Explore the art and science of app design. Discuss user interface (UI) design principles, user experience (UX) best practices, and share design resources and inspiration.

Learn about designing great app and game experiences

Posts under General subtopic

Post

Replies

Boosts

Views

Activity

Looking for a visionOS collaborator (brief + feedback for spatial prototype)
Hi everyone, I’m a mixed reality designer currently building visionOS experiences (RealityKit + SwiftUI), and I’m working on a course at Arizona State University where we develop a project in response to a real-world client. I’m looking to collaborate with someone in the visionOS ecosystem who would be open to sharing a simple prompt or brief (nothing confidential), which I can use to create a proposal response. The outcome would include: Spatial concept + storyboard Interaction design direction Rough scope, timeline, and team structure Optional small prototype in visionOS The goal on my side is to better understand how spatial work is framed and communicated in real-world scenarios, especially within Apple’s ecosystem. The ask is very lightweight: 1–2 short check-ins during April or async feedback via email A bit about my work: Built Spatial Synesthesia for Apple Vision Pro Eye tracking interaction that isolates instruments in a live orchestral mix based on color perception Working with computer vision and spatial anchoring in Unity and visionOS Focused on perception-driven interaction and minimal UI systems If you’re a developer, designer, or part of a small studio working in visionOS and this sounds interesting, I’d love to connect. Thanks in advance. Leo
0
0
687
Apr ’26
IS THE SWiPE LEFT CAMERA MODE REALLY IMPORTANT?
I have really examined the swipe left Camera function mode and sincerely believe it is no more important especially when there no option in the settings to turn it on or off. I will highly recommend a total scrap in the iOS 26 or if possible a function to activate and deactivate it.
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
3
0
358
Aug ’25
The airdrop was sent to the wrong device. Will modifying the interface in this way reduce the error
I have many Apple devices, such as macbook, iPad and iPhone. It's very convenient for me to transfer files between devices. However, when I want to send files to my own device in public places, I often click on the wrong recipient because the list avatar keeps changing. I hope the list of recipients can be grouped One group is my own device (or the one I often send to), and the other group is other devices. When the user is about to send, the mouse will be in a relatively fixed and mentally expected area. I feel that this can reduce the probability of sending wrongly
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
3
0
709
Nov ’25
Poor Rendering of Liquid Glass Icon on Device
Hey there, I redesigned my apps icons for Liquid Glass in the icon composer app. I have to say it's been a pleasure to use and my icons look stunning when rendered in the icon composer app, whatever rendering mode and context I've been testing. But once in a developer release on my device (iOS 26 beta 3), the rendering is very disappointing. They look blurry, very far from what icon composer is showing. I would like to know whether I have a design issue, or if the current state of the beta release is known to not render icon properly. I'm kind of panicking :)
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
1
0
1k
Jul ’25
Guideline 5.2.5 - Legal - Intellectual Property
Your app still contains features that mimic the iOS interface or behavior. I have a simple app that uses a NavigationSplitView 3 panels I have a section for Filters and User created Categories in Panel 1 A list of "Requests" from the selected Filters/Categories in Panel 2 and details of a request in Panel 3 It's designed to be simple and easy to use. How can it NOT "mimic the iOS interface" if I am using their own APIs? What should I do to get around this
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
3
0
1.9k
Jan ’26
Swift Playground with C language.
I want to know if the program written in C language can be implemented through the software package, write a software package containing C language on Xcode, and then apply it in Swift Playground.
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
0
0
128
Feb ’26
Navigation Bar Title Hidden When Right Bar Button Title Is Long (iOS 26)
I’m developing an app that includes a navigation bar with a centered title and a single right bar button item. I’ve noticed that when both the navigation bar title and the right bar button item’s title are relatively long, the navigation bar title becomes hidden. This issue only occurs on iOS 26. When running the same code on iOS 18, the layout behaves as expected, with both elements visible. Has anyone else experienced this behavior on iOS 26? Is this a known layout change or a possible bug?
