How to turn Xiaomi into iPhone 10: A Complete Guide to Transforming UI and Features

Why do users want to make Xiaomi look like the iPhone 10?

Xiaomi smartphones have long gained popularity due to the combination of affordable prices, powerful hardware and flexible firmware. MIUI. However, many users, especially those who previously owned Apple devices, miss the minimalist design of iOS, smooth animation and ecosystem of services. The iPhone 10 (or iPhone X) has become a cult thanks to its bezel-less display, swipe-up gesture to return to the home screen and proprietary interface. But what if you said that your Xiaomi can be customized so that it not only looks like the iPhone 10, but also repeats key features?

In this article, we will understand how it is realistic to bring Xiaomi closer to the iPhone 10 – from visual changes (launchers, icons, fonts) to deep modifications (iOS firmware, gesture emulation). You will learn which Xiaomi models are best amenable to such transformation, what tools are needed, and where the pitfalls lie. Spoiler: 100% repeat iOS will not work, but to achieve 80-90% similarity is a very real task.

Before we get started, the big question is, why is it? First, it's a way to diversify the user experience without buying a new smartphone. Second, for some people, it's just a hobby -- experimenting with customization. Third, Xiaomi owners often face intrusive advertising in the MIUI, And switching to an iPhone launcher can be a way to get rid of it, and it's a great way to measure how well you really fit the Apple ecosystem before you buy a real iPhone.

Comparison of characteristics: Xiaomi vs iPhone 10

Before trying to make Xiaomi look like the iPhone 10, it’s worth comparing their technical capabilities. iPhone X came out in 2017 with a processor. A11 Bionic, 3 GB of RAM and a battery for 2716 mAh. For its time, it was a flagship with excellent performance, but by today's standards, its "iron" is inferior even to the mid-budget Xiaomi smartphones.

For example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (2023) equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor, 8-12 GB of RAM and a battery of 5000 mAh – this is many times more powerful than the iPhone 10. However, the “iron” power does not always equal the smoothness of the interface: iOS is optimized for a specific device, while iOS is optimized for a specific device, while MIUI It runs on hundreds of different models, sometimes leading to lags, and the table below shows the key differences between the iPhone 10 and popular Xiaomi models:

As can be seen from the table, modern Xiaomi surpass the iPhone 10 in most respects, except for one – software optimization. iOS on the iPhone X runs smoother than the iPhone X. MIUI It's on some Xiaomi budget models, but that doesn't mean that transformation is impossible.

Which Xiaomi models are best at transforming?

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equally well suited to imitating the iPhone 10.

• 📱 Frameless display with a cutout – to repeat the design of the iPhone X, you need a screen with minimal bezels and a cutout for the front camera (as in Xiaomi 13 or the other two). POCO F5). Models with a “drop” (for example, Redmi Note 10) will look less authentic.
• 🔄 Signs support - in MIUI There are built-in gestures, but they work differently than on iOS. Full emulation will require a launcher with support for swipes (for example, Lawnchair or iOS Launcher).
• 🎨 AMOLED-screen – for accurate color reproduction and deep black, like the iPhone 10. LCD-displays (e.g. in Redmi) 9A) won't fit.
• 🔋 Good autonomy - iOS firmware and launchers can increase battery consumption, so it is better to choose models with a capacious battery (from 4500 mAh).

The best candidates for transformation:

• 🥇 Xiaomi 13/13 Pro - flagship with AMOLED-It's got a screen, a powerful processor, and all the modern gestures.
• 🥈 POCO F5 — Optimal balance of price and performance, display with a frequency of 120 Hz.
• 🥉 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ — Budget option with a good screen and battery.

Here are the models that are not recommended:

• ❌ Redmi 9/10 The series is a weak processor and LCD-screen.
• ❌ POCO M series - budget chips and low screen resolution.
• ❌ Old flagships (Xiaomi Mi 9, Mi 10) - outdated software and weak support for new launchers.

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If your Xiaomi does not support gestures in MIUI, Try to enable them through Settings → Additionally. → Full screen gestures. If you don't have an option, you'll need a third-party launcher.

