Source: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/playing-haptics. 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.
Playing haptics
In an iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, or visionOS app or game, game controllers can provide haptic feedback (for developer guidance, see Playing Haptics on Game Controllers).
Apple Pencil Pro and some trackpads can provide haptic feedback when connected to certain iPad models. (For details on Apple Pencil features and compatibility, see Apple Pencil.)
Best practices
Use system-provided haptic patterns according to their documented meanings.
Use haptics consistently throughout your app or game.
Prefer using haptics to complement other feedback in your app or game.
Avoid overusing haptics.
In most apps, prefer playing short haptics that complement discrete events.
Make haptics optional.
Be aware that playing haptics might impact other user experiences.
Custom haptics
Transient events are brief and compact, often feeling like taps or impulses. The experience of tapping the Flashlight button on the Home Screen is an example of a transient event.
Continuous events feel like sustained vibrations, such as the experience of the lasers effect in a message.
Platform considerations
iOS
Use standard UI components — like toggles, sliders, and pickers — that play Apple-designed system haptics by default.
When it makes sense, use a feedback generator to play one of several predefined haptic patterns in the categories of notification, impact, and selection (for developer guidance, see
UIFeedbackGenerator).
Notification
Success.
Warning.
Error.
Impact
Light.
Medium.
Heavy.
Rigid.
Soft.
Selection
Selection.
watchOS
- Notification
- Up
- Down
- Success
- Failure
- Retry
- Start
- Stop
- Click
Notification.
Up.
Down.
Success.
Failure.
Retry.
Start.
Stop.
Click.
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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/playing-haptics