2
0
1.1k
Mar ’26
Suggestions on macOS and iPad app structure
Building an app to edit the various parameters of digital musical instruments. A typical user would have perhaps max 6 instruments, out of the hundreds of possibilities. Would like to structure the app with a global window, menu, etc which would be a free download. The user could download editor inserts for their particular set of instruments and ignore all of the others. The downloaded editors would show as options in a menu. It seem like more than a widget but less than a library. Building a monolithic app containing all possible editors doesn't seem like an option, but separate full-app editors for each piece of gear doesn't sound right either. Any suggestions out there? Thanks very much Brian
0
0
131
May ’25
Navigation item title compact size with large text iOS26
Hi there. Our designer is designing our app in Figma with the navigation element with compact size navigation bar, and large title. I couldn't find an API to actually configure the nav bar to be compact while keeping the large title enabled. Figma uses the libraries provided by Apple so it's weird I can't find such configuration in iOS26. I'm adding a screenshot of the options in Figma. First option is: Large size & large text. The one our designer is using is compact size & large text.
Topic: Design SubTopic: General Tags:
2
0
1.8k
Sep ’25
.Net MAUI (Windows & Mac)
What is the step-by-step process to run an iOS application paired with the Mac in my MAUI project? I am using Windows with Visual Studio 2022 V17.13.5. Application: Multiplatform; Language: C#; Framework: MAUI 8; Xcode: 16.2; Objective: Identify and fix the issue to allow the application to run correctly.
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
0
0
211
May ’25
How to get a truly clear glass effect for a circle
I'm using .glassEffect(.clear) on a transparent circle over a gradient background. While it's closer to clear than the plain glass effect, it't not really clear, like clear glass. Here is the code. Is there a glass effect that really looks like clear glass? Circle() .fill(.clear) .frame(width: 180, height: 180) .glassEffect(.clear)
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
1
0
873
Oct ’25
SF Symbols Variable Draw without the background.
Is it possible to use the new variable draw feature for a custom SF Symbol without it leaving the background behind it when it is not drawn? I am trying to make a tally icon that is drawn with the variable draw, but it doesn't look good if the tally is visible in the background before it is drawn.
Topic: Design SubTopic: General Tags:
0
0
126
Jun ’25
iOS 26 UI transparency causes readability and accessibility issues
This issue affects core system UI elements such as Control Center, notifications, and system apps. In iOS 26, the Liquid Glass UI introduces excessive transparency and blur across the system. This significantly reduces text readability, lowers contrast, and causes visual fatigue during prolonged use. There is currently no true option to fully disable Liquid Glass effects. Existing accessibility settings only partially mitigate the issue and do not restore a solid, high-contrast interface similar to iOS 18. Please consider adding a system-wide toggle to completely disable Liquid Glass and transparency effects, or provide a solid UI mode for users who prioritize readability and visual comfort. This is especially important for accessibility, as the current design negatively impacts users sensitive to eye strain and low contrast.
1
0
959
Dec ’25
HotKey support for sandboxed apps
App design: macos, Xcode 16.4, Sequioa 15.5, it is sandboxed Uses: Pods->HotKey for a global hotkey which xcode says "binary compatibility can't be guaranteed" This app is on the Apple Store and supposedly apps on the Apple Store can't use global hotkeys. Someone internally, installed it from the store and the global hotkey works just fine. I'm concerned for two potential problems; I need to find a hotkey library or code that is known to work with a sandbox'd Apple Store app. Why is it working now when everything I have read says it shouldn't.
0
0
173
Jun ’25
Adobe XD throws error when loading UIKit resources Sketch file
Hi there. I want to use Adobe XD for designing and prototyping apps, and I would like to get the UIKit design resources working. I downloaded it and tried to open it with Adobe XD, but it threw this error: There was an error opening the file Apple iOS 26 UI Kit.sketch (Error code: 115) I really prefer to use the UIKit in Adobe XD rather than paying for Figma or Sketch. Thanks. Apple Design Resources
Topic: Design SubTopic: General Tags:
1
0
891
Jan ’26
iPhone screen glare
Feedback for iPhone and iPad – Display Technology Dear Apple Team, Currently, the mainstream display technology used in iPhone and iPad is OLED. However, OLED panels produce significant PWM flickering, which strongly irritates the human eye. Many users, especially in China, experience eye strain, tearing, and discomfort after using OLED devices for a period of time. There is a large group of users here who are highly sensitive to screen flicker and therefore cannot use OLED-based devices at all. What they truly need is an eye-friendly device with either LCD or flicker-free Mini-LED display technology. I sincerely recommend that Apple consider offering iPhone and iPad models with LCD or Mini-LED panels. Such displays could provide better eye comfort, no flicker, and a healthier experience. Currently, almost no smartphone manufacturers in China provide such options, and even if they do, their devices often come with outdated chipsets and cannot be used as a reliable daily driver. This presents a valuable opportunity for Apple: by addressing this demand, Apple could attract a unique customer base, increase sales, and even justify a slightly higher price, as many customers would be willing to pay more for the sake of their eye health. In the Chinese market, a truly flicker-free iPhone or iPad would be incredibly rare and highly desired. Thank you for considering this suggestion. I truly hope Apple will take this into account.
