Why users want to turn Xiaomi into an Apple Watch
The Apple Watch has long been the benchmark of style and functionality in the world of wearable electronics. Its minimalist design, smooth animation and Appleβs ecosystem attract millions of users. But what if youβre a devoted fan of the Xiaomi brand, but dream of the appearance and capabilities of Apple watches? It turns out that modern models Xiaomi Watch and Mi Band Pro can be adapted to the style of the Apple Watch β and this is not a myth, but reality.
In this article, we will understand how close Xiaomi watches can get to the Apple Watch in design, interface and functionality. You'll learn which models are best "transformed," which dials and firmware will help you achieve the most similarity, and where there are fundamental differences that you can not get around. 80-90% Visual and user experience is a real challenge.
It is important to understand that this is not about fakes or replicas, but about legal ways to customize official Xiaomi devices. We will not consider dubious firmware or modifications that may violate the warranty or performance of the gadget.
Key Model Comparison: Which Xiaomi Watch is Closest to the Apple Watch
Not all Xiaomi smartwatches are equally well-adjusted to the Apple Watch. NΔkterΓ© models initially have a square screen, others have a round screen, and still others have no display at all.
- π± Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro - the flagship model with AMOLED-display 1.43", Wear support OS The perfect candidate for imitating the Apple Watch Series 8/9.
- π Xiaomi Mi Band 8 Pro is a hybrid of a fitness bracelet and smart watch with a full screen. Suitable for the budget option, but with limitations.
If your goal is the maximum similarity, then the best choice will be the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro thanks to the support of Wear OS, which allows you to install third-party dials and applications that mimic the Apple Watch interface. Mi Band 8 Pro is suitable for those who want to save money, but are willing to put up with simplified functionality.
| Model | Form factor | OS | Support for third-party dials | Similarity to Apple Watch (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro | Square, 1.43" AMOLED | Wear OS | Yes (via Google Play) | 90% |
| Mi Band 8 Pro | Rectangular, 1.74" AMOLED | Zepp OS | Limited (via APK) | 70% |
| Xiaomi Watch S3 | Round, 1.43" AMOLED | MIUI Watch | Yes (official and informal) | 60% |
| Redmi Watch 4 | Square, 1.97" LCD | MIUI Watch | Yes (limited choice) | 50% |
β οΈ Note: Round-screen models (e.g., Watch) S3) They'll never look like the Apple Watch 100%. Even with square dials, there's still a problem with dead zones at the corners of the display.
Next articleHow to Make Xiaomi Watch Look Like Apple Watch
If you've already decided on a model, it's time to move on to practice. Below is a universal guide that will work for most Xiaomi square-screen devices, the process involves setting dials, setting up the interface, and optimizing features.
1.Installation of the dial in the style of the Apple Watch
The most prominent element that immediately gives you "appleness" is the dial. Fortunately, for Xiaomi, there are many themes that mimic the design of the Apple Watch. Here's how to install them:
- π Official way: Open the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp for Mi Band), go to the Dials section β Recommended and find themes marked "Apple Style" such as "Minimal Digital" or "iWatch Classic".
- π₯ sidenia APK: For the Watch 2 Pro (on Wear) OS) Download the file dial from the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA, Then install it through Settings. β Dials β Add a new one.
- π¨ Customization: Use apps like Facer or WatchMaker (for Wear) OS), to create your own dial with elements of the Apple Watch β app icons, watch style, etc.
For the Mi Band 8 Pro, the process is more complicated: you will have to download.bin files and flash them through Mi Band Master or Notify & Fitness. Detailed instructions are available on profile forums, but be careful - the wrong firmware can lead to a device blink.
Download the dial file (.bin or.apk)
Install the application Mi Fitness/Zepp
Connect the clock to your phone via Bluetooth
Make a backup of current settings
Follow installation instructions-->
2. Customization of the interface and animations
Apple Watch is famous for smooth transitions and responsive interface. At Xiaomi, it is difficult to achieve the same level, but you can get closer:
- π Scrolling animation: In the settings of the clock (Display) β Animation: Select the maximum speed of transitions.
- π± Activate Hand Raising to Turn on and Wrist Swirling to Scrolle - This Simulates the Behavior of the Apple Watch.
- π Sound and vibration: Set short vibrational responses (like in the Apple Watch) in the Sound and Vibration section β Vibration style.
β οΈ Warning: On the Mi Band 8 Pro and Redmi Watch 4, animations are running worse due to a weak processor.Don't expect smoothness at the Apple Watch Ultra level.
Installation of analogue applications
The Apple Watch ecosystem includes unique applications like Activity Rings or ECG. On Xiaomi, you can install analogues:
- π Fitness: Google Fit App (for Wear) OS) Zepp Life will replace the activity rings.
