Do you like the aesthetics of iOS and want it on your Android? Well you're in luck. In this post we bring you a list with the best launchers that is in the Google Play Store for you to personalize your smartphone in the purest style of the bitten apple.
Whenever the advantages of Android over the iPhone are discussed, the topic of customization It's something that comes up for debate. It's true that in the most recent versions of iOS, customization has improved considerably on Apple devices, with widgets, icon changes, and new lock screens, but it still doesn't reach the level of what we can do thanks to the customization apps that we have available on Android.
With a few tweaks and the right launcher, your mobile can have home screen without app drawer, rounded icons in the iPhone style, control center, iOS-style widgets, lock screen with similar notifications and up application libraryalways keeping the Android system underneath, without root and without complicated configurations.
What is a launcher?
A launcher is the application that our smartphone uses to show us the operating systemIn other words, it's the skin we can dress Android in. All brands use a launcher on their smartphones, the famous ones layers of customization, to differentiate itself from the rest, but there are also many independent developers who create different appearances for us to use on our devices, such as Apolo Launcher.
Simply put, a launcher handles elements such as the starting screen, the app drawer, navigation gestures, transitions or the shape and arrangement of the icons. By changing the launcher, You don't change the operating systemonly its appearance and part of its visual behavior.
In the case of iPhone-style launchersThe goal is to make your Android look as much like an Apple device as possible: no app drawer, icons aligned in a grid, smooth animations, slider control centeriOS-inspired widgets and even lock screens and notifications very similar.
The best thing about these launchers is that you can install and uninstall them whenever you want: if you're not convinced, you can go back to the original launcher from [link missing]. Settings > Apps > Default Apps and you select your brand's launcher. They do not modify internal files. They don't require root access, so it's a safe way to experiment with iOS aesthetics.
Advantages of using an iPhone-style launcher on Android
Before getting to the list, it's worth reviewing some of the main advantages to transform the look of your Android into something very similar to an iPhone:
- visual elegance: iOS design is characterized by its clean lines, polished icons, and smooth animations. A good iOS launcher replicates that look. premium on your Android.
- Smart organization: Many of these launchers include AppLibrary or app libraries by category, automatic grouping of icons and folders in the iOS style.
- Simplicity of use: Most opt for an interface without an app drawer and with very intuitive gestures, ideal if you're coming from an iPhone and want feel “at home” on Android.
- Without touching the system: The entire change is visual, so there are no deep modifications, root permissions are not required, and you can go back at any time.
- Ideal for content creators: If you record tutorials, reviews, or upload videos to social media, an Android with an iPhone-like appearance can give you a added visual appeal onscreen.
However, almost all of them share two characteristics: in-app advertising and the need to grant various permissions (notifications, accessibility, screen overlay…) so that they can display control center, animations and widgets properly.
The best iPhone launchers for Android
Now is the time for us to talk about best customization apps to make your Android become an iPhone, at least in aesthetics.
Before we begin, it should be added that many of these apps have advertising and some will require the installation of other complementary apps (for example, for the control center or lock screen) to complete the transformation into an iPhone. In return, they are usually free and very easy to set up.
IOS 14 Launcher
This app has more than 10 million It has a download number on the Google Play Store and a rating of 4,8 stars.
This launcher transforms our smartphone into an iPhone in a rather spectacular way, by installing the original iOS-style icons, adding the widgets page and even allowing the installation of official widgets on the screen of the latest version that mimics Apple's system.
This is one of the highest rated, but it is also the only one on the list that will require us to download extra applications to access extras like the iOS-style control center. It also allows us to configure other settings such as icon pack that we want to use, if we want to use a light or dark theme or icon size.
Furthermore, it replicates the home screen without app drawerIt groups apps into folders in the classic iOS style and allows you to activate notification badges about the icons. Swiping right lets you access the widgets panel, while custom gestures let you open search, control center, or the notification screen.
The only bad thing about this launcher is that it has enough publicity And it will appear every time we access the settings or change something. Even so, while using it on a daily basis, the experience is usually smooth and visually very similar to that of an iPhone.
iPhone Launcher
You have more than 10 million of downloads and a rating of over 4,6 stars.
This second alternative that we propose is simpler and more completeIt won't require you to install another app for a complete transformation of your Android into an iPhone. It works just as well and smoothly as the Apple device it's based on.
The app contains ads, and they'll appear when you change some settings. You can Remove advertising with a $2 a year subscription or $12 a month.
Some main features that have this option are:
- All in one: iOS-style home screen, notification center, control center, lock screen, touch assistance, and more.
- Smart search by swiping from the center of the screen.