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
1
0
375
Aug ’25
Gray Shades That Adapt to Dark Mode
Hi, Normally we need many shades of gray in any App and Apple system have only 3 , Primery, Secondary, and Gray, so to make Gray regress that automatically adapt to Dark Mode we just use opacity on these colors ? there's no system built in Gray degrees ? Kind Regards
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
0
0
110
May ’25
Feedback on the new Camera app icon in iOS 26
I’m currently using the iOS 26 Developer Beta and noticed the new icon design for the Camera app. Personally, I preferred the previous icon it looked cleaner, more elegant, and felt more in line with Apple’s signature iOS design language. The new icon feels more like something you’d expect from Android. It lacks the minimalist, refined style that usually defines iOS icons. I understand UI evolves over time, but this change feels like a step away from what makes Apple’s design philosophy unique. Just wanted to share this honest feedback as a long-time user and developer. Thanks for considering!
Topic: Design SubTopic: General Tags:
2
0
218
Jun ’25
Categorize Contacts
I would really like to be able to categorize my contacts. I work for a grocery store and have contacts from various companies. I would like to be able to categorize them by company or group them as I see fit. Currently, I don't see a way to do this. Please add this in a future update. Having all contacts just alphabetically is not efficient enough. Also, I would like to be able to manually adjust the size of widgets. i.e. If I want more stocks to be visible, I would like to be able to lengthen the height/width of the widget beyond what it currently allows to view more information. Thank you. If you have any follow-up questions, please let me know. Torrey
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
1
0
924
3w
Call Answer/Decline Icons Appear Blurry with Black Screen
When receiving or dialing a call, the green (answer) and red (decline) icons appear blurry, and there is a black screen overlay around the icons. This makes it difficult to interact with the call interface properly.
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
211
Activity
Jun ’25
Looking for a visionOS collaborator (brief + feedback for spatial prototype)
Hi everyone, I’m a mixed reality designer currently building visionOS experiences (RealityKit + SwiftUI), and I’m working on a course at Arizona State University where we develop a project in response to a real-world client. I’m looking to collaborate with someone in the visionOS ecosystem who would be open to sharing a simple prompt or brief (nothing confidential), which I can use to create a proposal response. The outcome would include: Spatial concept + storyboard Interaction design direction Rough scope, timeline, and team structure Optional small prototype in visionOS The goal on my side is to better understand how spatial work is framed and communicated in real-world scenarios, especially within Apple’s ecosystem. The ask is very lightweight: 1–2 short check-ins during April or async feedback via email A bit about my work: Built Spatial Synesthesia for Apple Vision Pro Eye tracking interaction that isolates instruments in a live orchestral mix based on color perception Working with computer vision and spatial anchoring in Unity and visionOS Focused on perception-driven interaction and minimal UI systems If you’re a developer, designer, or part of a small studio working in visionOS and this sounds interesting, I’d love to connect. Thanks in advance. Leo
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
687
Activity
Apr ’26
IS THE SWiPE LEFT CAMERA MODE REALLY IMPORTANT?
I have really examined the swipe left Camera function mode and sincerely believe it is no more important especially when there no option in the settings to turn it on or off. I will highly recommend a total scrap in the iOS 26 or if possible a function to activate and deactivate it.
