Source: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/tab-bars. This file is a structured index of that content, snapshot 2025-02-02. Apple HIG text and imagery are © Apple Inc.; this repository provides organization and cross-referencing for AI agent consumption only.
Tab bars
Best practices
Use a tab bar to support navigation, not to provide actions.
Make sure the tab bar is visible when people navigate to different sections of your app.
Use the appropriate number of tabs required to help people navigate your app.
Avoid overflow tabs.
Don’t disable or hide tab bar buttons, even when their content is unavailable.
Include tab labels to help with navigation.
Consider using SF Symbols to provide familiar, scalable tab bar icons.
Use a badge to indicate that critical information is available.
Avoid applying a similar color to tab labels and content layer backgrounds.
Platform considerations
iPadOS
- Tab bar
- Sidebar
Prefer a tab bar for navigation.
Let people customize the tab bar.
tvOS
Specify a tint, color, or image for the tab bar background
Choose a font for tab items, including a different font for the selected item
Specify tints for selected and unselected items
Add button icons, like settings and search
Be aware of tab bar scrolling behaviors.
In a live-viewing app, organize tabs in a consistent way.
Live content
Cloud DVR or other recorded content
Other content
visionOS
Supply a symbol and a text label for each tab.
If it makes sense in your app, consider using a sidebar within a tab.
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For the complete guidance, including worked examples and illustrations, see the canonical page: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/tab-bars