Can Xiaomi be turned into iPhone 10: a complete guide to transformation?

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones often wonder whether it is possible to make your device visually and functionally similar to the iPhone 10 — Apple's iconic model released in 2017 The reasons for this desire are many: from nostalgia for design to curiosity about the iOS ecosystem. But how realistic is this task? Spoiler: you can't completely replicate the experience of using an iPhone on an Android device, but you can't get close to it on a mobile phone. 80-90% — perfectly.

In this article, we will discuss three key aspects: visual transformation through themes and launchers, deep iOS firmware (with all the risks) and technical limitations that will make your Redmi or your own. POCO You will also learn which Xiaomi models are best suited to this modification, and why some iOS features are fundamentally unavailable on Android.

Important: you perform all the manipulations with firmware and system files at your own risk. Some operations can lead to loss of warranty, build-up of the device or unstable operation. If you are not ready for experiments, limit yourself to visual changes through launchers.

Why iPhone 10? Technical parallels with Xiaomi

The iPhone X (or iPhone 10) was not a random model, a watershed for Apple: the first “monobrov” (cut in the screen), the physical Home button disappeared, and the design of the case became the benchmark for many Android smartphones, including the Xiaomi Mi 8 and Mi 9.

As you can see from the table, even Xiaomi’s budget flagships outperform the iPhone 10 in hardware, especially in terms of RAM and battery capacity: A11 Bionic is still supported by iOS 17 updates, while the Snapdragon 845 in the Mi 8 no longer receives official updates MIUI.

Interesting fact: Xiaomi Mi 8 It was the company’s first smartphone with a cutout in the screen – a clear reference to the design of the iPhone X. Even the location of the rear camera and the Face module. ID (Xiaomi has an infrared sensor for face unlocking, and it's copying Apple's solution. 8/Mi 9 Ideal candidates for transformation into an iPhone".

Method 1: Visual imitation through launchers and themes (no root)

The safest and most reversible way to make Xiaomi look like the iPhone 10 is to use specialized launchers and themes, a method that doesn’t require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights, but has limitations: you’ll only get the look and feel, without the functional features of iOS (such as gestures or animations).

Here's the top.-3 launcher:

• 📱 Lawnchair 2 + iOS 16: supports gestures, adaptive icons and a dynamic island (like the iPhone 14.
• 🎨 iLauncher: the most accurate copy of the iOS interface, including app folders and opening animations.The paid version removes ads.
• 🔄 XOS Launcher: imitates not only iOS, but also MIUI It's got iPhone elements, it supports changing fonts and icons.

For full effect, additionally install:

• 🔋 iOS 16 Control Center (app from Play Market) – copies the control panel of the iPhone with brightness and media regulators.
• 📲 iFont – to install the font San Francisco (system font Apple).
• 🎵 iOS 16 Sounds – replaces notification, lock and unlock sounds with original from Apple.

Install a launcher (Lawnchair or iLauncher)

Download the theme of iOS 16 for launcher

Install iOS Control Center

Replace fonts via iFont

Set up wallpaper (black gradient as on iPhone X)

Disable Xiaomi system icons in launcher settings-->

The main disadvantage of this method is that not all Xiaomi system applications can be hidden, such as theme store icons, security or Mi Community icons will remain even if you hide them in a folder, and you will not be able to completely remove the bottom navigation bar (if you have one on your device).

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To hide unwanted system applications without root, use the Nova Launcher app with the Hide App option. This will not remove them, but remove them from the menu list.

Method 2: Deep firmware for iOS (requires unlocking the bootloader)

For those who are willing to go beyond visual changes, there are custom firmwares that mimic iOS at the system level.

• 🍎 iOS ROM for Xiaomi (based on) MIUI) — Repackaged firmware with iOS icons, animations and sounds. 8/9, POCO F1/F3.
• 🤖 Havoc OS + iOS Theme - custom firmware based AOSP It's an iPhone theme, and it needs to be installed through TWRP.
• ⚡ iXiaomi Project - modified by the MIUI iOS features (including Control Center and gestures) supports a limited list of devices.

The installation process of such firmware includes 4 mandatory steps:

1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires Xiaomi account binding and waiting) 7-15 days).
2. Installation of custom recavator TWRP or OrangeFox.
3. Formatting the data partition and cleaning the cache.
4. Firmware ZIP-Archive with iOS theme through the Recovery.

Critical information: iOS firmware for Xiaomi is NOT a full iOS. It's a modified Android with a shell that mimics the Apple interface.

• Install applications from the App Store (only) APK or through third-party stores).
• Use Face. ID (Even if your Xiaomi has an infrared camera).
• Get security updates from Apple.
• Sync data with iCloud.

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iOS firmware is always a trade-off between appearance and stability. The best results are achieved on devices with Snapdragon processors (Mi 8, POCO F1), While on models with MediaTek (Redmi Note) may have performance problems.

