Apple’s WWDC 2024 keynote was a blast, unveiling exciting new features for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, many powered by Apple Intelligence. But beyond the AI highlights, there were significant changes to the iPhone’s home screen that have me excited. Here’s why I can’t wait to make my iPhone look more like Android with iOS 18.
New App Icon Themes
One thing I’ve always loved about Android is its customization options, especially for app icons. While iOS 18 doesn’t have a full theme shop, it does introduce new themes for app icons: Light, Dark, Automatic, and Tinted.
- Light: The standard look.
- Dark: A dark mode theme.
- Automatic: Switches between Light and Dark based on your dark mode settings.
- Tinted: Lets you choose custom colors for your icons.
I’m a fan of dark mode and have been using custom dark-themed icons. With iOS 18’s new dark mode default, I might go back to default icons because they look sleek, especially for Apple’s native apps. The Tinted feature isn’t perfect—some users have noted issues with low contrast and unwanted black backgrounds—but it’s great to have more customization options.
Flexible Home Screen Layout
iOS 18 brings more flexibility in arranging apps and widgets on the home screen. Unlike before, you can now create empty spaces, columns, and rows between apps and widgets, similar to Android.
This means you can organize your home screen exactly how you want without using workarounds. I’m looking forward to redesigning my home screen, moving my most-used apps to the bottom for easier one-handed access, and reducing clutter to better showcase my wallpaper.
Customizable Lock Screen Shortcuts
For years, iPhone users have been stuck with fixed lock screen shortcuts for the flashlight and Camera app. iOS 18 changes this, allowing you to customize these shortcuts. The Control Center also gets a redesign, letting you place your favorite controls wherever you want.
Developers can now create controls for their apps to use in the Control Center, on the lock screen, or even with the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
Embracing More Customization
While iOS 18’s customization options might not be as extensive as Android’s, they represent a big step forward for Apple. More customization means more choice for users, allowing us to make our devices truly our own.
Some people might not like iOS starting to resemble Android, but these features are optional. If you prefer the traditional look, you can stick with it. If you’re like me and love customization, you’re in for a treat.
Apple is finally giving its users more control over their iPhones, and I can’t wait to take full advantage of these new features in iOS 18.