The gesture, commonly found on Apple’s mobile operating system, allows users to navigate backward through an application’s history. Initiated by swiping from the left edge of the screen toward the right, it provides a convenient method for returning to the previous page or screen within an application. For example, while browsing through search results in Safari, a left-to-right swipe enables moving back to the initial search results page.
This intuitive navigation method enhances user experience by providing a seamless and readily accessible way to undo actions and retrace steps within an app. Its implementation contributes significantly to ease of use, particularly in applications with complex hierarchical structures. Its introduction marked a shift towards more natural and gestural interaction paradigms in mobile operating systems, becoming a widely adopted convention.