How to turn Xiaomi into iPhone 10: from launchers to firmware

There are three main approaches to Xiaomi’s transformation under the iPhone 10:

1. Cosmetic changes (launchers, icons, fonts) are the easiest and safest way.
2. Deep tuning MIUI (Changes in animations, gestures, system sounds – requires root rights or ADB-team.
3. Install custom firmware (for example, iOS) ROM or Flyme OS) — A risky method suitable for experienced users.

Let us look at each of them in more detail.

1. Launchers and themes for iOS

The fastest way to change the look and feel is to install a launcher that mimics iOS.

• 📱 iOS Launcher – Copies the iOS interface, including application folders and Dock panel.
• 🎨 Lawnchair 2 – supports gestures and customization of icons for iOS.
• 🔄 XOS Launcher – imitates not only iOS, but also adds animations, like on the iPhone.

How to determine:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play (such as iOS Launcher).
2. Open the app and select the iPhone X theme.
3. Set up gestures in the launcher menu (for example, swipe up to return to the home screen).
4. Install an icon package for iOS (for example, iOS 16 Icon Pack).

Download the launcher from Google Play

Select the iPhone X theme in the settings

Set up gestures (swipe up, hold on to AssistiveTouch)

Install a package of icons for iOS

Disable the standard launcher MIUI (application settings)-->

2. change of system parameters through ADB

If the launcher isn’t enough, you can go further and change the system animations, fonts, and even sounds. MIUI It's going to take you to iOS:

• 🖥️ Computer installed ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
• 📱 Developer mode enabled on Xiaomi (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — tap 7 times).
• 🔧 Commands to change parameters (e.g. animation speed, font style).

Examples of commands for ADB:

adb shell settings put global window_animation_scale 0.5 # Acceleration of window animation


adb shell settings put global transition_animation_scale 0.5 # Acceleration of transitions




adb shell settings put global animator_duration_scale 0.5 # Total speed of animation

You can also replace your system fonts with San Francisco with iFont or root access, but be careful: wrong commands. ADB This can cause system failures.

3. iOS Castom firmware

For the bravest, there's an option to install custom firmware that mimics iOS.

• 🍎 iOS ROM For Xiaomi – unofficial builds that copy the iOS interface (for example, iOS 16 Port).
• 🔄 Flyme OS — Firmware from Meizu, externally similar to iOS.
• 🤖 Havoc OS or Pixel Experience – custom Android firmware with support for themes under iOS.

⚠️ Attention: installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader, which:

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi resets all data on the device and can take away warranty.In addition, informal firmware often contains bugs, and security updates come with a delay.

If you do, here is a brief instruction:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
3. Download the firmware (for example, iOS) ROM for your model from the forum XDA Developers.
4. Flow through TWRP and perform a data reset.

💡

iOS cadastral firmware is not the real iOS, it's just a visual copy of it. ID will not work.

Step-by-step: how to configure Xiaomi for iPhone 10

If you have chosen the first (safest) method - cosmetic transformation with launchers and themes - follow this instruction.+ As an example, the steps are suitable for other models.

Step 1: Installation of the launcher for iOS

1. Download iOS Launcher from Google Play.

2. Open the app and select the iPhone X theme in the settings.

Set up:

• 📱 Dock panel (4-5 frequently used apps at the bottom of the screen).
• 🔄 Gestures (swipe up for return to home screen, swipe down for notification panel).
• 🎨 Icons (install iOS 16 Icons package).

Step 2: Replacement of Systemic Sounds

To make Xiaomi sound like an iPhone:

1. Download iOS sounds (such as Marimba for alarm clock, Tri-tone for notifications) from the Zedge website.
2. Put the files in the folder. /sdcard/Ringtones and /sdcard/Notifications.
3. Then set them in the settings: → Sounds and vibrations → Notification sounds.

Step 3: Set up gestures

V MIUI There are built-in gestures, but they work differently than iOS:

1. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Full-screen gestures.
2. Select the Gesture mode MIUI» (swipe up to return to the main screen).
3. Turn off the navigation bar in the same menu.

If built-in gestures aren’t enough, install Fluid Navigation Gestures from Google Play – this app allows you to fine-tune swipes for iOS.

Step 4: Install widgets for iOS

The widgets on the iPhone look different than they do on Android.

• 📊 Install. KWGT Kustom Widget Maker and download widget templates for iOS (for example, iOS 16 Widgets).
• 🕒 For watches, use the Chronus widget with an Apple Watch style setting.
• 📅 Month: Calendar Widget is a good calendar.

