Apple Reminds Developers to Get Ready for Dark Mode in iOS 13

Apple today reminded developers to optimize their apps for Dark Mode in iOS 13 and iPadOS. All apps built with the iOS 13 SDK will support ‌Dark Mode‌, which can be tested with the beta versions of iOS 13 and iPadOS.

Apple's notice to developers:

Dark Mode introduces a dramatic new look for iPhone and iPad that is seamlessly integrated throughout the system and simple to turn on from Control Center or Siri. With a dark appearance for all user interface elements, your app’s content becomes the focus.

When a user has Dark Mode turned on, all apps built with the iOS 13 SDK will run in Dark Mode. Learn how to optimize for Dark Mode, then test your apps on a device running the latest beta version of iOS 13 or iPadOS. If you need more time to make your apps look fantastic in Dark Mode, or if Dark Mode is not suited for your app, you can learn how to opt-out.

Also see Apple's developer documentation for Dark Mode and related WWDC 2019 videos.

Tag: Dark Mode Guide

Top Rated Comments

WiiDSmoker

87 months ago

Where’s MacRumors dark mode?

Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)

alpi123

87 months ago

Nice of them. They’re really pushing this Dark Mode feature forward, and would be nice to see most of the apps support it.

Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)

hagjohn

87 months ago

My app was originally in dark mode. Do I need to make a light mode?

Wouldn't hurt to give people a choice. Some do not like dark mode.

Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

rafark

87 months ago

Wouldn't hurt to give people a choice. Some do not like dark mode.

I loathe dark mode, reminds me of android.

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Mr. Awesome

87 months ago

My app was originally in dark mode. Do I need to make a light mode?

No. In the iOS and iPadOS betas, apps that use a dark theme by default (clock, compass, etc.) stay dark in both dark mode and light mode.

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

xxray

87 months ago

I’m so glad Apple finally brought dark mode. Unlike Google’s implementation in Android, it’s very consistent, works great, and it’ll only get better as developers adopt it in their apps. iOS apps are far more likely to get the implementation than Android apps.

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Read All Comments

Popular Stories

Apple Just Released a New Accessory

Monday May 4, 2026 8:13 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

Apple today released a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. The new Pride Edition Sport Loop is available to order now on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, and it will be available at Apple Store locations starting later this week. In the U.S., the band costs $49. There...

iOS 27 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Saturday May 2, 2026 8:43 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and there are already many rumored features and changes for iPhones. The first developer beta of iOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in...

• 93 comments

Apple Announces 2026 Pride Band Watch Face and iPhone Wallpaper Article 2

iOS 26.5 Coming Soon With These New Features

Monday May 4, 2026 8:40 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

iOS 26.5 is expected to be released next week, following more than a month of beta testing. The update is relatively minor, but there are a couple of new features and changes across the operating system that we have recapped below. iOS 26.5 lays the groundwork for end-to-end encryption for RCS in the Messages app and ads in the Apple Maps app, and it will include a new Pride wallpaper and a...

• 45 comments

Top Rated Comments

Popular Stories

Apple Just Released a New Accessory

iOS 27 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

iOS 26.5 Coming Soon With These New Features

Next Article

Videos

Guides

Upcoming

Other Stories