Using ChatGPT to setup Windsurf and Apple XCode for vibing a native iOS prototype

I asked ChatGPT…

I've opened a project root folder in Windsurf titled "PURE-EXPERIMENTAL-VIBE". it does not contain any files or folders. I am using a paid version of Cursor so I have access to a variety of coding agents and models.

##Goals
I want to use AI to build and design a native application using the Apple iOS design system
I want to adhere to Apple's Human Interface Guidelines and best practices
I want to establish rules and model specifications to ensure the engineering model I'm using has guard rails to build the code I request

What are the first steps I should take to achieving the goals outlined?

ChatGPT response…

Step 1: Define the Project Foundation
Inside PURE-EXPERIMENTAL-VIBE, create:

- README.md
Project overview for developers and AI tools; links all other docs

- PROJECT_OVERVIEW.md
Describes the app’s goals, platform targets, architecture, and design assumptions

- API_INTEGRATION.md
Explains how real (Supabase) and simulated (Bluetooth, QR, mock data) systems are used

- SUPABASE_INTEGRATION_GUIDE.md
Technical guide for integrating Supabase (auth, data, storage, view models)

- HIG_REFERENCE.md
Your interpretation of Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines for layout, navigation, and interaction

- GLASS_EFFECT_IMPLEMENTATION.md
Defines your reusable glass effects system and how/when to apply each one

- SEMANTIC_COLOR_MIGRATION_SUMMARY.md
A log of how you transitioned from custom colors to Apple’s semantic system

- DESIGN_SYSTEM.md
Enforces layout, spacing, color, materials, responsiveness, and accessibility for UI components

ChatGPT went on to suggest instructions for all of the .md files. Here’s what was suggested for the READ_ME.md file…

# PlayingAround – iOS Native App

**PlayingAround** is a native iOS app built with Swift and SwiftUI, designed around Apple’s **iOS 26 Human Interface Guidelines**. It enables users to create, manage, and transfer digital **Vehicle Passports** — structured records that capture a vehicle's static and dynamic history.

The app supports peer-to-peer networking for digital vehicle handoff via simulated **Bluetooth notifications** and **QR code scans**, and is backed by a live **Supabase** instance for data warehousing and authentication.

---

## Project Structure & Documentation

All project constraints, architectural assumptions, and design rules are documented and enforced through the following files:

### Core Docs (`/Docs/`)

| File                                  | Purpose                                                                 |
| ------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `PROJECT_OVERVIEW.md`                 | Defines architecture, SDKs, and app goals                               |
| `API_INTEGRATION.md`                  | Explains Supabase, mocked data, Bluetooth simulation, and QR flows      |
| `HIG_REFERENCE.md`                    | Interprets Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines (iOS 26) for this project |
| `SUPABASE_INTEGRATION_GUIDE.md`       | Developer guide to backend setup, auth, storage, and subscriptions      |
| `SEMANTIC_COLOR_MIGRATION_SUMMARY.md` | Historical record of semantic color migration and implementation impact |

### Visual System (`/Design/`)

| File               | Purpose                                                                 |
| ------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `DESIGN_SYSTEM.md` | Documents layout, component patterns, spacing rules, and visual styling |

These documents serve as the **source of truth** for developers, designers, and AI coding assistants (Cursor, Claude, GPT, etc.).

---

## AI/Assistant Usage Guidelines

Any AI agent or pair-programming assistant should:

* Use **Apple-native SwiftUI components only** unless otherwise specified
* Follow the rules in `Docs/HIG_REFERENCE.md` and `Design/DESIGN_SYSTEM.md`
* Support layout that adapts to **iPhone and iPad** in **portrait and landscape** orientations
* Prefer `.glassBackgroundEffect()` and other native iOS 26 materials
* Avoid using third-party libraries unless noted in `PROJECT_OVERVIEW.md`
* Avoid custom UI controls when a native SwiftUI solution exists

Reference comments may be placed at the top of view files to reinforce expectations:

```swift
// Reference: Docs/HIG_REFERENCE.md and Design/DESIGN_SYSTEM.md
// Constraints:
// - Use Apple-native SwiftUI controls
// - Follow iOS 26 Human Interface Guidelines
// - Avoid custom or third-party components unless explicitly allowed
```

---

## Current Prototype Status

* Supabase integrated for auth and vehicle data
* QR and Bluetooth interactions simulated
* Glass material views tested on iPhone 16 Pro (393x852)
* Local caching pending
* UI state loading refinements in progress

---

> This project evolves with Apple’s platform updates. For guidance, always consult the latest versions of the markdown files in `/Docs/` and `/Design/`.

