This is a different discussion since Rails doesn't come with such an option either. But I think you're hitting on two different, yet very related, issues here.

This is a different discussion since Rails doesn't come with such an option either. But I think you're hitting on two different, yet very related, issues here. 1. Browsers have a very limited set of standard UI components 2. Browsers are held back by the decades long, uninterrupted chain of backwards-compatibility Both of these things are true. Back in the day, browsers forced more convention and design on elements (alert, select, input, list, textarea, etc), though developers weren't happy with the pace of innovation and design choices offered by the browsers so they began looking at alternative ways to implement the same thing. Eventually the browsers loosened up the restrictions and allowed styling of most of these elements in almost any way you like (though there still are issues). The great thing about the web is that you are allowed to do this. You have the freedom to build things anyway you like. Of course, that comes with drawbacks like you've pointed out above. iOS is great because it provides a standard framework and approach to implement all of the things you outlined above. Though at the same time, you are limited to UX decisions that Apple deems "correct." I own an iPhone and Macbook and I wouldn't want it any other way at the OS-level. But the web is the one platform we have where you don't have to abide by anyone's rules. The whole industry can iterate on approaches and the best ideas win. I like this world. I know it's not for everyone, but we don't have any other platform with such reach and freedom from any one company making the rules.