Comprehensive Guide & Reference: Modern App Icon Design for iOS & Android
App icons are the first visual touchpoint users interact with in the App Store and Google Play. Learn the official design guidelines for Apple iOS and Android Material Design.
1. Apple iOS Human Interface Guidelines (HIG)
- Simplicity & Focal Point: Use a single, distinctive symbol or bold monogram that remains recognizable at 40×40 pixels.
- No Text clutter: Avoid putting app names or long words in the icon graphic. Let the system app title beneath the icon handle identification.
- No Transparency / Alpha: The master upload file must be 100% opaque. Transparencies cause upload rejections in App Store Connect.
- Continuous Curve Squircle: Apple uses an n=5 superellipse curve rather than a simple CSS rounded rectangle.
2. Android Material 3 Adaptive Icons Structure
Android utilizes a two-layer adaptive icon paradigm:
| Layer | Size | Safe Zone & Role |
|---|---|---|
| Foreground | 108 × 108 dp | Inner 66 × 66 dp safe zone contains the brand logo/symbol with transparency. |
| Background | 108 × 108 dp | Solid color, gradient, or subtle geometric pattern filling the full canvas. |