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Human Interface Guidelines

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Activity Indicators

Don’t show a static or an empty screen while your app loads content. Use an activity indicator to let people know your app isn’t stalled.

Screenshot of a CarPlay app displaying a circular activity indicator made up of short lines aiming inward in a gradient from white to dark gray to indicate the passage of time.

If it’s helpful, provide useful information while waiting for a task to complete. Include a label above an activity indicator to give extra context. Avoid vague terms like loading because they don’t usually add any value.

For developer guidance, see UIActivityIndicatorView.

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