Many users of smartphones based on Android periodically think about changing the visual style, wanting to adopt the aesthetic solutions of competitors. Particularly often, requests concern how to adapt a familiar system to the design iOS 14, which was recognized as one of the most harmonious and convenient in recent years. It is quite possible to implement such an idea without resorting to complex methods of flashing or obtaining root access.
The modern application market offers a wide range of tools for deep customization. You can change not only the appearance of the icons, but also the logic of the desktop, the notification shade, and even the lock screen. It is important to understand that a complete copy is impossible due to architectural differences in the system cores, but the visual illusion is achieved with amazing accuracy.
In this article we will analyze a step-by-step algorithm of actions that will allow you to get the desired result. We'll look at choosing the right launcher, installing theme packages, and fine-tuning gestures. Get ready for your smartphone to change beyond recognition, while maintaining all the functionality of your native operating system.
Selecting and installing the right launcher
The foundation of any transformation is the replacement of the standard shell with specialized launcher. It is this application that is responsible for displaying the desktop, dock panel and transition animations. For imitation iOS 14 the best solutions are those that copy the grid of icons and menu behavior.
One of the most popular options is considered Launcher iOS 14 from various developers in Google Play. Once installed, you must grant the app all requested permissions, including the right to be the default home screen. Without this step, the system will constantly return you to the native interface.
In the settings of the selected launcher, you should pay attention to the grid parameters. The original system from Apple uses a specific arrangement of elements that must be reproduced manually. Usually these are 4 or 5 icons in a row depending on the diagonal of your device's screen.
⚠️ Attention: Some free launchers may contain aggressive advertising that appears when you swipe left. Carefully study the reviews before installation so as not to spoil the impression of the new design.
It is also worth activating the function of hiding native icons if the launcher does not do this automatically. This will help avoid duplication of applications and keep your workspace clean. A high-quality launcher must support resizing folders and background transparency.
☑️ Preparing the launcher
Customizing icons and visual elements
Even with the right launcher, standard application icons Android will stand out from the overall style picture iOS. To solve this problem, there are special icon packs that replace hundreds of standard images with branded icons in the “squirtle” or “squirl” style.
The replacement process usually happens automatically when you apply a theme inside the launcher, but some applications may remain unchanged. In such cases, you have to manually assign shortcuts or use third-party utilities for bulk editing. It takes time, but the result is worth it.
It is also important to adjust the shape of the icons in the display settings of the smartphone itself. Many manufacturers, such as Samsung or Xiaomi, allow you to change the rounding of icon corners in the system menu. Choose the largest possible rounding for a perfect fit.
Use the "Show hidden apps" feature in the launcher settings to find system utilities that you want to hide for a clean interface.
Don't forget about the dock panel at the bottom of the screen. B iOS 14 it has a characteristic matte background blur. Make sure that your launcher supports the effect blur or translucency, and activate this option in the design section of the bottom panel.
Widgets and workspace organization
One of the main features of the update iOS 14 were widgets of a new format. They allow you to place useful information on your desktop in the form of tiles of different sizes. On Android this function is implemented through special widgets that come with the launcher or are downloaded separately.
To install a widget, you need to hold down an empty space on the desktop and select the appropriate menu item. In the widget library you will find clock, weather, calendar and batteries, stylized for Apple OS. The size of widgets can be changed by stretching their borders.
The organization of space requires adherence to a certain logic. Typically, large widgets are located at the top of the screen, and small ones at the bottom or in the middle. Try not to overload the interface, leaving “air” between elements to maintain aesthetics.
| Widget type | Recommended size | Placement | Functional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather | Large (2x2) | Upper part | Temperature, forecast |
| Calendar | Medium (2x1) | Middle of the screen | Date, events |
| Battery | Small (1x1) | Bottom | Device charge |
| Photo | Medium (2x1) | Any location | Slideshow |
Some widgets may require access to geolocation or contacts to work correctly. Grant the necessary permissions in the system settings, otherwise they will display stubs or erroneous data. This is critical for weather and map widgets.
Lock screen and Control Center
The lock screen is the first thing the user sees. To bring it closer to the style iPhone, you need to install a special replacement application (lockscreen). Such applications redraw the interface, adding a large clock in the center and characteristic flashlight and camera buttons.
The Control Center, called up by swiping down in the original, is Android emulated through applications like Control Center iOS 14. After installation, you need to configure the gesture trigger area. Usually this is the right side of the status bar, so as not to conflict with the notification curtain.
Inside the Control Center you can change the brightness, volume, turn on the flashlight and control music. The interface should be translucent with background blur. Check that the switch icons change color when activated, as in the original system.
⚠️ Warning: Lock screen apps may consume additional battery power as they run in the background. Monitor energy consumption in the first days of use.
It is also worth paying attention to the font of the clock. In iOS a specific style is used, which can be selected in the lock screen theme settings. If standard options are not suitable, there are applications for globally changing fonts in the system.
Navigation and animation gestures
Smooth transitions are a key feature of the ecosystem Apple. On Android you can achieve a similar effect by customizing navigation gestures. Ditch the buttons at the bottom of the screen in favor of full-screen controls in system settings.
Additional utilities may be required to simulate specific gestures, such as swiping home or switching applications. Some advanced launchers have built-in gesture emulators iOSthat intercept touches and perform the desired actions.
In the “For Developers” section you can find animation speed settings. Change the animation scale of windows, transitions and animator duration to 0.5x or even 0.25x. This will make the interface more responsive and faster, which is typical for optimized systems.
How to enable the developer menu?
Go to Settings → About phone → Tap the build number 7 times. After this, a new section “For Developers” will appear in the main menu.
Pay special attention to the animation of minimizing applications. Ideally, the window should shrink to an icon in the dock. It is difficult to implement this in a pure way without deep modification, but some launchers offer a simplified version of this effect. Android difficult without deep modification, but some launchers offer a simplified version of this effect.
Notifications and sound schemes
The style of notifications in iOS 14 differs in grouping and design. On Android You can use add-on applications that change the appearance of pop-up windows. They add a characteristic rounding and an application icon on the left.
Sound also plays an important role. Replace standard notification sounds and ringtones with files from the library iPhone. They can be found in the public domain and installed through the sound settings or using file managers.
The vibration response should be set to short and clear pulses if your smartphone supports high-quality tactile feedback. This will add a feeling of “premium” when interacting with the keyboard and interface.
A comprehensive approach to changing sounds and tactile feedback creates a holistic impression of using the device, even if visually there are minor inconsistencies.
Grouping notifications by application is enabled in the standard settings Android in the “Notifications” section. Activate this function to make the list in the curtain look more structured and similar to a competitor.
Frequently asked questions about styling
Is it safe to install third-party launchers?
Yes, installing launchers from the official store Google Play completely safe. They do not access your personal data without permission and do not negatively affect the operation of the system unless you grant them excessive rights.
Is it possible to return everything back if you don’t like it?
Of course. Just go to your phone's settings, find the "Default Applications" section and select your manufacturer's native launcher. After that, delete the downloaded applications for styling.
Why do some icons not change automatically?
This happens because the developer of a particular application did not provide an alternative icon in the icon pack. In such cases, you need to manually assign an icon through the launcher settings or use universal placeholders.
Does stylization affect the speed of the phone?
Minimal impact is possible, especially if the smartphone has little RAM. Heavy animations and constant work of widgets can increase battery consumption by 5-10% per day.