iPadOS 18 - Move Tab Bar to bottom

You can override the horizontal size class to .compact. The solution is so-so, but I haven't found a better one yet.

Example:

TabView {
...
}
.environment(\.horizontalSizeClass, .compact)

@guyfromnrt There isn't a recommended approach or API that reverts the TabView style. Please file an enhancement report asking for this behavior using Feedback Assistant and paste the FB number here.

Using the modifier
.environment(\.horizontalSizeClass, .compact) does work but it disables NavigationSplitView code so, if you only have Stack Views in your app, it’s fine; however, it’s not a viable option for me. I’m losing half of an active Search Bar (including its Cancel Button) under the left hand edge of a Tab Bar in Portrait orientation. The Search Bar sits below the Navigation Bar in Portrait orientation, avoiding any conflict with the Tab Bar, until it is activated. I wish it stayed put!

class CustomTabBarController: UITabBarController { override func viewDidLoad() { super.viewDidLoad()

    guard #available(iOS 18, *), UIApplication.shared.isPad else {
        return
    }
    
    // Setting the horizontal size class will force the tab bar
    // to be displayed at the bottom.
    traitOverrides.horizontalSizeClass = .compact
}

}

traitOverrides.horizontalSizeClass = .compact

Works but not if you want to see more than 4 tabs at the bottom.

traitOverrides.horizontalSizeClass = .unspecified

Works if you want to see more than 4 tabs at the bottom.