Material properties

Each iOS material holds unique properties that shape how it interacts with light, motion, and content beneath. Like sheets of varying translucency, these materials respond differently to the digital environment around them.

A material's properties determine its personality in the interface. Thick material maintains a strong presence with intense blur and minimal light transmission, while ultra-thin material lets more light pass through, creating ethereal atmospheric effects. These behaviors aren't random — they're carefully calibrated to support natural interaction patterns.

Core properties include:

• Light transmission: how much underlying content shows through
• Blur intensity: degree of background content diffusion
• Vibrancy: how colors and contrast adapt to the background
• Motion response: behavior during scrolling and interaction