App design rules—the iOS HIG

The iOS Human Interface Guide (HIG) is a document that Apple distributes for guidance in developing iOS Apps for sale on the App Store. You can download it at http://developer.apple.com/ios. This isn’t just something nice they did to help you out; when you submit an app for approval, you agree that your app will conform to the HIG.

We can’t overstate this: you have to follow the HIG, as Apple’s review process is thorough and they will reject your application if it doesn’t conform. Complain, blog with righteous anger, and then conform. Now let’s move on.

Apple also distributes a few other guides and tutorials, including the iPhone Application Programming Guide. This is another great source of information and explains how you should handle different devices, like the iPhone, devices with old versions of iOS, and the iPod Touch. Not paying attention to the iPod Touch is another great way to get your app rejected from the App Store.