Many users of smartphones based on Android often wonder whether it is possible to configure a popular social network so that it looks and works the same as on devices from Apple. The desire to get “VK like on an iPhone for Android” arises due to the habit of a specific arrangement of elements, fonts, or simply for aesthetic reasons. The iOS interface is really distinguished by smooth animations and a specific menu layout, which many consider more convenient.
Unfortunately, the developers VKontakte did not provide an official “Make like on iPhone” button in the mobile application settings. The architecture of app codes for different operating systems differs significantly, so complete cloning of the interface of one platform to another is technically impossible without installing third-party software. However, there are a number of legal ways to bring the appearance and functionality of the application as close as possible to the iOS style familiar to many.
In this article we will look in detail at what settings need to be changed, which versions of the application should be installed and what hidden features of the system will help you adapt the interface. We will not consider malicious mods with a dubious reputation, but will focus on safe customization methods available to every smartphone owner.
Features of the iOS and Android interface on VKontakte
Before making changes, it is important to understand the fundamental differences between the two platforms. Users often confuse visual style with functional limitations. In fact, most of the functions in mobile application are identical, they are just hidden behind different icons or are located in other sections of the menu.
The main difference is navigation. In the version for iPhone the lower control panel (tabbar) has a fixed structure that cannot be changed using standard tools. While on Android this panel is fully customizable. User interface The iPhone also uses specific system fonts and corner roundings that are part of the operating system, and not the VK application itself.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to install modified versions of the application (VK Mod, Kate Mobile with themes) just for the sake of appearance. Such apps can lead to the blocking of your account by the administration of the social network for violating the rules of use.
However, the flexibility of the system Android allows us to play with the display settings. You can change the order of the tabs, enable a dark theme, which on OLED screens looks very similar to the deep black color in iOS, and even change the shape of the icons through the launcher.
Customizing the bottom bar for maximum similarity
The easiest step to making VKontakte similar to the iOS version is the right one bottom navigation bar configuration. In the iPhone version, the order of the tabs is strict: Profile, News, Messenger, Communities, Services. To repeat this on Android, you need to go to the display settings.
Open the application and go to the settings section. Find the item Settings, then select General and click on Customize home. Here you will see a list of all available sections. Your task is to check the boxes only opposite those items that are on the bottom bar in iOS, and arrange them in the same order.
- 📱 Drag the “Profile” item to the very first position on the left.
- 📰 Make sure that “News” is second.
- 💬 The “Messenger” section should occupy central or third place depending on your version of the application.
- 🏢 Add “Communities” and “Services” to the end of the list if you need them necessary.
After saving the changes, the bottom panel will become minimalistic and functionally repeat the logic of the iOS client. This will create the right feeling from using the application, even if the fonts remain system ones for Android.
Return to the classic design through old versions
Often, when asking “like on an iPhone,” users do not mean the current iOS design, but the same “tiled” interface that was popular several years ago on both platforms. Many people miss the large square icons in the profile menu and the lack of unnecessary animation. You can return this style only by rolling back the application version.
To do this, you will need to delete the current version of VKontakte from the store Google Play. Next, you need to find a reliable archive of APK files. Look for app versions from 2018-2019. It was during this period that the design was the most universal and resembled the very “classics” that many associate with convenience.
Where is it safe to download old versions of applications?
Use only proven resources like APKMirror or Trashbox. Never download installation files from dubious forums or telegram channels, as they may contain viruses or Trojans to steal passwords.
After installing the old version, be sure to go to the application store settings and disable auto-update specifically for VKontakte. Otherwise, the system itself will update the application to the latest version, and the entire effect of the work done will disappear. It is also worth preventing the application from accessing background updates if you want to maintain the stability of legacy code.
Using third-party launchers and themes
If you want to change not only the application itself, but also the way it looks on the desktop, special launchers will help you. There are design themes that completely change the appearance of the system Android, making it look like iOS. This affects the shape of icons, the animation of minimizing applications, and even the notification panel.
