references/accessibility.md
A supporting file of the apple-hig-expert skill.
Accessibility Compliance Guide
Accessibility isn't a feature; it's a foundational standard. Apple's design philosophy requires apps to be fully usable by everyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities.
The 4 Pillars of Accessibility
1. Perceivable
Information and UI components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive.
- VoiceOver: Provide meaningful accessibility labels and hints. Avoid "Button 1". Use "Submit Order" with hint "Double tap to place your order."
- Visuals: Don't rely on color alone to convey meaning (e.g., use icons + color for errors).
2. Operable
User interface components and navigation must be operable.
- Tap Targets: 44x44 points minimum.
- Motor Control: Support Switch Control and AssistiveTouch.
3. Understandable
Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable.
- Predictability: Use standard Apple UI patterns (Tab Bars, Sidebars) so users already know how they work.
4. Robust
Content must be robust enough to be interpreted by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.
Technical Requirements (2026)
Dynamic Type
Apps must respond to system-wide font size changes.
- Scaling Layouts: Use Auto Layout or SwiftUI
VStack/HStackthat wrap content when fonts get large. - No Clipped Text: Text should never be truncated unnecessarily.
Contrast Ratios
- Normal Text: 4.5:1 minimum against its background.
- Large Text: 3:1 minimum.
- Liquid Glass Exception: Be extremely careful with translucency (vibrancy). If a background is too busy, reduce transparency for accessibility.
Haptics & Audio
- Provide haptic feedback for primary actions (success, failure, selection change).
- Ensure all audio content has captions or visual equivalents.
Checklist for Designers
- Does the app work in Grayscale mode?
- Are all buttons at least 44pt tall?
- Is every icon labeled for VoiceOver?
- Does the layout remain usable at the largest Dynamic Type size?
- Have you tested with "Reduce Transparency" enabled in system settings?
Sources
- Apple HIG — Accessibility: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/accessibility
- Apple HIG — Buttons (44x44 pt minimum hit region): https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/buttons
- Apple HIG — Typography (Dynamic Type text styles): https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/typography
- Apple Accessibility for developers: https://developer.apple.com/accessibility/
- WCAG 2.x contrast minimums (4.5:1 / 3:1), which the HIG color guidance mirrors: https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Understanding/contrast-minimum.html