Apple App Launch Screen Best Practices

A best practices guide for creating splash screens for iOS, MacOS, TVOS or WatchOS apps using XCode.

Oscar de la Hera Gomez
Written by Oscar de la Hera Gomez
First published on 08/31/2023 at 13:19
Last Updated on 08/31/2023 at 15:15
<p>A flower that represents Apple with the text "Splash Screen<br />Best Practices" beneath it.</p>

A best practices guide for creating splash screens for iOS, MacOS, TVOS or WatchOS apps using XCode.

SubscribeDownload open source projectResponding to the launch of your app by Apple

To learn how to create a launch (splash) screen in XCode, follow the tutorial below.

How to create a launch screen in XCode.

File Sizes

Although as of iOS14, the total file size for images in a launch screen is limited to 25MB, we have noticed that the launch screen will appear black if the files aren't smaller than 0.5MB (i.e. each image has to be less than 0.5MB).

Use Local Files, not XCAssets

We noticed that Xcode responds as expected to changes if the image files are held outside the xcassets.

How to add and use images as files instead of xcassets in XCodeHow to use an image within a storyboard in XCode

If you are running into problems or prefer to use xcassets, follow the guide below to fix the issue of a splash screen not updating .

How to make an iPhone, iPad or Mac show an updated launch screen

Test changes before launching

After updating the Splash Screen, make sure that you double check that the update went through by stopping the app at the launch screen using a breakpoint. To learn how to do so, follow the tutorial below.

How to stop an App at the Launch Screen in XCode

If the updates aren't showing, follow the guide below to resolve the problem.

How to make an iPhone, iPad or Mac show an updated launch screen

Any Questions?

We are actively looking for feedback on how to improve this resource. Please send us a note to inquiries@delasign.com with any thoughts or feedback you may have.
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