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Consistency across Apple platforms

Consistency across Apple platforms

Consistency creates predictable experiences across Apple's ecosystem. Common actions maintain their behavior — sharing works the same way in Photos, Safari, or Notes. System-wide patterns like swipe gestures, edit menus, and navigation help users apply knowledge from one app to another. As shown in the Airbnb app examples, while layouts may differ between phone and tablet views, core elements like navigation tabs, search bars, and favorite buttons maintain consistent placement and behavior. Design patterns adapt thoughtfully between platforms while preserving core behaviors.

A sidebar that users access through a button on an iPhone might be permanently visible on an iPad. The share menu displays more options on macOS but keeps the same familiar organization and iconography across devices. Consistent experiences don't mean identical ones. Each platform respects its unique characteristics while maintaining familiar elements. Settings are always found in the same place, but their layout adjusts to take advantage of each device's screen size and input methods.

Pro Tip: Before creating a custom interaction, check if a standard system pattern could work. Users already know how system patterns work.

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