Standard vs. Custom vs. Floating: A Practical SwiftUI Tab Bar Pattern Guide

1. Standard TabView

Best for:

• Apps following iOS conventions with minimal customization needs

• Banking apps and utility applications

• When prioritizing familiarity and platform consistency

2. Customized TabView

Best for:

• Apps requiring branded styling while maintaining standard behavior

• Social media and content streaming services

• E-commerce applications needing distinctive look

3. Floating Tab Bar

Best for:

• Apps with unique navigation requirements

• Creative tools and productivity applications

• Feature-rich interfaces needing contextual quick actions

Recap

Start with Standard TabView for rapid development and familiar UX.

Upgrade to Customized TabView when brand identity matters but you need to maintain familiar navigation patterns.

Choose Floating Tab Bar for innovative experiences requiring unique interactions.

You can also combine approaches—use standard tabs for main navigation while implementing floating elements for quick actions or contextual features.