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Apple's layout philosophy

Apple's layout decisions rely on three main design principles: geometry, hierarchy, and measurements. The geometric system sets precise rules for composition and content alignment. Every button, text block, and image follows a clear structure to maintain visual stability in Apple apps. Layout measurements in Apple's system use points instead of pixels to ensure consistent sizing across different screens. This point-based approach helps maintain proper sizing and spacing of interface elements, regardless of device resolution.

Standard measurements include 8-point, 16-point, and 32-point increments for core interface elements. Apple's layout hierarchy creates natural paths for users to follow. Primary content takes up more space and uses prominent positioning, while supporting elements stay subtle in the background. This systematic organization of space helps users focus on important content while keeping interfaces clean and intuitive.[1]

Pro Tip: Start your layouts with 8-point spacing increments — this aligns with Apple's measurement system and helps maintain consistent spacing across your design.

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