haptics

Haptic feedback on iOS uses UIImpactFeedbackGenerator for simple tactile responses on button taps and gestures. Import UIKit, instantiate UIImpactFeedbackGenerator with a style (light, medium, heavy), and call impactOccurred() to trigger immediate feedback. Works on iPhone 8+ with iOS 10+.

Use Core Haptics (CHHapticEngine) for complex, synchronized haptic patterns beyond standard impact feedback. Core Haptics supports AHAP pattern files, audio-haptic synchronization, and fine-grained control. Requires iOS 13+ and iPhone 8+; UIFeedbackGenerator suffices for simple notifications.

AHAP (Apple Haptic Audio Pattern) files define custom haptic sequences with timing and intensity control. Create them as JSON structures specifying haptic events synchronized with audio, then load via CHHapticEngine. Enables precise tactile feedback design beyond built-in generators.

Core Haptics supports audio-haptic synchronization by loading AHAP patterns timed to match audio events. Use CHHapticEngine to schedule haptic events at specific timestamps relative to audio playback, ensuring tactile feedback aligns with sound cues for cohesive user experience.

Haptic feedback only functions on physical devices (iPhone 8+); simulators cannot reproduce tactile output. Debug by testing on hardware directly. Use logging to verify CHHapticEngine initialization and event scheduling on device; performance optimization differs between simulator testing and production.

Limit haptic intensity and duration, avoid continuous patterns, and use UIFeedbackGenerator for simple cases instead of Core Haptics overhead. Profile battery impact on device; batch haptic events and disable during low-power mode. Balance user experience against sustained performance.