Step 5: Emulation of AssistiveTouch

AssistiveTouch is a virtual button on the iPhone that duplicates physical keys to add to Xiaomi:

1. Download Assistive Touch for Android from Google Play.
2. Customize the appearance of the button (circle or square, as in iOS).
3. Add the actions: Home, Back, Recent, Lock screen.

💡

For full emulation of the iPhone 10 on Xiaomi, it is enough launcher, icon package and gesture customization. Custom firmware provides more features, but requires technical skills.

Problems and Limitations: What Cannot Be Repeated

As much as you want to make Xiaomi an exact replica of the iPhone 10, some features remain unavailable.

• 🚫 Face ID — Apple's facial recognition technology is unique and unparalleled on Android.The most you can do is use face unlock through Settings → Screen locking → Facial recognition, but it's less reliable.
• 🚫 iMessage and FaceTime — these services only work on Apple devices. Alternatives: WhatsApp, Telegram, Google Duo.
• 🚫 AirDrop – You can use Nearby Share (Android) or Snapdrop (web service) to share files between devices).
• 🚫 Apple's ecosystem -- synchronization with a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch is impossible. Android has analogues: Google Drive, Wear. OS.
• 🚫 iOS updates - even custom iOS firmware doesn't get official updates from Apple.The updates come from firmware developers and often contain bugs.

Another problem is performance. On the iPhone 10, iOS is optimized for specific hardware, while launchers and iOS firmware on Xiaomi can slow down, especially on budget models. For example, the animations in iOS Launcher may be tweaked on the Redmi Note 11, but will be smooth on the Xiaomi 13.

⚠️ Note: Some iOS launchers contain ads or collect user data. Check Google Play reviews and app permissions before installing. For example, iOS Launcher from unknown developers may request access to contacts or SMS — It's not normal for a launcher.

Alternatives: Other Ways to Get an iOS Experience on Xiaomi

If the interface transformation seems too complicated, there are alternative ways to get a close experience to the iPhone 10:

1. Installation of an iOS emulator

Emulators can run iOS apps on Xiaomi.

• 🖥️ iEMU – iOS emulator for Android (requires a powerful processor).
• 📱 AltStore – allows you to install iOS apps on Android through workarounds (for example, Delta Emulator for games).

Cons: Emulators are slow and do not support all functions.

2. Use of cloud services

Some services allow you to remotely connect to an iPhone or Mac:

• ☁️ Shadow PC — Cloud computer with macOS installed (you can run iMessage or Final Cut Pro).
• 📱 Appetize.io – online iOS emulator (works in the browser, but with restrictions).

3. Purchase of a used iPhone 10

If the goal is the iPhone 10, not experiments with Xiaomi, consider buying a used device. In 2026, the iPhone X can be found for 15-25,000 rubles in good condition.

• ✅ Real iOS with Update Support (up to iOS 16).
• ✅ Fully-fledged ecosystem of Apple (iCloud, AirDrop, Apple Pay).
• ✅ Better optimization and autonomy than Xiaomi with launcher.

Cons:

• ❌ Obsolete processor (A11 Bionic is weaker than modern Xiaomi chips).
• ❌ Battery may be worn out (check before buying via Settings) → Battery → Status).

Next Next post: Should Xiaomi be turned into iPhone 10?

So, make Xiaomi similar to the iPhone 10, but with reservations:

• ✅ Externally, yes, with the help of launchers, icons and so you can achieve 80-90% similarity.
• ✅ By gesture – partially, but full emulation of iOS swipes will not work.
• ❌ No, the Apple ecosystem (iMessage, AirDrop, Face) ID) idle.
• ⚠️ Performance – launchers and firmware for iOS can slow down on weak Xiaomi models.

If you want an iPhone, you'd better buy a second-hand iPhone 10 or a new model, but if it's an experiment or a way to get rid of advertising in the first place. MIUI — Xiaomi transformation will be an interesting experience, but the main thing is to remember the risks when installing custom firmware and always do a backup of data.

Finally, remember, Xiaomi and iPhone are two different philosophies. Android gives you the freedom to customize, iOS gives you the stability and the ecosystem. MIUI, than the isolation of iOS.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi’s transformation into iPhone 10