January 26, 2025
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By Kaley Morgan
Apple’s Onboarding Flows: What Startups Can Actually Steal
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Apple is famous for creating seamless product experiences, and their onboarding flows are no exception.
From iPhone setup to app tutorials, Apple turns what could be confusing into something intuitive, polished, and even enjoyable. For startups, there’s a lot to learn from how Apple introduces new users to their ecosystem.
"Good onboarding isn’t just about showing features — it’s about making people feel at home inside your product.”
Julie Zhuo
Author of The Making of a Manager & Former VP of Product Design at Facebook
Lessons Startups Can Steal from Apple
Simplicity First
Apple reduces onboarding steps to the absolute essentials, cutting out friction wherever possible.Progressive Disclosure
Instead of overwhelming users, Apple introduces features gradually, only when they’re needed.Visual Cues + Motion
Subtle animations and transitions guide the user’s eye, making each step feel natural.Consistency Across Devices
Whether you’re on iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the onboarding feels familiar, reinforcing trust.Emotional Touchpoints
Apple doesn’t just explain — it celebrates milestones (like “Welcome to your new iPhone”) to create delight.Rooted deeply in the brand’s core values and vision, the identity unfolds as a compelling visual narrative that tells their story with clarity and purpose.Startups don’t need Apple’s budget to design better onboarding. By focusing on clarity, timing, and delight, you can reduce churn and make users feel invested from day one. And when you’re ready to elevate your experience beyond DIY flows, studios like KaleHaus specialize in crafting onboarding systems that actually convert.
