Dock Badge
A Dock Badge is a small value on an app's Dock icon. It often shows a useful count even when the app's windows are closed.
A real example
A mail app shows three unread priority messages on its Dock icon. It clears the count after the messages are read.
Main parts
- 01State signal
- 02Human-readable message
- 03Timing or progress
- 04Recovery path
Use it when
Use it for a small count or status that needs action. It should still matter when every app window is closed or hidden.
Do not use it when
Do not show a vanity total, private value, or fast-changing system number. A badge should help someone decide whether to return to the app.
Name used in code
NSApplication.dockTile.badgeLabel Before you ship
Check the supported macOS versions and AppKit or SwiftUI integration. Check standard focus and keyboard behavior. Also check VoiceOver, Full Keyboard Access, window resizing, and multi-window state. When needed, check restore, localization, and reduced motion.
Outcome: Apply or review Dock Badge in a native macOS app without breaking platform rules. User context: A mail app shows three unread priority messages on its Dock icon. It clears the count after the messages are read. macOS concept or control: Dock Badge. Why it fits: Use it for a small count or status that needs action. It should still matter when every app window is closed or hidden. Do not use it when: Do not show a vanity total, private value, or fast-changing system number. A badge should help someone decide whether to return to the app. Platform requirements: List the supported macOS versions. Say whether AppKit or SwiftUI owns each part and how they connect. Define window, menu, focus, keyboard, saved state, restore, and multi-window behavior. Platform accessibility and resilience: Use the right accessibility APIs. Check VoiceOver and Full Keyboard Access. Support localization, contrast, and reduced motion when needed. Keep user state after a relaunch. Acceptance criteria: Check the behavior on supported macOS versions with a keyboard and VoiceOver. Window resizing, focus, state restore, and AppKit or SwiftUI integration work in the normal macOS way. Evidence and limits (evidence boundary): It is official for that source. Other platforms or teams may use the term in another way. Unknowns to confirm: Supported macOS versions, AppKit or SwiftUI structure, and window model. Also confirm sandbox and entitlement limits, save rules, and the accessibility goal.
Check this request
Review the current use of Dock Badge. Definition: A Dock Badge is a small value on an app's Dock icon. It often shows a useful count even when the app's windows are closed. Release checks: Check the supported macOS versions and AppKit or SwiftUI integration. Check standard focus and keyboard behavior. Also check VoiceOver, Full Keyboard Access, window resizing, and multi-window state. When needed, check restore, localization, and reduced motion. Before changing code, report the evidence you found, gaps, severity, and the smallest safe fix.