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
Replies
3
Boosts
0
Views
358
Activity
Aug ’25
The airdrop was sent to the wrong device. Will modifying the interface in this way reduce the error
I have many Apple devices, such as macbook, iPad and iPhone. It's very convenient for me to transfer files between devices. However, when I want to send files to my own device in public places, I often click on the wrong recipient because the list avatar keeps changing. I hope the list of recipients can be grouped One group is my own device (or the one I often send to), and the other group is other devices. When the user is about to send, the mouse will be in a relatively fixed and mentally expected area. I feel that this can reduce the probability of sending wrongly
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
Replies
3
Boosts
0
Views
709
Activity
Nov ’25
Poor Rendering of Liquid Glass Icon on Device
Hey there, I redesigned my apps icons for Liquid Glass in the icon composer app. I have to say it's been a pleasure to use and my icons look stunning when rendered in the icon composer app, whatever rendering mode and context I've been testing. But once in a developer release on my device (iOS 26 beta 3), the rendering is very disappointing. They look blurry, very far from what icon composer is showing. I would like to know whether I have a design issue, or if the current state of the beta release is known to not render icon properly. I'm kind of panicking :)
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
1k
Activity
Jul ’25
Guideline 5.2.5 - Legal - Intellectual Property
Your app still contains features that mimic the iOS interface or behavior. I have a simple app that uses a NavigationSplitView 3 panels I have a section for Filters and User created Categories in Panel 1 A list of "Requests" from the selected Filters/Categories in Panel 2 and details of a request in Panel 3 It's designed to be simple and easy to use. How can it NOT "mimic the iOS interface" if I am using their own APIs? What should I do to get around this
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
Replies
3
Boosts
0
Views
1.9k
Activity
Jan ’26
Swift Playground with C language.
I want to know if the program written in C language can be implemented through the software package, write a software package containing C language on Xcode, and then apply it in Swift Playground.
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
128
Activity
Feb ’26
Navigation Bar Title Hidden When Right Bar Button Title Is Long (iOS 26)
I’m developing an app that includes a navigation bar with a centered title and a single right bar button item. I’ve noticed that when both the navigation bar title and the right bar button item’s title are relatively long, the navigation bar title becomes hidden. This issue only occurs on iOS 26. When running the same code on iOS 18, the layout behaves as expected, with both elements visible. Has anyone else experienced this behavior on iOS 26? Is this a known layout change or a possible bug?
Replies
2
Boosts
0
Views
1.1k
Activity
Mar ’26
Suggestions on macOS and iPad app structure
Building an app to edit the various parameters of digital musical instruments. A typical user would have perhaps max 6 instruments, out of the hundreds of possibilities. Would like to structure the app with a global window, menu, etc which would be a free download. The user could download editor inserts for their particular set of instruments and ignore all of the others. The downloaded editors would show as options in a menu. It seem like more than a widget but less than a library. Building a monolithic app containing all possible editors doesn't seem like an option, but separate full-app editors for each piece of gear doesn't sound right either. Any suggestions out there? Thanks very much Brian
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
131
Activity
May ’25
Navigation item title compact size with large text iOS26
Hi there. Our designer is designing our app in Figma with the navigation element with compact size navigation bar, and large title. I couldn't find an API to actually configure the nav bar to be compact while keeping the large title enabled. Figma uses the libraries provided by Apple so it's weird I can't find such configuration in iOS26. I'm adding a screenshot of the options in Figma. First option is: Large size & large text. The one our designer is using is compact size & large text.
Topic: Design SubTopic: General Tags:
Replies
2
Boosts
0
Views
1.8k
Activity
Sep ’25
.Net MAUI (Windows & Mac)
What is the step-by-step process to run an iOS application paired with the Mac in my MAUI project? I am using Windows with Visual Studio 2022 V17.13.5. Application: Multiplatform; Language: C#; Framework: MAUI 8; Xcode: 16.2; Objective: Identify and fix the issue to allow the application to run correctly.
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
211
Activity
May ’25
How to get a truly clear glass effect for a circle
I'm using .glassEffect(.clear) on a transparent circle over a gradient background. While it's closer to clear than the plain glass effect, it't not really clear, like clear glass. Here is the code. Is there a glass effect that really looks like clear glass? Circle() .fill(.clear) .frame(width: 180, height: 180) .glassEffect(.clear)
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
873
Activity
Oct ’25
SF Symbols Variable Draw without the background.
Is it possible to use the new variable draw feature for a custom SF Symbol without it leaving the background behind it when it is not drawn? I am trying to make a tally icon that is drawn with the variable draw, but it doesn't look good if the tally is visible in the background before it is drawn.