…here are the instructions ChatGPT provided for the HIG_REFERENCE.md file…

HIG_REFERENCE.md

This document defines the design and development expectations for this app, which targets iOS 26 (public beta of iOS 18), using SwiftUI and Apple’s native iOS UI components.

Reference:
https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines
https://developer.apple.com/documentation/swiftui/view/glassbackgroundeffect/

Project Intent

This is a native iOS application using only Apple’s official SwiftUI controls, built to comply with the latest Human Interface Guidelines and optimized for the Liquid Glass UI introduced in iOS 26.
	•	Use Apple-native layout patterns — no custom navigation or component libraries
	•	Prioritize clarity, depth, deference, and accessibility
	•	Incorporate Liquid Glass styling using .glassBackgroundEffect() where appropriate
	•	Target iPhone 16 Pro layout (393x852) as default preview resolution
	•	Respect all system standards for font scaling, semantic colors, and material rendering
	•	Use semantic text styles and accessibility modifiers (e.g., accessibilityLabel)
	•	Use the entire available set of Apple-native SwiftUI components where applicable — including but not limited to TabView, List, Form, NavigationStack, Chart, Map, Gauge, Picker, and others

Core Principles

Apple’s design language follows three key principles:
	•	Clarity – Interfaces are precise and easy to understand
	•	Deference – UI supports the content without overpowering it
	•	Depth – Transitions and visual hierarchy reinforce navigation and context

Layout & Navigation

Adaptive Layout Requirements
	•	All views must adapt seamlessly to both portrait and landscape orientations
	•	Support compact and regular size classes — especially when transitioning between iPhone and iPad
	•	Use SwiftUI’s layout system (GeometryReader, .containerRelativeFrame(), adaptiveStack, etc.) to avoid fixed positioning
	•	Test across devices (e.g., iPhone 16 Pro, iPad Air, iPad Mini) in both orientations to ensure consistent spacing, alignment, and visual hierarchy
	•	Use SwiftUI-native containers: NavigationStack, TabView, Form, List
	•	Apply system spacing and safe areas using padding(), Spacer(), and .containerRelativeFrame()
	•	Avoid absolute positioning or fixed frames
	•	Support modal and sheet-based presentation with system transitions
	•	Use adaptive layouts that work in both compact and regular environments

Visual Style (iOS 26 UI + Liquid Glass)
	•	Use .glassBackgroundEffect() for surfaces and system containers (iOS 26+ only)
	•	Always wrap iOS 26-specific features in:

if #available(iOS 26, *) {
  // iOS 26 UI logic
}



Light & Dark Mode Support
	•	All views must support automatic theme switching
	•	Use only semantic colors (.primary, .background, .label, etc.)
	•	Avoid hardcoded Color.white or Color.black
	•	Maintain contrast with subtle border color shifts (~15% opacity) depending on mode
	•	Blur and shadow effects must appear native and consistent across modes

Accessibility

System Spacing Utility

Use the SystemSpacing view for consistent vertical gaps between views. This utility wraps a native Spacer(minLength: 8) to promote semantic spacing aligned with system layout rhythm.

SystemSpacing()

Avoid arbitrary spacing values like .padding(.top, 13) unless explicitly required for alignment or by Apple’s design documentation.
	•	Use Dynamic Type with Text roles like .title2, .body, .caption
	•	Implement accessibilityLabel, accessibilityValue, and accessibilityHint where appropriate
	•	Avoid fixed sizing or positioning that disrupts screen reader behavior

Avoid
	•	Third-party component libraries unless explicitly approved (e.g., Swift Charts is allowed)
	•	Custom shadows or blur that override system behavior
	•	Overuse of ZStack for layout layering
	•	Fixed positioning or hardcoded frame sizes

⸻

This document evolves with iOS 26 releases. Refer to Apple’s latest Human Interface Guidelines for new updates.

I tell ChatGPT I’m ready to start coding in Cursor

let's start generating some views in Windsurf. should I first ask the Windsurf agent to setup the default, out-of-the-box, styles according to Apple's interface guidelines? should I ask the agent to compose a screen? what should I do first?

ChatGPT response…

First Move: Ask the Agent to Scaffold a Native App Shell
Before composing a screen or writing styles, start with a scaffolded SwiftUI app that:
	1.	Uses Apple’s default navigation and app structuring
	2.	Organizes folders by MVVM (Models, Views, ViewModels)
	3.	Follows your .cursor/rules (HIG, SwiftUI, Accessibility, etc.)

A few more prompts and I was able to build-out four views and a working main navigation bar.