Source: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/focus-and-selection. 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.
Focus and selection
Best practices
Rely on system-provided focus effects.
Avoid changing focus without people’s interaction.
Be consistent with the platform as you help people bring focus to items in your app.
Indicate focus using visual appearances that are consistent with the platform.
In general, use a focus ring for a text or search field, but use a highlight in a list or collection.
Platform considerations
iPadOS
Pressing the Tab key moves focus among focus groups, letting people navigate to sidebars, grids, and other app areas.
Pressing an arrow key supports a directional focus interaction that’s similar to tvOS, but limited to navigation among items in the same focus group. For example, people can use an arrow key to move through the items in a list or a sidebar.
Customize the halo focus effect when necessary.
Ensure that focus moves through your custom views in ways that make sense.
Adjust the priority of an item to reflect its importance within a focus group.
tvOS
In a full-screen experience, let people use gestures to interact with the content, not to move focus.
Avoid displaying a pointer.
Design your interface to accommodate components in various focus states.
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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/focus-and-selection