Many Android smartphone users who switch to Xiaomi devices with iPhones often feel uncomfortable with the unusual layout of interface elements and the logic of the system. However, the flexibility of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS allows you to recreate the aesthetics and ergonomics of iOS almost one-to-one without the need for superuser rights. It is not just a matter of visual design, but also a deep navigation setup that makes using the device as comfortable as possible for those who are accustomed to the Apple ecosystem.
In this article, we'll look at a detailed algorithm that will help you transform your smartphone, including customized themes, gesture controls, widgets, and even screen-cutting, and the goal is to make the transition as invisible as possible while maintaining the benefits of an open Android system.
Before you start, it is worth noting that for the full implementation of the plan you will need a stable Internet connection and account in the service GetThemes or a third-party theme store. the setup process will take from 15 to 30 minutes, but the result is worth it: your Xiaomi will be indistinguishable from the flagship competitor in appearance and feel from interaction.
Selection and installation of the iOS design theme
The first and most obvious step is to change the visual style. Standard MIUI wallpapers and icons are very different from the minimalism of iOS. Fortunately, the official Xiaomi theme store has a huge number of quality ports created by enthusiasts.
When choosing a theme, pay attention to the number of downloads and rating, as some designs may contain bugs or incorrectly display system fonts. Once you install the theme, the interface will change dramatically, with round icons, characteristic fonts and animations resembling an iPhone.
- 🍏 Open the “Themes” app on your smartphone’s desktop.
- 🔍 In the search bar, type in the search for "iOS 17" or "iPhone 15 Pro".
- ⬇️ Choose a Top Ranked Theme (4.8)+ stars) and press the "Download" button".
- ✅ After downloading, click "Apply" and confirm the interface reboot.
It is important to understand that standard system applications such as Security or Explorer may not change their appearance automatically. Their transformation often requires the use of additional plugins or manual replacement of icons through the theme editor, if such a feature is supported by your version of HyperOS.
⚠️ Note: Some themes may be paid or require a Mi Account with a certain level, and be prepared to wait or complete simple tasks in the app to download a premium checkout.
Set up gesture control and navigation
One of the most notable differences between the iPhone and the classic Android smartphones is the lack of physical or on-screen navigation buttons. Xiaomi can activate gesture control, which completely copies Apple's logic. This allows you to control one hand and creates the feeling of a borderless screen.
To activate, you need to go to the system settings. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell, but it is usually in the display section. Once you turn on the gestures, the swipe from the bottom up will return to the desktop, and the swipe with a stop in the middle will open the multitasking menu.
Special attention should be paid to the sensitivity of the edges of the screen. If you are used to the iPhone, you may like a smoother return animation. In some custom launchers or through applications like Assistive Touch, you can add a virtual home button or a floating ball if gestures seem uncomfortable.
☑️ Setting up navigation
You also need to adjust the notch area, which in modern Xiaomi models, you can hide the black area around the camera, turning it into part of the status bar, as is done in iOS, which visually expands the screen and makes the design more holistic.
Installation of widgets and widget "Wallpaper with photo"
Widgets are the soul of the iOS interface, and Xiaomi offers great tools to implement them. Since MIUI 12 and HyperOS, widgets have become interactive and beautiful. To add a widget, you need to pinch the empty space on your desktop and select the appropriate menu item.
For maximum similarity to the iPhone, it is recommended to use widgets in the style of "middle" or large square blocks. Weather, calendar and Photos widgets are especially popular, the latter allows you to create a slide show from your pictures directly on the desktop, which looks very spectacular.
- 📅 Add a calendar widget to the top of the screen for quick access to dates.
- 🌤 Weather widget is better placed in a large block with a transparent background.
- 🖼 The wallpaper with photo widget can be configured to show random images from the selected album.
- 🎵 Music widget in the style of Apple Music will add recognition to the interface.
If standard widgets aren’t enough, you can download third-party widget packages from the theme store that require a special plug-in engine to change fonts, colors and shapes beyond recognition, completely copying the style of widgets from iOS 17.