Topic: Design SubTopic: General Tags:
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
126
Activity
Jun ’25
iOS 26 UI transparency causes readability and accessibility issues
This issue affects core system UI elements such as Control Center, notifications, and system apps. In iOS 26, the Liquid Glass UI introduces excessive transparency and blur across the system. This significantly reduces text readability, lowers contrast, and causes visual fatigue during prolonged use. There is currently no true option to fully disable Liquid Glass effects. Existing accessibility settings only partially mitigate the issue and do not restore a solid, high-contrast interface similar to iOS 18. Please consider adding a system-wide toggle to completely disable Liquid Glass and transparency effects, or provide a solid UI mode for users who prioritize readability and visual comfort. This is especially important for accessibility, as the current design negatively impacts users sensitive to eye strain and low contrast.
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
959
Activity
Dec ’25
HotKey support for sandboxed apps
App design: macos, Xcode 16.4, Sequioa 15.5, it is sandboxed Uses: Pods->HotKey for a global hotkey which xcode says "binary compatibility can't be guaranteed" This app is on the Apple Store and supposedly apps on the Apple Store can't use global hotkeys. Someone internally, installed it from the store and the global hotkey works just fine. I'm concerned for two potential problems; I need to find a hotkey library or code that is known to work with a sandbox'd Apple Store app. Why is it working now when everything I have read says it shouldn't.
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
173
Activity
Jun ’25
Adobe XD throws error when loading UIKit resources Sketch file
Hi there. I want to use Adobe XD for designing and prototyping apps, and I would like to get the UIKit design resources working. I downloaded it and tried to open it with Adobe XD, but it threw this error: There was an error opening the file Apple iOS 26 UI Kit.sketch (Error code: 115) I really prefer to use the UIKit in Adobe XD rather than paying for Figma or Sketch. Thanks. Apple Design Resources
Topic: Design SubTopic: General Tags:
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
891
Activity
Jan ’26
iPhone screen glare
Feedback for iPhone and iPad – Display Technology Dear Apple Team, Currently, the mainstream display technology used in iPhone and iPad is OLED. However, OLED panels produce significant PWM flickering, which strongly irritates the human eye. Many users, especially in China, experience eye strain, tearing, and discomfort after using OLED devices for a period of time. There is a large group of users here who are highly sensitive to screen flicker and therefore cannot use OLED-based devices at all. What they truly need is an eye-friendly device with either LCD or flicker-free Mini-LED display technology. I sincerely recommend that Apple consider offering iPhone and iPad models with LCD or Mini-LED panels. Such displays could provide better eye comfort, no flicker, and a healthier experience. Currently, almost no smartphone manufacturers in China provide such options, and even if they do, their devices often come with outdated chipsets and cannot be used as a reliable daily driver. This presents a valuable opportunity for Apple: by addressing this demand, Apple could attract a unique customer base, increase sales, and even justify a slightly higher price, as many customers would be willing to pay more for the sake of their eye health. In the Chinese market, a truly flicker-free iPhone or iPad would be incredibly rare and highly desired. Thank you for considering this suggestion. I truly hope Apple will take this into account.
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
375
Activity
Aug ’25
Gray Shades That Adapt to Dark Mode
Hi, Normally we need many shades of gray in any App and Apple system have only 3 , Primery, Secondary, and Gray, so to make Gray regress that automatically adapt to Dark Mode we just use opacity on these colors ? there's no system built in Gray degrees ? Kind Regards
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
110
Activity
May ’25
Feedback on the new Camera app icon in iOS 26
I’m currently using the iOS 26 Developer Beta and noticed the new icon design for the Camera app. Personally, I preferred the previous icon it looked cleaner, more elegant, and felt more in line with Apple’s signature iOS design language. The new icon feels more like something you’d expect from Android. It lacks the minimalist, refined style that usually defines iOS icons. I understand UI evolves over time, but this change feels like a step away from what makes Apple’s design philosophy unique. Just wanted to share this honest feedback as a long-time user and developer. Thanks for considering!
Topic: Design SubTopic: General Tags:
Replies
2
Boosts
0
Views
218
Activity
Jun ’25
Categorize Contacts
I would really like to be able to categorize my contacts. I work for a grocery store and have contacts from various companies. I would like to be able to categorize them by company or group them as I see fit. Currently, I don't see a way to do this. Please add this in a future update. Having all contacts just alphabetically is not efficient enough. Also, I would like to be able to manually adjust the size of widgets. i.e. If I want more stocks to be visible, I would like to be able to lengthen the height/width of the widget beyond what it currently allows to view more information. Thank you. If you have any follow-up questions, please let me know. Torrey
Topic: Design SubTopic: General
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
924
Activity
3w