- Smart Group and automatic application organization.
- Icon customization and the possibility of applying other compatible packs.
- Custom status bar with indicators similar to those of the iPhone.
- Swipe gestures to display the notification bar like iPhone X or newer models.
This launcher also incorporates a AppLibrary Similar to current iPhones, where apps are automatically grouped into categories, helping to keep your home screen tidy even if you have many apps installed. It also includes dark mode and several iOS-inspired backgrounds to complete the look.
Phone 12 Launcher-iLauncher
With more than 10 million With downloads and a 4,6-star rating, this launcher also doesn't need any extra applications to completely transform your mobile phone to make it look like an Apple device.
It still has advertising, which will appear when accessing its settings, and can be removed through payment or subscription depending on the options offered by each version.
Its defining characteristic is the power customize the navigation bar to make it resemble the iPhone's, adding gestures from the bottom to switch between apps, go to the home screen, or open the control center.
Some main features that have this option are:
- Smart search: search screen with smart downward swipe.
- Lock screen display support with access code and pattern lock.
- iOS style search to find apps and content quickly.
- iOS-inspired control center, accessible from the bottom or top edge depending on your configuration.
- Quick tasksShortcuts and one-touch functions to save time.
This launcher is specially designed for those who want navigation gestures similar to those on the iPhonebecause it perfectly replicates the experience of swiping to switch apps or return to the home screen. It also allows you to adjust the number of rows and columns in the grid, the level of background blurring and transitions between screens.
iOS 14 launcher
With more than 100 thousand downloads and a rating of 4,4 stars, this app is the most customizable on this list, even being able to simulate that we have the famous Face ID-type notch at the top of the screen.
The worst thing about this app is that the advertising It jumps more than the rest of the launchers on this list and ends getting a little tiredespecially when entering the settings menus.
Some main features that have this option are:
- Dark mode for the entire launcher interface.
- iOS Style Folder with blurred background and rounded edges.
- Weather and suggestions widget in the style of Apple's "Today" screen.
- Customizable icons with the possibility of applying other packages.
- Application notification notified through badges on the icons.
This launcher is ideal if you want a look very close to iOS, but at the same time you're interested in adjust many visual detailsText size, icon shape, simulated notch curves, blur effects, etc. It's one of the apps that offers the most options for customizing the iPhone style to your personal taste.
IOS 14 Launcher
With more than 100 thousand downloads and a rating of 3,9 stars, this launcher offers us a complete transformation of our Android without needing to use any external application. It's true that it lacks some fluidity, but it includes:
- The main change from the home screen to a friendly user interface with the row and column icon.
- Folder design like an iOS with rounded content area and blur behind.
- El notification count It will be displayed as a badge on the app icon.
- Scroll down to display the search and predictions screen, allowing you to search for more content such as maps, web and stores.
- Los Widgets are collected on page zero and it's easy to scroll left from the homepage.
It has advertising when you modify something in the launcher's settings and It has no payment methodIt's a good option if you want a light launcher It mimics the basic aesthetics of iOS without too many additional complications, although it falls somewhat behind in fluidity compared to other alternatives on the list.
OS14 Launcher, Control Center, App Library and OS14
With more than 500 thousand downloads and with a 4,5-star rating, we are looking at one of the better alternatives to transform your smartphone. It's true that by default the makeover won't be complete, especially due to some icons, but it offers us a multitude of customization possibilities to make it perfect. Even so, it's a good mix of both worlds and it works very smoothly.
It has ads and several premium options to remove them and access the full potential of this system launcher. Its strengths include:
- AppLibrary very similar to that of the iPhone, with apps organized into categories.
- Customizable control center, where you can choose which shortcuts are displayed.
- Clock, weather, and calendar widgets inspired by iOS and fully functional.
- Advanced gestures to lock the phone, open the camera, or launch a search.
It's an excellent alternative if you want a profound visual change but with room to adapt icons, gestures, and transitions to your liking, without sacrificing good performance in mid-range mobiles.
iOS Launcher “Type 16” and experience for users coming from iPhone
If you have had for a while iPhonebut due to different circumstances You need to switch to a mobile phone that uses Android.At first, it can be difficult to adapt to the configuration and customization of these devices.
However, if you like the iPhone interface There are ways to apply the iPhone aesthetic to the menus of our Android devices. To do this, we can use the well-known launcher that mimic the latest versions of iOS, sometimes under names like IOS 16 Launcher or similar.
The launchers These are apps that allow us greater a large number of customizations, both aesthetic and functional. within our devices. One of those launchers used to achieve that iPhone look is called, for example, iOS 16 Launcher or equivalent versions that follow the same philosophy.
