For years, I’ve maintained a minimalistic iOS home screen: two or three rows of icons at the top, arranged aseptically with three apps in the dock. Despite Apple’s advancements in hardware, its reluctance to allow extensive home screen customization has been a frustration for many users, including myself.
I’ve often looked at Android’s customizable home screens with envy. As a dedicated iPhone user since its first release, I’ve longed for the ability to add flair to my home screen, a feature Android users have enjoyed for years. While widgets in iOS 14 were a step in the right direction, they still didn’t offer the flexibility I desired.
iOS 18: Breaking Mold
With iOS 18, Apple has finally broken mild, offering users tools to easily customize its app icons without jailbreaking or using Siri Shortcuts. the new tinting tool allows you to make all your apps the same general color, and icons can dim in dark mode. Additionally, you can place app icons anywhere on the screen, making them more accessible or better fitting your wallpaper.
This newfound freedom allowed me to create my dream minimalist home screen. Here’s how I did it:
- Gray Tinting: I immediately made my app icons grey to match my wallpaper. This choice adds friction, making it harder to waste time on my phone.
- Repositioning Apps: I moved my apps from top to bottom of the screen, making them easier to reach on my iPhone 12 Mini. This is particularly useful for larger phones like Plus or Pro Max models.
- Hiding Labels: I hid app labels, resulting in a cleaner look. I even removed the search button from above the dock for a text-free screen.
Simplifying My Digital Life
se changes have streamlined my digital life. New apps appear at the top, reminding me to air organize m, move m to App Library, or delete m. This aligns with my goal to keep as few apps on my phone as possible.
Moreover, I utilized iOS 18’s new Control Center features to make my phone less distracting. I added a native toggle for the Color Filters accessibility setting, turning my screen grayscale. This visual cue discourages phone use, although I can temporarily disable it to view photos in color.
Embracing Personalization
While my setup might seem dull or irritating, it’s a reflection of my choices and preferences. Apple’s new tools in iOS 18 allow for a level of personalization that was previously unattainable. This update is poised to unleash a wave of unique and creative home screens when it becomes available to the public this fall.
For those interested in exploring iOS 18’s features further, I recommend checking out CNET’s detailed guide and Apple’s official announcement.
Conclusion
iOS 18 home screen customization options are a game changer for iPhone users. se features not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our devices but also offer practical benefits, such as improved accessibility and reduced distractions. As Apple continues to refine iOS 18, users can look forward to an even better and more personalized experience upon its official release.
- Apple’s public beta of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 introduces hundreds of new features to ithe Phone and iPad Notebookcheck.net
- Apple is finally embracing Android’s chaos The Verge
- iOS 18 Beta: This Hidden Feature Is Key to Customizing Your iPhone’s Controls CNET
- My 4 favorite iOS 18 features make the iPhone a lot better, and more fun ZDNet
- You can bring messages to life in iOS 18 with Text Effects — here’s how they work Tom’s Guide
