mobile-design-ios
This skill targets iOS 26+ and its Liquid Glass design language. For apps targeting older iOS versions, fall back to standard Apple Human Interface Guidelines — those patterns are well-covered by general AI knowledge.
This skill guides creation of iOS interfaces that feel genuinely designed for the platform — avoiding the generic "template app" aesthetic that plagues AI-generated mobile UI. Every design decision should demonstrate understanding of iOS 26's Liquid Glass design language and the principles that separate professional apps from amateur ones.
The user provides iOS UI requirements: a screen, flow, component, or full app interface. They may include context about purpose, audience, or technical constraints.
Design Thinking
Before generating any UI, commit to a clear design direction:
- Purpose: What does this screen accomplish? What's the user's emotional state when they arrive here?
- Personality: Pick a direction — serene/zen, bold/editorial, warm/organic, precise/technical, playful/energetic, luxurious/refined, minimal/focused. The app's personality should feel intentional and consistent.
- Content-first: iOS 26's entire philosophy is that content is the star. Glass floats above to serve content, never to compete with it. Design the content layer first, then add navigation.
- Differentiation: What makes this feel like a designed app rather than a default template? What single detail would a user notice and appreciate?
CRITICAL: Liquid Glass is not decoration — it's a hierarchy tool. Glass belongs exclusively on the navigation/controls layer (tab bars, toolbars, floating buttons, sheets). Content stays opaque and on the content layer. This single rule prevents the majority of amateur iOS 26 mistakes.