Demystifying Launch Screens, Splash Screens on Mobile Apps

(Photo by Mediamodifier on Unsplash)

You might have encountered the terms “launch screen” and “splash screen” and assumed they are interchangeable. Well, it’s not entirely wrong, but it’s not entirely right either.

Both terms refer to what is displayed on the screen while a mobile app is launching.

The short definitions

Launch Screen

It’s a term most commonly used in the iOS ecosystem. It used to be defined as images, one for each compatible screen size. Now, it is defined as a single, static screen. While it can display images, it cannot display dynamic content like localized text.

According to Apple’s Guidelines, a launch screen should not contain branding elements. Instead, it should serve as a lightweight version of the first ‘real’ screen that will be displayed when the app is fully loaded. Its purpose is to provide a smooth transition into the app and enhance the perception of a quick launch and immediate usability.

“A launch screen isn’t an onboarding experience or a splash screen, and it isn’t an opportunity for artistic expression. A launch screen’s sole function is to enhance the perception of your experience as quick to launch and immediately ready to use.”

Splash Screen

It is indeed a more generic term than “launch screen,” and it’s commonly used in the context of Android app development. Splash screens are often utilized to display branding elements such as logos and brand names. They can also serve the purpose of providing feedback to the user that the app is in the process of loading. During the display of a splash screen, the user typically cannot interact with the application, as it’s a transitional element used to manage the perception of loading time.

A platform story?

iOS:

The Launch screen is a mandatory component and should always be included in your iOS app. It’s a fundamental part of the user experience and provides a seamless transition into your app.

When it comes to the splash screen, it’s advisable to use it sparingly. Consider these scenarios:

• Data Requirements: If your application relies on fetching data before it can run, think about implementing a cached lazy loading approach. Display the old content as a grayed-out placeholder while fetching the up-to-date content. This minimizes the perception of waiting for the user.
• Branding Elements: While it’s tempting to showcase your branding elements on each app launch, it’s essential to balance this with the user experience. Consider displaying branding elements during onboarding or at strategic points within the app to avoid diminishing the overall user experience.

Android:

Android provides more flexibility, and using a splash screen is generally a good practice. It enhances the user experience and offers an opportunity to display branding elements or provide feedback that the app is loading.

However, it’s crucial to ensure that the splash screen is displayed for the shortest possible duration. This keeps the user engaged and maintains a sense of responsiveness.

In conclusion

While the use of these screens varies between iOS and Android, both serve vital purposes. The Launch screen in iOS is non-negotiable and sets the stage for the user’s journey, while the Android splash screen, when used thoughtfully, can enhance the overall user experience. The key is to strike a balance between branding and user engagement while keeping loading times as brief as possible.