Comparison of functionality: what will be repeated and what will not

Even with the most advanced firmware, some iPhone 10 chips will remain unavailable, and in the table below, an honest comparison of what can and cannot be replicated on Xiaomi is provided:

It is especially difficult to reproduce Apple’s ecosystem chips:

• 🔗 Continuity (smooth integration with Mac, iPad, Apple Watch) – on Android there is no analogue.
• 📱 AirDrop – can be replaced by Nearby Share, but speed and stability are worse.
• 🎧 Smooth work with AirPods – Xiaomi connection takes longer, there is no automatic switching between devices.

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If you’re critically interested in integrating with the Apple ecosystem (like a MacBook), consider buying a used iPhone. 10 Instead of a Xiaomi modification, they start at the price of 15-20 thousand rubles, which is comparable to the cost of flagships Xiaomi 2-3-summer-old.

Top.-5 Xiaomi models for transformation in iPhone 10

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equally well suited to iOS modifications, and we selected the top 5 candidates, considering the design, hardware and support for custom firmware:

1. Xiaomi Mi 8 (2018) 🔹 Design: exact copy of the iPhone X (cut, glass case). 🔹 Processor: Snapdragon 845 (enough for smooth running of the iOS theme). 🔹 Pros: there is an infrared camera to simulate Face ID, good support for custom firmware. 🔹 Cons: 3400 mAh battery (quickly dies when used actively).
2. Xiaomi Mi 9 (2019) 🔹 Design: Triple camera (like the iPhone 11), but the cutout is smaller. 🔹 Processor: Snapdragon 855 (best performance for iOS emulation). 🔹 Pluses: AMOLED-high brightness screen, wireless charging support.
3. POCO F1 (2018) 🔹 Design: a cutout like the iPhone X, but a plastic case. 🔹 Processor: Snapdragon 845 (same as in Mi 8, but cheaper). 🔹 Pros: a huge community of custom firmware, easy to unlock the bootloader.
4. Redmi K20 Pro (2019) 🔹 Design: Retractable front camera (no cutout like the iPhone). 🔹 Processor: Snapdragon 855, 8 GB of RAM. 🔹 Pros: excellent performance for iOS emulation, big screen AMOLED.

Black Shark 2

• 🔹 Design: a gaming smartphone, but with a cutout like the iPhone X.
• 🔹 Processor: Snapdragon 855, cooling system.
• 🔹 Pros: Best performance for heavy iOS themes, Magic Press support (similar) 3D Touch).

If your model is not on this list, check it out on the website. XDA Developers — there are custom-built themes for most Xiaomi, and the rule of thumb is that the more popular the model, the more modifications it has.

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For maximum similarity, choose the models with AMOLED-Snapdragon 8 Series screens and processors. MediaTek devices (like Redmi Note) are less optimized for custom firmware and can slow down.

Risks and pitfalls: what to fear

Before you turn your Xiaomi into an iPhone 10, check out the potential issues:

⚠️ Attention: Install custom firmware on Xiaomi with MediaTek processors (Helio) G90T, Dimensity is fraught with the friction of building up the device. These chips are closed source, and recovery through SP Flash Tool requires skills.

Main risks:

• 🔋 Fast battery drain: iOS themes often consume more power due to animations and background processes. 8 battery-powered 3400 Autonomy may fall by a mAh 30-40%.
• 📸 Camera problems: custom firmware often breaks photo processing (especially night mode and portrait shooting).
• 🔊 Sound distortion: some firmwares lose support for Dolby Atmos or Hi-Res Audio.
• 📶 Network problems: ranges may disappear 4G/5G or support for Dual SIM.

Another trap is security updates, and once you install custom firmware, you lose official patches from Xiaomi.

• Vulnerabilities in the system can remain unfixed for months.
• Banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) can block access due to root rights.
• Some games, for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact Refuse to Run on Modified Devices.

If you are not willing to put up with these shortcomings, limit yourself to visual transformation through launchers – it is safe and reversible.

Alternatives: What to do if nothing works

If your Xiaomi model doesn’t support custom firmware, or you don’t want to take risks, consider alternative ways to get an iOS experience:

1. iOS emulators on Android

• 🖥️ iEMU – iOS emulator for Android (requires a powerful processor).
• 🍎 Appetize.io – a cloud service for running iOS applications in the browser.

Cons: low performance and lack of access to the App Store.

2. Purchase of used iPhone 10

In the secondary market of the iPhone X (2017) can be found 15-25 Thousands of rubles:

• Full iOS with updates until 2026.
• Supports all functions of the Apple ecosystem.
• Best battery optimization (despite 2716 mAh capacity)

3. Hybrid approach

Use Xiaomi as your primary smartphone, and for specific tasks (like Final Cut Pro or GarageBand), buy a used iPad or Mac mini, which is cheaper than buying a new iPhone and gives you access to Apple’s exclusive software.

Visual transformation through launchers

Installation of custom firmware for iOS

Buying a used iPhone 10

Leave Xiaomi as it is-->

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