Glossary term
What Is HIG (Human Interface Guidelines)?
Apple's official UI and UX design standards for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and visionOS, published by Apple.
The HIG is Apple's canonical reference for how apps should look and behave on its platforms. Covers layout, typography, color, iconography, navigation patterns, gestures, and accessibility. Apps that follow HIG feel native; apps that ignore it feel foreign. Apple reviewers reference HIG when evaluating Guideline 4.0 (Design), and HIG-compliant apps are more likely to be editorially featured on the App Store.
Common Questions
Do I have to follow HIG strictly?
No — the HIG is a guideline, not a rule. But substantial deviations (non-iOS-feeling navigation, unusual button styles, skeuomorphism in 2026) make apps look unprofessional and reduce conversion.
Where can I read the full HIG?
https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/
Related terms
Ready to ship an app?
AppBuilder Academy covers every concept in this glossary in context — from HIG (Human Interface Guidelines) to App Store submission.
Start AppBuilder Academy