Where can I find hidden widgets?
Setting up the Control Point and the notification curtain
In iOS, there is a separation between notification curtain (swipe left) and Control Point (swipe right). In standard Android, this is often combined, but Xiaomi can include a classic MIUI style or a new style that visually and functionally repeats Apple's Control Center.
To activate the desired style, go to the notification settings and status bar, where you can choose what the control center will look like, it is recommended to turn on the display of brightness and volume sliders separately, and change the style of the switches to round.
You should also adjust the sliders. In iOS, they have a specific backlight when you change. In Xiaomi, you can turn on visual effects when you touch, which will add a nice tactile return. Remember to add commonly used toggles, such as a flashlight, calculator and voice recorder, to the top of the menu.
| Function | Standard Android | iOS Style (Xiaomi customization) | Where to change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location of sliders | vertically or horizontally | Separate circular blocks | Settings → Notifications |
| Swipe for the menu | Top down (full screen) | Top right (control only) | Settings → Desktop |
| Toggles icons | Square or rounded | Round with white trim | Application of the iOS theme |
| Music player | Built into the curtain. | Separate large block | Point of control |
Importantly, when you turn on the iOS style in Control, swipe down the center of the screen may stop opening the quick access settings, giving way to calling the menu on the right. This is addictive, but greatly improves the ergonomics of using large smartphones.
⚠️ Warning: After changing the style of the Control Point, the old widgets in the curtain may shift or disappear. Check the location of important switches (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Mobile data) before starting active use.
Lock screen and Dynamic Island
The lock screen is the first thing that a user sees, and the latest versions of HyperOS have a feature that allows you to create a lock screen that is almost identical to iOS 16/17. You can use large watches, weather widgets and live wallpaper.
On smartphones with a dot-neck or narrow bang, special themes and plugins (such as DynamicSpot or built-in features in new versions of MIUI) turn the camera area into an interactive element. It shows notifications for music, timers and calls.
To adjust the lock screen:
- 🔒 Press the lock screen or go to Settings → Lock screen.
- 🕒 Choose the style of the watch as similar as the font San Francisco.
- 🖼 Install wallpaper with a darkened bottom for contrast widgets.
- 🔔 Set up the notifications as stacks, like in iOS.
If your model doesn’t support native Dynamic Island, you can use Google Play apps that emulate this feature software-based, creating a black oval around the camera that expands when notifications arrive.
💡
For the best Dynamic Island effect, use a black wallpaper or theme with an all-black background, which will hide the edges of the camera cutout and make the island visually integrated into the screen, especially on the screen. AMOLED-matrix.
Additional settings for complete similarity
To bring the similarity to the absolute, you need to look at little things, like font. The standard MIUI font is different from San Francisco. In the theme store, you can find and install font packages that change the system type of text in all applications.
You can also customize the system sounds, and replace the standard ringtone, text, and lock-screen with the original Marimba, Strum, or Opening ringtone, which adds to the iPhone's audio vibe.
Don't forget the keyboard. If you're using Gboard or SwiftKey, adjust their theme to the iOS style: rounded keys, no dividing lines, the characteristic typing sound, and that completes the experience of using the device.
As the final touch, you can install a third-party launcher, such as Launcher iOS 17. However, this is not always recommended, since the standard shell Xiaomi works more stable and optimized. It is better to use themes than third-party launchers, so as not to lose performance.
💡
The use of native themes and system settings is preferable to installing third-party launchers, as this ensures stable operation of notifications and no delays when unlocking.
How to remove ads in system applications after installing the theme?
Can you bring it back if you don’t like it?
Does the topic affect the speed of the smartphone?
To sum up, Xiaomi provides incredible customization opportunities. By turning your smartphone into an iPhone clone, you get a device with Android functionality and Apple aesthetics. Experiment with settings, combine themes, and create an interface that is convenient for you.
⚠️ Note: When installing themes and plugins from unknown sources (not through the official Themes store), always check files with antivirus. Third-party launchers may request excessive permissions, which poses risks to the security of your data.