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How can I change the color of tab host?

Will Apple reject my app if I change the color of the Tab Bar?

  • Apple has a standard uiTabBar, which most apps use as navigation at the bottom of the screen.  If I change the color of this bar, which is not directly supported like changing the color of the Header bar, will Apple reject the app?

  • Answer:

    Depending on how you change it. If you are method swizzling and calling private APIs to change it's behavior, yes, they will reject it. If you re-implement it or layer on top of it and strictly only call the public API, then no. The weird part is that according to the app developer terms, they reserve the right to reject you for not following the HIG (human interface guidelines). While changing common elements could be considered a violation of the HIG, the rule of thumb is they won't pull that card if your changes are subtle and thoughtful and won't confuse the user (like bringing in Android or Windows Mobile UI elements). Update: iOS 5 allows for these kinds of updates with UI customization proxies.

Zac Bowling at Quora Visit the source

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I'll echo Brad Waller and add that the reason that they could/would reject any sort of custom navigation is because a. there is some programming nonsense (private APIs, for instance) or b. the buttons function in a non-intuitive way, such as a back arrow submitting a form or a front arrow sending someone to the home screen. In my limited, but growing experience, the HIG are pretty easy to follow and allow for plenty of customization. I would say simply that it's ok to change the look and feel of the UI, but everything should behave (and be programmed) in a predictable (for the end user) fashion. By the way, when I say "programming nonsense," I mean that from the perspective of iOS development.

Brian Dear

They would not.  We have custom tab bars in our apps and have not had any rejections or comments about the tab bar.  Many apps either eliminate the tab bar or use their own.

Brad Waller

Considering the interesting things that Instagram and Path have done with the Tab Bar lately, I would bet on a custom Tab Bar not raising an eyebrow, as long as it looks nice and works well.

Brian Papa

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