Install a popular launcher, for example Launcher iOS 15 or similar. In the launcher settings, you can choose the “Squircle” or round icon style, which is typical for Apple technology. In addition, many of these launchers have built-in widgets that imitate the style of widgets from the iPhone notification center.
| Interface element | Standard Android | iOS style (via launcher) | Ability to change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon shape | Different (depending on the manufacturer) | Rounded square | High |
| Notification panel | Stretched from above | Control Center (top right) | Medium |
| Animation of collapsing | Simple zooming out | Scaling effect to icon | High |
| System font | Roboto or proprietary | San Francisco | Low (requires Root) |
The use of such shells allows you to create a holistic ecosystem. When you open VKontakte from a desktop stylized like an iPhone, you get the complete feeling of using a different operating system. This is especially true for those who have recently switched from Apple technology to Android.
Before installing a new launcher, take a screenshot of the current arrangement of icons on the desktop. This will help you quickly restore your usual structure if you don’t like the new interface.
Alternative clients and web version
There is another way to get an interface different from the standard one - using alternative clients. One of the most famous is Kate Mobile. While it doesn't copy the iOS design one-to-one, it does offer a degree of customization of colors and placement of elements that the official app won't provide.
You can choose a color scheme that is as close as possible to VKontakte's signature blue on iOS, or turn on a strict black-and-white mode. In the theme settings Appearance dozens of options are available that allow you to remove unnecessary shadows, gradients and curves, making the interface more “flat” and strict, like in older versions of iOS.
It is also worth considering the option of using a progressive web application (PWA). If you go to the site vk.com through a browser Chrome or Safari on Android and click “Add to home screen”, you will receive an icon that launches the site as a separate application.
⚠️ Attention: The web version of VKontakte has reduced functionality compared to the native one application. Some types of push notifications, background music playback, or fast loading of media content may not work for you.
The web interface is often updated synchronously with the desktop version and can look more neutral, without being tied to the specific guidelines of mobile Android. For some users, this becomes a compromise solution to avoid difficult updates of the official client.
Technical limitations and account security
It is important to understand that any attempts to introduce foreign code or use unofficial authorization methods carry risks. Security algorithms VKontakte are constantly being improved. Suspicious activity, such as logging in from a modified client or frequently changing IP addresses when using a proxy to change the interface region, can lead to temporary freezing of the page.
Never enter your login information (username and password) into applications that promise “the full iPhone interface” or “free votes.” Most often, such apps are phishing traps. The official application is the only guarantee of the safety of your personal correspondence and photos.
☑️ Security check before installing themes
If you decide to experiment with display settings or launchers, do it only at the operating system level. Do not modify the application files themselves .apkunless you are an experienced developer. Violation of the integrity of the application signature will lead to the fact that it simply will not start or will crash with every action.
The security of your account is always more important than the visual similarity of the interface. Use only official setup methods available in the application menu.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to officially download the version of VK for iPhone on an Android phone?
No, this is technically impossible. Applications for iOS have the format .ipa and work only on Apple processors with the iOS operating system. On Android, files .apkare used. iOS emulators for Android either do not exist or are extremely unstable and do not support social networks.
Why did the VK design become the same again after the update?
Application developers regularly update the interface, returning old elements or introducing new ones. If you used an old version of the application, then when you update via Google Play it will be replaced with the current one. To keep the old design, you need to disable auto-update for a specific application in the store settings.
Does changing the region in the phone settings affect the VK interface?
No, changing the region in the Android settings does not change the interface of the VKontakte application. The design depends on the version of the application itself and the platform (iOS/Android), and not on the user’s geolocation. However, your region may affect news feed content and available features (such as the Services section).
Is it safe to use Kate Mobile instead of the official app?
Kate Mobile is a popular alternative client with a long history and is considered relatively safe, but any third-party client carries potential risks. Official VKontakte support does not guarantee the operation of such applications, and in case of problems with your account, it may be more difficult to restore access.
How to make the VK icon round like on an iPhone without installing the launcher?
On some smartphones (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi), this can be done in the system theme settings. Go to Settings → Wallpaper and style (or Themes) and select the “Circle” or “Rounded Square” icon shape. This will change the appearance of all icons on the desktop, including VKontakte.