Many users who are moving from the Apple ecosystem to Android smartphones are faced with the desire to return to the usual visual style and logic of work. Xiaomi’s modern shells (MIUI and the new HyperOS) have a huge customization potential that allows you to change the device beyond recognition. Turning a budget or flagship Redmi into a visual copy of the iPhone is not just a change of wallpaper, but a deep setup of system parameters.
Unlike older versions of Android, today, this process requires minimal technical knowledge and does not always involve obtaining root rights. You can get a recognizable "bang" (Dynamic Island), notification curtains and even fonts that are as close to San Francisco as possible.
It's worth noting that you can't completely copy the iOS operating system, because it's different software products, but the visual component and the basic interactions can be adapted to the same interface. 90-95%. This will allow you to use Xiaomi’s powerful hardware, while maintaining the aesthetic pleasure of the familiar interface.
Selection and installation of the launcher: the foundation of iOS
The first and most important step is to replace the standard desktop. Xiaomi's native launcher has its own features that give off the platform. To implement it, you'll need a third-party shell application, the leader in this niche is Launcher iOS 17 or its analogues available on Google Play.
Once you install the app, the system will request permission to use it as your primary, and you will need to grant a number of rights, including access to contacts, storage, and most importantly, the ability to draw over other windows. Without this, the settings menu will not open.
- 🍎 Download a proven launcher (such as iOS 17 or C Launcher) from Play Market.
- 🔓 In security settings, allow the installation of applications from unknown sources if the file is not downloaded from the store.
- ⚙️ Activate all requested permissions in the special launcher menu for the correct operation of widgets.
- 🎨 Select the theme of the design of "iOS 17" inside the settings of the launcher itself.
⚠️ Note: Some launchers may conflict with navigation gestures MIUI. If swipes are not working properly, try switching to three buttons in the system settings.
It is important to understand that after installing a third-party desktop, Xiaomi system application icons can remain in the old style. Replacing them often requires using the Hide App feature in the launcher itself or installing themes through the Theme app, which is preinstalled on the smartphone.
Configuring fonts and interface elements
Visual similarity is impossible without the correct font. Xiaomi's standard font (Mi Sans or Roboto) is very different from the San Francisco brand used on the iPhone. Fortunately, the MIUI/HyperOS theme engine allows you to change the system font without flashing it over.
Open the Themes app and search for "iOS Font" or "iPhone Font." You'll find a variety of free options that will replace the system characters. Once you use the font and reboot the device, the text in the menu, messages and browser will become almost identical to the original.
For more in-depth configuration of elements such as control panel and notification center, you can use modules or special plug-in applications if standard launcher capabilities are not enough. However, be careful: excessive number of plug-ins can reduce the performance of the device.
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Before installing a new font, take a screenshot of the screen with the text to then compare the result and make sure that the Cyrillic alphabet is displayed correctly.
Don’t forget to adjust the size of your desktop grid, too. iPhone uses a standard grid that’s different from Android. In your launcher settings, choose 4x5 or 5x6 so that the icons are the same distance from each other that you’re used to.
Dynamic Island and Notification Management
One of the most recognizable features of modern iPhones is Dynamic Island. On Xiaomi smartphones with a cut-out-point in the screen, you can emulate this functionality. There are specialized applications for this, such as dynamicSpot or analogues.
These apps create an interactive zone around the front camera that displays notifications, music tracks, timers and charging status. Setup takes time: you need to manually specify which apps are prioritized to be displayed on the island.
| Function | Android standard | With Dynamic Island Emulator |
|---|---|---|
| Music display | Widget or status string | Animated block by camera |
| Charging. | A pop-up window | Animation on the island |
| Taxi/Delivery | Notice in the curtain | interactive widget |
| Facial recognition | The icon in the corner | Unlock animation |
Keep in mind that the operation of such widgets requires a constant background process, which can slightly increase battery consumption. It is recommended to set up an automatic stop of service at night, if this feature is not necessary for the alarm clock.
Compatibility with screen cutouts
Notification curtain and Control Point
The standard MIUI curtain is functional, but it looks different than iOS. To achieve complete similarity, many users turn to more radical methods, such as installing Magisk modules, but this requires unlocking the bootloader. A safer way is to use launchers with built-in Control Center simulation.
Most advanced iOS launchers have a built-in curtain replacement option. A swipe on the top right will open a panel with brightness and volume sliders positioned vertically, like the iPhone, and on the left will be large music control buttons and a communication module.
- 📱 Enable the option "Control Center" in the launcher settings.
- 🔊 Set up actions when pressing buttons (lantern, calculator, voice recorder).
- 🎵 Add the "Now Playing" widget to control Spotify or Yandex.Music.
- 🔒 Configure the screen blocker widget to simulate the unlock slider.
⚠️ Warning: Replacing the system curtain may lead to conflicts with messenger notifications.If you stop receiving messages, add the launcher to the battery saving exception list.
If the launcher's built-in capabilities are scarce, there are separate replacement applications for the control panel that run on top of the system and intercept swipes, but this approach often leads to delays in interface response.
Widgets, wallpaper and ecosystem
The final touch will be the installation of widgets. MIUI has its own widgets, but they are different in design. iOS launchers offer sets of weather widgets, watches, calendar and photos that one-to-one copy the style of Apple.
For desktop, the ideal option is Photos widgets (with the tilt effect of the phone if you have a gyroscope) and app grouping widgets, which allows you to create folders that look like folders in iOS, hiding the shortcut inside.
☑️ Set up the ideal desktop
Don't forget to use wallpaper. Find the official iOS 17 or 18 wallpaper in high resolution. They often have abstract gradients that blend perfectly with the translucent elements of the launcher interface. Static image is less efficient than Live Photo, but on Android you'll have to settle for high-quality static pictures or video wallpaper.
Limitations and technical nuances
Despite all efforts, a full copy of iOS is not possible due to differences in the architecture of the operating systems: you will not be able to run native apps from the App Store or use iMessage.
Also worth remembering about security: By installing launchers and plugins from unverified sources, you risk giving third parties access to your contacts and geolocations.
In conclusion, turning Xiaomi into an iPhone is a fascinating customization process that refreshes the experience of the device. MIUI/HyperOS, Perhaps it is worth limiting yourself to changing fonts and wallpaper, preserving the native logic of the system.
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Balance between beauty and performance: The more iOS visuals you turn on on Xiaomi, the higher the CPU and battery load.