. Respect email hiding preference. ID Verifier: guided flows, don't store sensitive data beyond what verification requires.
- iCloud: invisible and reliable sync. Data appears on all devices without manual intervention. Handle conflicts gracefully. Never lose data.
- SharePlay: real-time participation. Support multiple participants, show presence, handle latency. AirPlay: appropriate Now Playing metadata.
- CarPlay: driver safety first. Minimize interaction complexity, large touch targets, no distracting content. Only permitted app types: audio, messaging, EV charging, navigation, parking, quick food ordering.
- Accessibility is a baseline requirement. Every element has a meaningful VoiceOver label, trait, and action. Support Dynamic Type, Switch Control, and other assistive technologies. Test entirely with VoiceOver enabled.
Reference Index
| Reference | Topic | Key content |
|---|---|---|
| siri.md | Siri | Intents, shortcuts, voice interaction, App Shortcuts |
| apple-pay.md | Apple Pay | Payment buttons, checkout flow, security |
| tap-to-pay-on-iphone.md | Tap to Pay | Merchant flows, contactless payment |
| in-app-purchase.md | In-app purchase | Subscriptions, one-time purchases, transparency |
| healthkit.md | HealthKit | Health data access, privacy, permissions |
| carekit.md | CareKit | Care plans, tasks, health management |
| researchkit.md | ResearchKit | Studies, informed consent, data collection |
| homekit.md | HomeKit | Smart home control, device state, scenes |
| augmented-reality.md | ARKit | Spatial context, surface detection, setup |
| machine-learning.md | Core ML | Predictions, smart features, confidence handling |
| generative-ai.md | Generative AI | Attribution, editing, responsible AI, uncertainty |
| icloud.md | iCloud | CloudKit, cross-device sync, conflict resolution |
| sign-in-with-apple.md | Sign in with Apple | Authentication, privacy, button styles |
| id-verifier.md | ID Verifier | Identity verification, document scanning |
| shareplay.md | SharePlay | Shared experiences, participant presence |
| airplay.md | AirPlay | Media streaming, Now Playing, wireless display |
| carplay.md | CarPlay | Driver safety, permitted app types, large targets |
| game-center.md | Game Center | Achievements, leaderboards, multiplayer |
| voiceover.md | VoiceOver | Screen reader, labels, traits, accessibility |
| wallet.md | Wallet | Passes, tickets, loyalty cards |
| nfc.md | NFC | Tag reading, quick interactions, App Clips |
| maps.md | Maps | Location display, annotations, directions |
| mac-catalyst.md | Mac Catalyst | iPad to Mac, menu bar, keyboard, pointer |
| live-photos.md | Live Photos | Motion capture, playback, editing |
| imessage-apps-and-stickers.md | iMessage apps | Messages extension, stickers, compact UI |
| shazamkit.md | ShazamKit | Audio recognition, music identification |
| always-on.md | Always-on display | Dimmed state, power efficiency, reduced updates |
| photo-editing.md | Photo editing | System photo editor, filters, adjustments |
Output Format
- Implementation checklist -- step-by-step requirements per Apple's guidelines.
- Required vs optional features for approval.
- Privacy and permission requirements -- data access, usage descriptions.
- User-facing flow from permission prompt through task completion.
- Testing guidance -- key scenarios including edge cases.
Questions to Ask
- Which Apple technology?
- Core use case?
- Which platforms?
- API requirements and entitlements reviewed?
- What data or permissions needed?
Related Skills
- hig-inputs -- Input methods interacting with technologies (voice for Siri, Pencil for AR, gestures for Maps)
- hig-components-system -- Widgets, complications, Live Activities surfacing technology data
- hig-components-status -- Progress indicators for technology operations (sync, payment, AR loading)
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