Many Android smartphone users, especially Xiaomi device owners, periodically think about changing the ecosystem to iOS, but stops them from the high cost of Apple. However, thanks to the openness of the Android operating system and the huge number of customization tools, you can radically change the appearance of your gadget. Turning the MIUI or HyperOS interface into an iOS-like interface is a popular request that is solved without obtaining root rights and complex reflashing.
Modern launchers and themes allow you to copy almost all visual elements, from the control center to fonts and animations. This is not just replacing icons, but a deep integration of Apple design elements into the shell of your smartphone. In this article, we will discuss a step-by-step process that allows you to experience the atmosphere of iOS while staying in the familiar and functional Android environment.
Now, it's worth noting that you can't completely replace the operating system, because it's different software platforms, but visual mimicry can be so good that people around you might not notice the difference at first glance, and we're going to focus on safe methods that don't require any interference with system files.
Selecting and installing the right launcher
The first and most important step is to replace the standard desktop. The standard launcher MIUI is very different from the SpringBoard (iOS desktop), so we will need a third-party application. Today, the leader in this niche is the Launcher iOS 17 app or its counterparts from the developer Lucent Apps, which most accurately copy the logic of the interface.
Once the app is installed, the system will request permission to use it as the default launcher. You have to agree and choose the theme you have installed. This action will change the appearance of all icons, folders and desktop grids. It is important to properly configure the grid to match the iPhone's proportions, usually 4x6 or 5x6 depending on the screen diagonal.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some Xiaomi system applications may not display correctly in third-party launchers, if you notice errors in the operation of the "caller" or SMS, Temporarily return the standard launcher in the settings.
You also have to configure the search bar, which in iOS is at the bottom of the screen, not at the top. In the settings of the selected launcher, find the Search Bar Position and move it down, which will create a sense of nativeity interface.
Customization of the control and notification center
One of the most recognizable features of iOS is the unique control center, which is called by a swipe from the top right corner. In standard Android, the notification curtain looks different, but special applications allow you to implement the functionality of Control Center.
Once installed, youโll need to give the app wide permissions, including access to surfaces on top of other windows and special features, so that the control panel can overlap other applications and respond to swipes. Swipe sensitivity is critical for comfortable use.
- ๐ฑ Open the application settings and find the Gesture Settings section.
- ๐ Select the activation area: it is recommended to install the "Right upper cornerยป.
- ๐จ Choose the style of the icons: enable the option โiOS Styleโ to match the design.
- โ๏ธ Add the necessary widgets: music, flashlight, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
Remember to turn on the brightness and volume sliders, as they have a specific look with large adjustment steps in iOS, which will add even more realism to your device.
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For maximum realism, turn off the standard Xiaomi notification curtain in the theme if the launcher allows to avoid double call panels.
Designing icons and widgets
Even with a launcher installed, some system icons can be out of style. There are icon packages to solve this problem that can be applied through third-party launchers or built-in themes. At GetApps or Google Play, look for sets called iOS Icons.
Widgets are another strong point of the Apple ecosystem. On Android, they are also great, but the design is often different. Use widgets from widget makers like Widgetsmith (or its Android counterparts) to create an iOS-style watch, calendar, and weather. Place them on your desktop, observing indentations.
| Element | Standard look of Xiaomi | View after modification | Tool of change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application icons | Round/square MIUIs | Rounded squares of iOS | Topics/Luncher |
| Control panel | Vertical list | A semi-transparent grid | Control Center App |
| Font system | Roboto / Mi Sans | San Francisco (analogue) | Annex zFont 3 |
| Locker | My MIUI style. | LockScreen iOS Style | LockScreen Application |
Pay special attention to fonts. The San Francisco font is Apple's trademark, and can be installed through the zFont 3 app, which allows you to use root-free fonts using regional settings or special theme setting methods.
Setting up the lock screen
The lock screen is the first thing that a user sees. In recent versions of iOS, Apple has introduced customization capabilities that are now available on Android. To make an iPhone out of shaomi, you need to replace the standard lock screen with an imitation application, for example, Lock Screen & Notifications iOS.
Once installed, give all the permissions you need. Now, when you turn on the screen, you'll see the familiar interface with the large clock in the center and the widgets at the bottom. It's important to adjust the behavior of the double tap across the screen to turn on the backlight, as this is standard behavior for an iPhone with Always On Display.
How to avoid conflicts with MIUI Optimization?
Remember to add activity or battery widgets to the lock screen to complete the image, creating the illusion of depth and functionality that is typical of modern versions of iOS.
Transition animations and system sounds
The magic of iOS is not just static, it's also motion. The smoothness of animations is something Apple has been working on for years. On Android, you can get close to that by changing the speed of animations in the developer menu. Find the build number in your phone's settings and tap it 7 times to activate the developer menu.
In the menu that opens, find the Drawing section and change the animation, transition and duration of the animator to 0.5x. This will make the interface more responsive and fast, which is characteristic of optimizing iOS. However, for an accurate copy, you need special applications that change the physics of swipes.
- ๐ Replace Ringtones: Download the Marimba and Radar Sound Pack.
- ๐ Change the notification sound to standard iOS โNoteโ or โBloomยป.
- ๐ณ Set up the vibration: in iOS it is more jerky, try to find a similar one in the settings.
- ๐น Install an iOS-style keyboard, such as the Green Apple Keyboard.
The sound component is very important for immersion. Without the characteristic lock and unlock sound, the sensation of the device will be incomplete, and it is also recommended to install live iOS-style wallpaper that responds to the device's tilt.
โ๏ธ Checklist of Xiaomiโs transformation into iPhone
Functional Limitations and Reality
Despite the deep visual customization, it is important to understand that the core of the system remains Android: you will not be able to use iMessage, FaceTime or AirDrop in their original form. You will have to use standard instant messengers for video communication, and Quick Share or cloud services for file transfer.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Installing a large number of heavy launchers and widgets can increase battery consumption. Watch the temperature of the device and close unused applications.
Some features, such as Dynamic Island, can only be emulated on smartphones with a cut-out droplet or hole in the screen using special plug-in apps. On side camera devices, this effect is almost impossible to implement visually correctly without crutches.
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Visually replicating iOS on Xiaomi is a great way to refresh the experience of the device, but donโt expect full functional identity with the iPhone.
However, for most users, the difference comes down to habit: After a week of using a customized Xiaomi with iOS themes, the hand will reach for the right places on the screen.