Once downloaded to our device we will have that accept all associated permissionsand select it as the default startup app. This will make your phone display that appearance when you return to the home screen.
We can even activate the famous notifications on dynamic island in launcher models that support them. To do this, we again need to enable a series of permissions so that messages can be overlaid on our screen, alerts can be displayed around the front camera, or animations can be played when we receive calls or important notifications.
Once all permissions are enabled, All that remains is to arrange the different screens as we wishAll the icons for the applications present will be similar to those of Apple's operating system. We can also incorporate all iOS widgets or inspired by them to personalize the screen. Your device will still run on an Android operating system. For example, when you tap the App Store icon, common on iPhones, you'll actually be entering the Google Play Store.
It's a good way to not give up an iPhoneYou can combine both realities to get the most out of your device: the design and visual simplicity of iOS with the flexibility and variety of Android.
How iOS launchers work for Android and what you can expect
While iOS users are changing iPhone icons to personalize it as much as possible, in recent generations of Android, icons have become increasingly popular. iOS-style launchersAs usual, on Android you can customize your home screen launchers, and some of them are becoming very popular on the Play Store.
Many of these launchers work similarly: when you install them and activate them as default, They replace the home screen and the system's behavior with respect to the desktop and apps. They copy key elements from iOS such as:
- Home screen without drawerwith all apps visible.
- Rounded icons with soft shadows and shine.
- fluid animations when opening and closing applications.
- Control center with quick access to WiFi, brightness, Bluetooth, music, etc.
- iPhone-style widgets clock, weather, calendar or battery.
- Lock screen with centered clock and iOS-style notifications.
- AppLibrary or automatically organized application library.
The internal behavior remains Android, so even though you see a Safari or App Store icon, they will actually open browsers and stores compatible with AndroidThe objective is purely visual and for comfort, without altering the basis of the system.
Practical example: customize your Android in iOS style with Launcher iOS 14
We're going to tell you about Launcher iOS 14, an app that has over a million downloads, is quite lightweight, and has a rating of 4,6 out of 5 stars. With this launcher we can customize Android in the style of iOSa quick and easy process.
Launcher iOS 14 does exactly what its name suggests: it lets you customize Android with the classic look of Apple's system. Downloading and applying the launcher will completely change the launcher's interface. without an app drawer and with apps scattered across the desktopIt's interesting that this launcher allows the function of auto rearrangeso that the apps are automatically placed in their slots.
It also has the iOS-style widget panelTherefore, if we swipe right, we'll have access to a screen where we can place different widgets, all with the same iOS interface. We also have the option to customize your own launcherWe can change the size of the icons, hide applications, activate the badges notifications, etc. It's not as customizable as Nova Launcher, but it's quite complete.
The drawback of this launcher is that, when you enter its menus, it displays advertising; the price to pay for this alternative that can be downloaded for free. It doesn't show ads while we're using it.Therefore, there is no major problem during daily use.
Quick installation and compatibility guide
In general, all these iPhone-style launchers share a basic installation method and similar requirements. Although each app has its own nuances, the process usually involves these steps:
- Download the launcher from Google Play or, if it is not available, from a reputable and secure source.
- Install the app and open it for the first time to complete the initial wizard.
- When the system asks, set the launcher as default for the home screen.
- Grant permissions Key: notifications, accessibility, and screen overlay, if requested, for control center, widgets, and animations to work.
- Customize basic settings: wallpapers, icon grid, dark mode, gestures and screen layout.
In terms of compatibility, most of these launchers work well on devices with:
- Android 7.0 or higher (in many cases, even previous versions).
- 2 GB of RAM or more to ensure smooth animations and widgets.
- Mid-range processor or betterespecially if you activate many visual effects.
Brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, Huawei, Realme, Oppo, Tecno, and Infinix are usually fully compatible. If your phone is an entry-level model, you can disable unnecessary animations and effects inside the launcher so that it runs more smoothly.
Reasons to change the look of your Android to iPhone style
One of the strengths of the iPhone is in the software aesthetics And that's why it's not surprising that many people want Turn your Android phone into an iPhone with iOSAt least on the surface. To achieve this, it's as simple as installing a launcher that modifies the appearance and gives us that desired style.
Among the most common reasons for taking this step are:
- Look for a more organized interface, without an app drawer, with everything in direct access.
- Missing iOS after having used an iPhone for a long time.
- Customize Android to the max no need for root or complex changes.
- Unify the experience if several Apple and Android devices coexist in the home.
