For years, Google has offered Android phones unmatched customization. Each major update offers a new way to tweak the way your phone looks and works. With the Android 12 update, you can change every feature, right down to the colors of the app icons on your home screen. While customizable features are important, they can sometimes be overkill.
At Apple, simplicity is key, and most features appear the same on iPhones even if you update to the latest iOS version. But iPhones are expensive, and nobody wants to break the bank to go from Android to iOS. If you don’t want to make the change, here are five easy ways to recreate the iconic iPhone home screen on your device. You can also turn your iPhone into an Android in minutes.
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Can you make your Android look like an iPhone?
You can make your Android look like an iPhone with third-party launchers, icon packs, and themes from the Google Play Store. Currently, this is the only way to turn your Android into an iOS device. Apple software is developed specifically for its products, and the company has a closed ecosystem in which it retains full rights to the software. Therefore, they do not allow any transfer to other manufacturers. Also, you cannot download the software from websites or illegally jailbreak it.
However, iPhone launchers can change the look of your Android phone, but not how it works. Your default browser icon may change to Safari, but that doesn’t mean you have Apple’s browser on your phone now. If Chrome is your default browser app, you’ll still see this.
Third-party launchers, apps and themes from the Google Play Store do not require rooting or jailbreaking. However, they contain annoying ads that can interrupt your experience. Disabling their permission to draw over other apps is one way to block them on your Android device.
Some apps may require you to make a payment or donation to remove ads or access premium content. Additionally, launchers are limited to your home screen and lock screen and have no impact beyond that. Your settings and file manager menus remain the same. Download a theme to completely change the look of your Android device. Use the tips below to give your phone an iPhone makeover.
1. Use iPhone launcher
Launchers allow you to personalize your phone’s app gallery screen and home screen. You can change icons, add widgets, and rearrange the layout, among other things. Most launchers come with personalization settings for the lock screen, control center, and dynamic island if you’re lucky. You don’t need to download a separate app. If you need recommendations on which apps to use, Nova and Apex Launcher Pro are among the best Android launchers out there.
It is necessary to make third-party launchers your default homescreen app in order for them to work properly. If you decline, your phone will continually prompt you to choose your primary home screen or revert to the default settings. Also, you may need to disable the Digital Wellbeing app on your phone as it will reset your phone to the original home screen on some phones. Most launchers will ask you to grant them permissions and accept the terms and conditions after installation. The apps will then open automatically Default home app page so you can select it as your primary home screen.
2. Download themes and icon packs
Themes are styles or themes that change your phone’s user interface (UI), from the icons and wallpapers to the menus. The transformation may not be noticeable when your phone is in dark mode, so you need to disable it. On the other hand, launchers are apps that host your home screen and lock screen while also having built-in themes. They allow you to configure page transitions, layout, and quick settings. Also, you can add widgets to personalize screen performance.
If you don’t want a complete makeover of your home screen or user interface, go slow with icon packs. Icon packs only allow you to change your default icons to other styles, shapes, and colors. If you own one of the latest Samsung phones, you can download and change app icons from Galaxy Themes app. Other devices may need to use their native theme apps or the Google Play Store to download icon packs, themes and wallpapers. Still, no theme can change your main and quick settings menus to look like an iPhone.
4. Install iOS app lookalikes
Apple’s closed ecosystem makes it impossible to install iOS apps without jumping through some hoops. Although many websites claim to offer official iOS apps for download, we do not recommend installing them as they contain malware that can damage your device. But all hope is not lost. There are Apple app alternatives on the Play Store that can give you the illusion of using an iPhone and you can make them your default apps.
AirMessage is a good alternative to iMessage and has most of the features of iMessage. As for utility apps, dozens of calculators and clocks on the Play Store closely emulate the iOS versions. Apple Music is also officially available on the Play Store and comes with a cool pink widget for your home screen. However, you need an Apple ID to use the streaming platform.
5. Get a lock screen app
The iOS 16 update introduced features that closely rival Google’s Android 13, including lock screen widgets. You can now add widgets to your lock screen for quicker access and control, which isn’t possible on an Android. Google apps are available as iPhone lock screen widgets but not for Android.
To get widgets on your Android device’s lock screen, download an app from the Play Store. These apps don’t change your home screen or icons as they are designed for lock screens. Depending on the app you downloaded, you might be able to change your password or pattern style, date and time format, text size, lock tone, and more to resemble what an iPhone does.
6. Use Control Center and supporting touch apps
By default, Android phones have a quick settings panel, and if you swipe down from the top of the screen, you’ll access it. While you can’t entirely replace it with a Control Center app, you can configure the app to open similarly. For example, some apps allow you to swipe from the bottom, left, right, or top-right corner of your screen. Some Control Centers may include the iPhone Touch Assist button and you can move it to any position you like.
Although most control centers have provisions for screenshots and recordings, the feature doesn’t always work and your recordings can be corrupted. Some control centers may require you to download an in-app screen recorder or set an existing one as your default app in the center.
Enjoy free iOS style customization on your Android
Icon packs, themes and launchers are free alternatives to enjoy iOS features without buying a new iPhone. However, their use comes with limitations. While you might fool other people into thinking you’re holding an iPhone, the illusion doesn’t last long as your phone’s design remains the same – unless you have the Xiaomi 13 series or similar smartphone. Also, you won’t be able to use Siri, Apple Pay, and other features because Apple hasn’t opened up its app store to the world.
If you only know the Android ecosystem, it can be confusing to transfer your data and get used to the iOS layout. If the full iPhone experience is important to you, it’s worth considering getting an iPhone. Then switch from Android to iPhone with Google services. Also, there are online iPhone emulators to help you get acquainted with the new interface before you switch.
