Apple updates its Human Interface Guidelines on creating apps for the iPhone X, Apple TV 4K and Watch Series 3

Apple’s new operating systems were unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2017 in June this year. Soon after the announcement, developers were able to get their hands on new systems to adapt their applications to them.

After three months working in this direction, yesterday Apple released, along with its new products, several rules that will apply specifically to its new devices; that is, developers will need to worry about this more.

iPhone X

IPhone X has a Super Retina HD screen that covers the entire device, for more immersed experiences in apps, and Face ID, a new safe way to unlock, authenticate and pay. The TrueDepth camera works with ARKit and the A11 Bionic chip was designed to work well with Core ML and Metal 2.

The superior cut that displeased many people and the new way of invoking – by gestures – the home screen and multitasking on iPhone X mean that some more precautions need to be taken when developing apps for the device.

“The clipping was a good idea” – Fanboys from Apple, 2017

I present you the first proof

The new Human Interface Guidelines page (Human Interface Guidelines) on iPhone X explains exactly how to adapt app content to fill its 5.8 ″ screen (with 2436 × 1125 pixels).

The width remains the same as that of 4.7 ″ devices (375 points), however it is necessary to pay attention to the height of the screen (145 points higher), mainly so that there are no very close interactions, for example, the indicator that calls the home screen, the top bar and also the corners of the screen.

This means that if the developer continues to follow the previous pattern, some areas will remain unused or the clipping may end up hiding the app’s interface.

In the indications, the developer is required to “ensure that the layouts fill the screen and are not obscured by the rounded corners of the device, the sensor part or the indicator to access the home screen”. That is, you, the developer, will need to keep in mind the small cut when modifying your app – as Owen Williams joked:

New iPhone format: 16: 9: clipping

Despite this, Apple says that not all apps will need to be modified to the new reality, but if necessary, UIKit and Xcode 9 will make the job easier.

In addition to the official page explaining all the details, two videos talking about care in relation to design and also the creation of apps for the iPhone X were published on the help page for developers.

Apple Watch Series 3

Apple Watch Series 3 intertwined

With cellular connectivity, your apps can be used anywhere, anytime, even when users are not connected to an iPhone or [a uma rede] Wi-Fi. Health and fitness apps can also take advantage of the barometric altimeter to display changes in altitude and obtain improved accuracy for HealthKit’s training metrics.

The company updated its watchOS page for developers, together publishing a video explaining specifically the changes and good practices when creating / modifying its app for the Apple Watch Series 3, which now has cellular connectivity and enhanced health features.

Apple TV 4K

Apple TV 4K in a dark environment with the television in front

Now your tvOS apps can deliver amazing cinematic video experiences and impressive image quality by taking advantage of 4K resolution, Dolby Vision and HDR10. And with the new Siri Remote, you now have three-axis gyroscopic data available to create even more engaging games and interactive experiences.

The page of set-top box from Apple for developers has also been updated with new hardware information. A video was also published with various information on how to update and optimize your application to the new 4K and HDR standards, as well as making better use of the movement options of the new Siri Remote.

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In addition to the guidelines pages and videos mentioned above, several other tutorials have been published for developers explaining features such as the A11 chip, facial tracking, Metal 2, among others, which can be accessed on this page.

The company also announced that developers can now submit their iOS, watchOS, tvOS and even macOS apps for approval.