- β€οΈ Health: Cardiogram or Heart Analyzer for heart rate and ECG monitoring (if supported by iron).
- π³ Payments: Set up Google Pay (on Wear) OS) Mi Pay (for China) as an alternative to Apple Pay.
The Watch 2 Pro also has third-party launchers, such as Wear Launcher, which change the menu style to watchOS.
π‘
If you have the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, install the Watchmaker Premium app β it allows you to create dials with widgets that are as similar as the Apple Watch, including complications (complications) for weather, calendar and activity.
Problems and Limitations: What You Can Never Recreate
As much as you want to make Xiaomi a complete Apple Watch, some things remain elusive. Here are the key limitations to be aware of in advance:
- π« Processor and performance: Even Xiaomiβs flagships run on Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ (watch 2 Pro, while Apple Watch Series 9 chip-equipped S9, languid 2-3 That means slower animations and delays when you open apps.
- π Autonomy: Apple Watch keeps charge 18-36 The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro - before 7 Difference in approach: Apple optimizes software for hardware, and Xiaomi saves energy by simplifying functions.
- π Integration with the ecosystem: Apple Watch works perfectly with iPhone, Mac and iPad. Xiaomi even with the MIUI does not offer this level of synchronization (for example, unlocking a laptop or transferring files via AirDrop).
- π©Ί Medical functions: Functions such as measuring oxygen in the blood (SpO2) Xiaomi ECGs are less accurate and not certified for medical use (unlike Apple Watches in the US and EU).
Another important thing is the software updates. Apple maintains its watches for 5-6 years, while Xiaomi often stops releasing updates after 2-3 years, which means that over time your watch may become obsolete morally.
Why Xiaomi doesnβt copy the Apple Watch?
Alternative solutions: if transformation is not appropriate
If after all the manipulations, Xiaomi watches still do not meet your expectations from the Apple Watch, consider alternatives that will allow you to get the desired experience without buying a device from Apple.
1.Other brands watches in the style of Apple Watch
Some manufacturers produce smart watches that look similar to the Apple Watch, but with support for Android:
- π± Amazfit GTR 4 - square screen, Zepp OS, high-autonomy.
2. Purchase of a used Apple Watch
If the budget allows, consider buying used Apple Watch Series 6/7/8. In the secondary market, they can be found at the price of the new Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (15-25 thousand rubles).
- π Full compatibility with iPhone (if you have one).
- π‘οΈ Apple's Official Warranty for Acquiring Apple Certified Refurbished.
- π Long-term support for updates (up to) 5-6 years).
β οΈ Warning: When buying a used Apple Watch, be sure to check: Battery status (c Settings) β Battery. β Battery status: No binding to the previous Apple ID (Ask the seller to untie the clock, all sensors (heart rate, accelerometer, gyroscope).
3. Hybrid approach: Xiaomi + iPhone
If you have an iPhone, but you don't want to buy an Apple Watch, you can use a Xiaomi watch paired with it.
- Install Mi Fitness or Zepp on your iPhone.
- Connect your watch via Bluetooth (some features, such as notifications, will work in limited ways).
- Use third-party apps like Tools & Mi Band for advanced synchronization.
The downside of this solution is that not all features will be available (like phone answers or Siri), but you will get the look of Xiaomi with partial integration into the Apple ecosystem.
π‘
If your goal is to maximize functionality, not just appearance, then the best solution is to buy a used Apple Watch or a Wear OS watch (for example, the Oppo Watch 3). Xiaomi customization is only suitable for visual similarity.
User reviews: real experience of transformation
To see if itβs worth the time to transform Xiaomi watches, letβs look at the feedback from those who have already done it. We analyzed the 4PDA, Reddit, and XDA Developers forums to highlight the key points.
Positive feedback
- β "Watch 2 Pro with a dial from Apple Watch looks almost like the original. colleagues at work did not notice the catch for the first two days! @mi_fan_2023.
- β "I installed Facer and made a dial with activity rings, like in watchOS. Now my Xiaomi motivates me to move as much as the Apple Watch.
- β "I paid 15,000 for the Watch 2 Pro instead of 40,000 for the Apple Watch Ultra and did not regret it. 90% of the features I do not need, and the design turned out almost identical. 4PDA.
Negative reviews
- β "Animations are slowing down, especially when scrolling through the menu. Everything is smooth on the Apple Watch, and here it is like an old Android smartphone. @wearos_fan.
- β "Apple Watch-style dials eat up charge 30% faster. had to return the standard theme.
- β "Zepp OS Mi Band 8 Pro does not allow you to set normal dials. everything is limited to a few templates.
The bottom line is that you can make Xiaomi watches look like Apple Watches, but you can still feel the difference in how you use them, and if you care about visuals, you can do it, and if you care about performance and ecosystem, you better look at the original or alternatives on Wear OS.