Source: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/app-icons. 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.
App icons
Layer design
Prefer clearly defined edges in foreground layers.
Vary opacity in foreground layers to increase the sense of depth and liveliness.
Design a background that both stands out and emphasizes foreground content.
Prefer vector graphics when bringing layers into Icon Composer.
Icon shape
- iOS, iPadOS, macOS
- tvOS
- visionOS, watchOS
Produce appropriately shaped, unmasked layers.
Keep primary content centered to avoid truncation when the system adjusts corners or applies masking.
Design
Provide a visually consistent icon design across all the platforms your app supports.
Consider basing your icon design around filled, overlapping shapes.
Include text only when it’s essential to your experience or brand.
Prefer illustrations to photos and avoid replicating UI components.
Don’t use replicas of Apple hardware products.
Visual effects
Let the system handle blurring and other visual effects.
Create layer groupings to apply effects to multiple layers at once.
Appearances
Keep your icon’s features consistent across appearances.
Design dark and tinted icons that feel at home beside system app icons and widgets.
Use your light app icon as the basis for your dark icon.
Consider offering alternate app icons.
Platform considerations
tvOS
Include a safe zone to ensure the system doesn’t crop your content.
visionOS
Avoid adding a shape that’s intended to look like a hole or concave area to the background layer.
watchOS
Avoid using black for your icon’s background.
Specifications
sRGB (color)
Gray Gamma 2.2 (grayscale)
Display P3 (wide-gamut color in iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS only)
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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/app-icons