How to turn Xiaomi into an iPhone: real ways and pitfalls

Dreaming of the functionality of an iPhone, but you have Xiaomi in your hands? Can you combine the best of both worlds — the hardware power of a Chinese smartphone and the Apple software ecosystem? At first glance, the task seems fantastic: iOS and Android are built on fundamentally different architectures, and Xiaomi hardware is not compatible with Apple’s firmware at the hardware level. However, enthusiasts find workarounds — from cosmetic changes to deep firmware.

In this article, we’ll explore all the possible ways to bring Xiaomi closer to the iPhone, from secure design themes to risky experiments with iOS emulation.

• 🔹 Can I install real iOS on Xiaomi (spoiler: no, but there are alternatives)
• 🔹 How to make the smartphone look and function like an iPhone
• 🔹 What are the risks of radical methods (from loss of warranty to brick")
• 🔹 Is this a legal change from the point of view of Apple and Xiaomi?

We warn you right away: none of these methods will make Xiaomi a full-fledged iPhone at the hardware level — the most you can do is visual and functional imitation. But if you don’t stop, read on.

1 Why it is impossible to install the real iOS on Xiaomi

The main question that worries users is: can you install the original iOS on a Xiaomi smartphone? The answer is no, and here’s why:

• 📱 Different hardware architecture: iPhones run on Apple Silicon processors (or older A-series), and Xiaomi runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon, Mediatek or Google Tensor (in rare cases). iOS just doesn't have drivers for that hardware.
• 🔒 Closed iOS: Apple never publishes the source code of its operating system (unlike Android, which is partially open.
• 🛡️ Bootloader protection: Even if you could port iOS, Xiaomi blocks the download of unsigned firmware through Bootloader (unlocking which voids the warranty).
• ⚖️ Legal Limitations: Distributing modified versions of iOS violates Apple’s license agreement and may result in legal action.

The only way to run iOS on Xiaomi is through a virtual machine (e.g., emulation, UTM Or iOS Simulator on macOS, but the performance will be extremely low.

⚠️ Note: There are offers online to buy “iOS firmware for Xiaomi” – it is 100% fraud. Such firmware does not exist, and downloading suspicious files can lead to infection with viruses or locking the device.

2. Method. №1: Visually imitate iOS with launchers and themes

The safest and easiest way to bring Xiaomi closer to the iPhone is to install a design theme and launcher that mimics the iOS interface.This method does not require root rights, does not violate the warranty and is reversible at any time.

Here's what you're gonna need:

• 🎨 Launcher: Apps like iLauncher, Launcher iOS 16 or X OS Launcher copies the look of iOS, from icons to animations, some even mimic Control Center and Notification Center.
• 🖼️ Topics for MIUI: Themes (the default app on Xiaomi) have official and custom themes for iPhone. Search for "iOS", "Apple", "iPhone 15".
• 🔔 Sounds and fonts: C Settings → The sounds can be replaced with the original sounds of the iPhone (download them from the Internet.
• 📱 Gestures: In Settings → Screen. → Gestures configure swipes like on iPhone (for example, swipe up to return to the home screen).

Example of settings:

1. Install iLauncher from Google Play.
2. Download the theme "iOS 17 Dark" in the Themes app.
3. In the launcher settings, enable options: "Hide the search bar", "Icons like on iPhone", "Animation of opening folders".
4. Install live wallpaper with paralax effect (like on iPhone) via Zedge or Wallcraft.

Install launcher (iLauncher, X) OS)

Download the iOS theme in the "Themes" app

Replace notification sounds with original iPhone

Set up gestures like on iOS (swipe up for home)

Install the font San Francisco

Hide the battery indicator (like on iPhone X and newer)-->

Cons of this method:

• ❌ Not all system applications (Settings, Phone) will change the appearance.
• ❌ Some iOS features (such as AirDrop or Face) ID) remain inaccessible.
• ❌ Launchers can slow down on weak smartphones (Redmi) 9A, Poco M3).

3. Method. №2: Install custom firmware with iOS-like interface

If visual imitation isn't enough, you can go further by installing custom firmware stylized for iOS, which will require unlocking Bootloader and potentially strip you of warranties, but will give you more customization options.

The most popular firmware for imitating the iPhone:

Step-by-step installation instructions (on the example of iOS) ROM for Xiaomi):

1. Unlock Bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (the official tool of Xiaomi). 7-14 days (waiting) SMS-code).
2. Install. TWRP Recovery for your Xiaomi model (see instructions on the website) 4PDA or XDA Developers).
3. Download iOS firmware ROM (For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro or Poco X3 Pro) and transfer it to the phone.
4. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
5. Install the firmware through Install in TWRP.
6. Reboot. The first turn on can take 10-15 minutes.