- Create visually appealing content for social media and videos.
Meanwhile, if you're searching on Google Play, you'll find many apps that claim to deliver the same results as what you'd see on an Apple phone. Unfortunately, that's not always the case, or at least not in the way you'd like. Sometimes the appearance isn't what you expected, and other times the problems arise for other reasons, such as the appearance of... pop-up windows repeatedly that spoil the experience.
That's why choosing is so important highly rated launchers, with many downloads and positive comments, like the ones we have compiled above.
Tips for choosing and configuring your iOS launcher
Downloading a launcher is just the first step. To get the most out of any of these apps, it's a good idea to follow a few guidelines. setup tips inspired by the experience of advanced users:
- Use iOS-inspired wallpapers to complete the look. Many launchers include them by default in their gallery.
- Add useful widgets such as weather, clock, battery and calendar on the first or second screen, as in current iPhones.
- Organize your most used apps at the bottom of the screen, next to the dock, for quick access.
- Activate dark mode If your launcher allows it, to achieve a cleaner interface and reduce eye strain.
- Disable excessive animations if your mobile phone is low-end or you notice slight jerks when scrolling.
- Always check the permissions that the launcher requests and be wary of those who ask for unnecessary access to sensitive data.
If at any point you want to return to the original launcher, simply go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps and select your brand's launcher. You won't lose any data or photos in the process, because the change only affects the visual layer.
Is it safe to use a launcher that mimics iOS?
A very common question is whether these types of apps are truly safe. In general, the Play Store launchers which have many downloads and good ratings They do not represent a risk provided they are used with common sense.
This type of applications does not access sensitive personal information on its own. such as bank passwords, nor does it make internal modifications to the system. Even so, it's always advisable to:
- Download only from secure sites, preferably Google Play.
- Read recent reviews if you resort to an alternative store.
- Review permissions that the launcher requests before installing or granting them.
- Avoid unknown launchers that they request access that doesn't make sense for an app of this type.
They don't require root access or system unlocking. You can uninstall them at any time and revert to your previous launcher without losing data, beyond the desktop icon layout.
Frequently asked questions about iPhone launchers for Android
Finally, we compiled some of the most frequent doubts When installing and using an iOS-style launcher on Android:
Does it consume a lot of battery?
Most of these launchers are optimized to run smoothly without significantly impacting battery life. If your phone is on a budget, disable advanced effects and resource-intensive widgets.
Can I revert to my phone's original launcher?
Yes. Just go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and select your previous launcher (for example, One UI, MIUI, EMUI, etc.).
Are they updated automatically?
If you install from the Play Store, they will receive regular updates with stability improvements, new features and bug fixes.
Do they work with navigation gestures?
In the vast majority of cases, yes. They allow you to use both Android-style gestures and iPhone-style gestures, depending on your preference.
Are they useful for creating content?
Yes. An Android that looks like an iPhone can be very useful for those who do tutorials, reviews, or short videos on social media and want to enhance the device's on-screen aesthetics.
IPhone Icon Pack for Android
Another alternative to using a launcher is to use icon pack to make them more similar to those on Apple smartphones. Almost all native Android launchers already allow you to modify the shape of the icons, so this option can be the quickest and easiest in many cases.
Icon packs don't change the home screen or add a control center or widgets, but they do allow you to the entire icon collection Adopt a uniform style, with rounded corners, similar colors, and a look very close to iOS. They're ideal if you want something light and unobtrusive.
iOS 13 Icon Pack & Theme 2020
This app will allow us modify our icons to the iOS style This is done automatically, provided you have a compatible launcher that allows you to apply icon themes. It includes a large number of icons adapted for the most popular apps and, in many cases, wallpapers that match the pack's color palette.
iOS 11 Style - Icon Pack
The downside of this app is that you'll need one of compatible launchers For a complete transformation, it's a great option to give your smartphone a fresh, Apple-inspired look. It offers icons with a more classic design, perfect if you're drawn to the style of previous iOS versions.
iUX 12 - icon pack
Similar to the other two, this option is compatible with most Android launchers worldwide and achieves an instant change, giving your mobile a tap on iPhone fresh out of the Apple StoreIt's perfect if you're looking for a balanced pack between minimalism and color, without having to change the entire launcher.
As you can see, the Google Play Store offers a wide variety of options to make your Android device look like an iPhone, whether with full launchers that replicate the experience almost in detail or with lightweight icon packs These updates only change the visual aspect of the apps. In most cases, you'll have to put up with some advertising or pay a small fee to remove it, but in return, you get a profound transformation without needing to buy a new phone or give up the advantages of Android.
