Can I use Apple artwork in my iPhone app?

Question

In my app, I want to give the user the opportunity to add some comments to a listed item. Rather than showing a "add comments" button, I want to show a little icon. Being lazy, but also, using the visual language of a Mac user, I would like to use the the icon of the TextEdit application. What would Apple think of this? Obviously, I could design something myself, but that is another topic.

Answer 1

Yes!!! You CAN use their icons and they encourage it:

https://developer.apple.com/ios/human-interface-guidelines/graphics/system-icons/

System Icons

iOS provides lots of small icons—representing common tasks and types of content—for use in navigation bars, tab bars, toolbars, and Home screen quick actions. It’s a good idea to use these built-in icons as much as possible because they're familiar to people.

Provide alternative text labels for icons. Alternative text labels aren’t visible onscreen, but they let VoiceOver audibly describe what's onscreen, making navigation easier for people with visual impairments.

Answer 2

I would absolutely stay away from this. Since apple runs the approval process for iPhone apps they might reject your app for infringing on what would probably be copyright or trademarked work.

From a visual perspective, I do not think the TextEdit icon would be best for an "add comments" icon. It seems too general. I think your best bet would be to design something yourself or find a royalty free image online.

Answer 3

Apple rejected an update to my application because this icon (center), drawn by a designer for me and having no copyright whatsoever by Apple, depicts an iPhone.

I wouldn't push your luck. Stay far away from Apple's IP.

Answer 4

I believe this would be copyright infringement unless you had written permission from Apple. They have a copyright and trademark policy posted.