Source: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/color. 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.
Color
Best practices
Avoid using the same color to mean different things.
Make sure all your app’s colors work well in light, dark, and increased contrast contexts.
Test your app’s color scheme under a variety of lighting conditions.
Test your app on different devices.
Consider how artwork and translucency affect nearby colors.
If your app lets people choose colors, prefer system-provided color controls where available.
Inclusive color
Avoid relying solely on color to differentiate between objects, indicate interactivity, or communicate essential information.
Avoid using colors that make it hard to perceive content in your app.
Consider how the colors you use might be perceived in other countries and cultures.
System colors
Avoid hard-coding system color values in your app.
Avoid redefining the semantic meanings of dynamic system colors.
Liquid Glass color
Apply color sparingly to the Liquid Glass material, and to symbols or text on the material.
Avoid using similar colors in control labels if your app has a colorful background.
Be aware of the placement of color in the content layer.
Color management
Apply color profiles to your images.
Use wide color to enhance the visual experience on compatible displays.
Provide color space–specific image and color variations if necessary.
Platform considerations
iOS, iPadOS
Primary for the overall view
Secondary for grouping content or elements within the overall view
Tertiary for grouping content or elements within secondary elements
tvOS
Consider choosing a limited color palette that coordinates with your app logo.
Avoid using only color to indicate focus.
visionOS
Use color sparingly, especially on glass.
Prefer using color in bold text and large areas.
In a fully immersive experience, help people maintain visual comfort by keeping brightness levels balanced.
watchOS
Use background color to support existing content or supply additional information.
Recognize that people might prefer graphic complications to use tinted mode instead of full color.
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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/color