⚠️ Attention: Castom firmware often contains spyware or advertising. Before installing, check the reviews on the forums and scan the file on VirusTotal.

4. Method. №3: Emulation of iOS via virtual machine (for experiments)

If you want to work with iOS, not just the look, but the real work with it (for example, to test apps), you can try running it through an emulator, which is only suitable for high-powered smartphones (Xiaomi 13, Black Shark 5) and is not intended for everyday use.

Emulation options:

• 🖥️ UTM (Android: Allows you to run virtual machines with iOS (requires a system image that is difficult to legally obtain).
• 🍎 iOS Simulator (macOS only): If you have a MacBook, you can connect Xiaomi as a secondary screen and use the iOS simulator via Xcode.
• ☁️ Cloud services: Some platforms (e.g. MacStadium or MacStadium) AWS) offer to rent virtual Macs with installed iOS. Access is through the browser.

Instructions for UTM:

1. Install. UTM Google Play (requires Android 10)+).
2. Download the image of iOS for QEMU (For example, iPadian or modified iOS 12 for the ARM).
3. V UTM Create a new virtual machine by selecting an architecture ARM64.
4. mount the downloaded image and start the virtual machine.

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ Extremely low performance: Even on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, iOS will slow down.
• ⚠️ No App Store: Apps can only be installed via sideloading (which violates Apple’s rules).
• ⚠️ No gesture and sensor support: Camera, GPS, The fingerprint sensor will not work.

💡

If you only need iOS for a specific app (like iMessage or Apple Music), consider alternatives for Android: BlueBubbles (for iMessage), Spotify or Tidal (instead of Apple Music).

5. Method. №4: Using Apple Services on Xiaomi (Legal Alternatives)

Some iPhone features can be played on Xiaomi using Apple’s official apps and services, which won’t turn your smartphone into an iPhone, but will allow you to use key pieces of the ecosystem.

What's available:

• 🎵 Apple Music: The official Android app with full functionality.
• 📺 Apple TV+: Available via browser or application.
• 💬 iMessage: No official customer, but you can use BlueBubbles (unofficial client) or the web version via Mac.
• ☁️ iCloud: The web version (iCloud.com) runs in the browser, but with limitations (for example, no access to Photos without iPhone).
• 📍 Find My: No Android analogue, but you can use Google Find My Device or AirDroid.

How to set up iCloud on Xiaomi:

1. Open your browser and go to iCloud.com.
2. Log in to your Apple ID.
3. Two-factor authentication may be required to access Photos or Notes (configure it via a trusted Apple device).

Limitations:

• ❌ AirDrop doesn’t work between Xiaomi and iPhone (use Google’s Nearby Share).
• ❌ FaceTime is not available (alternatively Google Duo or Zoom).
• ❌ Apple Pay is not supported on Android (use Google Pay or Samsung Pay).

💡

Legally using Apple’s Android services is the only way to get some of the features of iOS without risking the device, but full integration into the Apple ecosystem will not be possible.

6. Risks and Consequences of Xiaomi’s Conversion to “iPhone”

Before you start making radical changes, consider the risks:

What could go wrong:

• 🔥 "Brick: Wrong firmware can make the phone inoperable.Repair will require EDL-mode and special equipment.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Castom firmware and emulators increase the load on the processor, reducing battery life.
• 📵 Loss of communication: Some firmware breaks the modem (no network, no work) 4G/5G).
• 🚫 Blocking the Mi Account: Xiaomi can block the device if unofficial software is detected.

⚠️ Note: If you sell Xiaomi after installing custom firmware, the new owner may experience activation problems (e.g., Mi Account Lock works!

7. Alternatives: Maybe it is better to buy a used iPhone?

If the goal is to get a real iPhone, not a fake iPhone, consider buying a used device. In the secondary market, you can find models that will cost less than the flagship Xiaomi, but provide a full iOS experience.

Price comparison (at the beginning of 2026):

Where to look:

• 🛒 Avito, Yula – Check your device history through Apple (Settings) → Mainstream → About this device).
• 🌍 Refurbed, Back Market – European sites with a guarantee (delivery to Russia is possible through intermediaries).
• 🏠 Local groups VK – often sell smartphones “hand to hand” with the ability to check before buying.

What to check before buying an iPhone:

1. Battery status (Settings) → Battery → Battery condition. If capacity < 80%, you will need a replacement.
2. Is the device unlocked for all operators (checked through the insert) SIM corporation).
3. No binding to iCloud (ask the seller to log out of Apple account) ID with).
4. Performance of all sensors (camera, microphone, speakers, Face) ID/Touch ID).

FAQ: Frequent questions about converting Xiaomi into iPhone