Rushabh PatelThe User Interface with Dark Theme has come into the limelight with the release of iOS 13 and Android 10. In the past few years, both Google and Apple have dedicated resources to optimize Dark Mode. In today’s mobile app design and development world, dark themes are among the most demanded features.
When macOS introduced Dark Mode, Google promoted its adoption across apps and platforms. When implemented properly, dark themes in mobile apps provide significant benefits, such as reduced eye strain, enhanced content readability, and lower battery consumption — especially on OLED screens.
1. Dark Mode for Mobile Apps – When It’s Healthy and When It’s Not
White text on a pure black background may strain the iris due to high contrast. This can result in a fuzzing effect, which is one reason for strategically designing Dark Mode for mobile apps.
High contrast can harm the eyes, so a thoughtful approach to Dark Mode is essential. Below are industry-recommended techniques to ensure a better Dark Mode experience.
2. The Distant Surface Should Be Darker in Mobile Apps
For Dark Mode UI, focus on the right background color hierarchy. Surfaces that are farther away from the user should appear darker, while closer layers should be slightly lighter to simulate depth.
Many designers mistakenly invert light themes to create dark ones. Instead, use the main surface color from the light theme and reverse it wisely for dark theme development. Refer to Material Design’s Dark Theme Guide for more detailed insight.
3. Avoid Pure Black Backgrounds
A pure black background with white text results in extreme contrast, which may cause discomfort. Instead, use dark grey tones for the background — a safe and user-friendly choice.
When executed properly, the user’s eye naturally flows across interface elements. The color palette should harmonize — elements and backgrounds must complement each other rather than clash.
4. Consider the Emotional Aspect
Dark-themed apps evoke strong emotions. According to color psychology, every color affects the user’s behavior and decision-making. Black is associated with power, authority, mystery, and elegance.
Dark UI is often preferred in entertainment, gaming, luxury, and e-commerce apps where creating a mood or atmosphere is critical.
5. Update Animations and Illustrations for Dark Mode
If your app contains illustrations or animations, ensure they adapt to dark backgrounds. Use desaturated background colors to make the main subject pop. This helps maintain visual balance and keeps users focused on core content.
6. Allow Users to Control the Mode
Letting users toggle between Light Mode and Dark Mode is a best practice. Do not auto-enable Dark Mode — instead, provide a UI switch to let users choose manually based on their preference or lighting conditions.
This enhances the user experience and aligns with platform guidelines from Apple and Google.
7. Use Elevation Tools Effectively
In dark-themed apps, elevation helps define visual hierarchy. Unlike Light Mode (where shadows work well), shadows are less visible in dark interfaces.
Instead, add light and brightness to elements on higher surfaces to create the illusion of depth. You can refer to Google’s Material Theming Guide for best practices.
Other Considerations for iOS 13-Based Dark-Themed Apps
Semantic Colors
Apple introduced semantic colors that adapt automatically to light or dark interfaces. These don’t have static RGB values but dynamically adjust to ensure consistency in text and background overlays.
Check Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines for more.
Blur and Vibrancy Effects
In Dark Mode, iOS offers 8 vibrancy and 4 blur effects that automatically adapt, giving your app a more elegant and layered feel.
SF Symbols
Apple’s SF Symbols offer over 1500 icons designed to look great in both light and dark environments — making them a valuable asset for modern UI (SF Symbols)
Designing Android-Friendly Dark Mode Apps
Dark Mode can significantly reduce battery usage, especially on OLED screens.
Based on Material Design 3, developers should:
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Use de-saturated colors.
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Keep color values between 50–400.
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Maintain a contrast ratio of at least 15.8:1.
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Ensure the background and text have high visual clarity.
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Respect opacity and hierarchy for readability and accessibility.
For more, check the official Material Design Dark Theme documentation.
What to Avoid in Dark Mode App Design
Avoid using Dark Mode for dropdowns, data tables, videos, and complex content types if they’re not optimized. Also:
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Don’t apply too many shades in dark backgrounds.
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Stick to minimalism.
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Be cautious while reusing light theme colors — improper inversion leads to poor readability.
Conclusion
Dark themes have become a mainstream design choice in 2025 for mobile apps. However, their implementation needs to be strategic and user-centered.
Avoid simply inverting colors from the light theme. Instead, collaborate with expert UI/UX professionals who understand the nuances of color theory, platform guidelines, and accessibility.
For more trends in UI/UX and mobile app development, check out our blog on Mobile App Design Trends and our Ultimate Guide to User Experience Design
