Dark mode’s rise from a rare UI experiment to a global design imperative reflects a deeper shift in user expectations—prioritizing comfort, accessibility, and energy efficiency across digital experiences. What began as a fragmented response in pre-2020 interfaces has evolved into a cohesive, platform-driven standard, with iOS 14’s bold launch acting as the pivotal catalyst. The Genesis of Dark Mode: Pre-2020 Fragmentation to Apple’s Innovation Before iOS 14, dark mode existed