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app-switcher

Invoke the device's app overview to inspect or change the foreground app. This alters the visible UI and may move focus from the current app.

Instructions

Open the device app switcher to inspect or change foreground apps. This changes the visible system UI and may move focus away from the current app.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
cwdNoWorking directory for command execution.
udidNoiOS device UDID selector.
debugNoEnable debug diagnostics.
runIdNoLease run identifier.
deviceNoDevice name selector.
serialNoAndroid device or Vega VVD serial selector.
targetNoAlias for deviceTarget on commands without a UI target field. Interaction commands reserve target for the UI element.
tenantNoRemote tenant identifier.
leaseIdNoExisting lease identifier.
sessionNoAgent-device session name.
noRecordNoDo not record this action.
platformNoPlatform selector used to resolve a device.
stateDirNoAgent-device state directory.
includeCostNoInclude per-command agent-cost (cost.wallClockMs, …) in structuredContent. Defaults to off; the default response shape is unchanged.
deviceTargetNoDevice target form. Maps to the CLI --target flag.
daemonBaseUrlNoRemote daemon base URL.
responseLevelNoResponse verbosity: token-cheap digest / default (today) / full. Defaults to default; the default response shape is unchanged.
daemonAuthTokenNoRemote daemon auth token.
iosXctestEnvDirNoWritable directory for iOS XCTest runner env overlays.
mcpOutputFormatNoMCP text content format. Defaults to optimized agent-friendly text; use json for JSON text. Structured content is always returned separately.
iosXctestrunFileNoExternally built iOS XCTest runner .xctestrun artifact path.
iosSimulatorDeviceSetNoiOS simulator device-set path used for device resolution.
androidDeviceAllowlistNoAndroid serial allowlist used for device resolution.
iosXctestDerivedDataPathNoDerived data path for external iOS XCTest runner execution.

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
actionYes
messageYes
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description fully discloses the key behavioral impact: it changes the visible system UI and may move focus away from the current app. This adequately warns the agent about side effects, earning full credit for transparency.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is two sentences, front-loaded with the primary action, and avoids redundancy with the schema. Every word earns its place, making it highly concise and well-structured.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

The description covers the tool's purpose and side effects adequately, and the output schema handles return values. However, it does not clarify that opening the app switcher merely presents the UI rather than performing a selection, nor does it mention platform applicability. This slight gap prevents a perfect score.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100% with detailed descriptions for all 24 parameters, so the baseline is 3. The description itself adds no parameter-specific guidance, but that is acceptable since the schema carries the semantic weight.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the action ('Open the device app switcher') and its purpose ('to inspect or change foreground apps'). This is a specific verb+resource pairing that distinguishes it from sibling tools like 'focus' or 'apps', which operate differently.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description gives a clear usage context—use this to inspect or change foreground apps via the system UI. However, it does not explicitly mention alternatives or when not to use it, so it falls short of a top score.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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