Implementing long-press gestures

Long-press gestures add depth to touch selection. This gesture reveals contextual actions when users press and hold interface elements, similar to right-clicking on desktop systems.

The timing of long-press gestures matters for usability. iOS expects these gestures to last 0.5 seconds — long enough to be intentional but short enough to feel responsive. Shorter durations can cause accidental triggers, while longer ones make the interface feel slow.

Apps must show clear visual feedback during long-press interactions. Users should see when the gesture starts, how long to hold, and what will happen when they release it. This feedback helps prevent confusion and supports learning.

Different elements support various long-press behaviors:

• Preview and open. Shows content preview on press, opens fully on swipe-up
• Context menus. Reveals relevant actions for the pressed item
• Custom actions. Triggers specific features like rearranging or editing