Nearby interactions

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Source: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/nearby-interactions. 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.

Nearby interactions

Best practices

Consider a task from the perspective of the physical world to find inspiration for a nearby interaction.

Use distance, direction, and context to inform an interaction.

Consider how changes in physical distance can guide a nearby interaction.

Provide continuous feedback.

Consider using multiple feedback types to create a holistic experience.

Avoid using a nearby interaction as the only way to perform a task.

Device usage

Encourage people to hold the device in portrait orientation.

Design for the device’s directional field of view.

Help people understand how intervening objects can affect the nearby interaction experience in your app.

Platform considerations

iOS

watchOS

Resources

Developer documentation

Videos

Change log


For the complete guidance, including worked examples and illustrations, see the canonical page: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/nearby-interactions

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