Can Xiaomi be turned into iPhone 12: a complete guide with warnings

Transforming Xiaomi into a visual and functional replica of the iPhone 12 is a challenge that many users are excited about. The reasons range from showing off to friends to nostalgia for the Apple ecosystem. But before you get to tools or download dubious firmware, it’s worth understanding that a full-fledged “transformation” is impossible without replacing iron. However, visually and programmatically approaching the iPhone can be – and we’ll tell you how to do it as safely as possible (or at least with minimal losses).

This article doesn't call for Apple's infringement or deception, but we look at legal customization (themes, launchers) and risky methods (firmware, hardware modification), warning of all the pitfalls. If your goal is just a design you like, the first two sections are enough. If you're willing to go further, read carefully and weigh the risks.

1.Legal Ways: Themes and Launchers for Visual Similarity

The safest way is to use Xiaomi's standard tools to change the look of the interface. MIUI They support deep customization through themes and third-party launchers, and the main advantage is that you don't need root access or unlock the bootloader, and all changes are reversible.

Start with the official Theme app (preloaded on all Xiaomi) and search for queries like iOS 14, iPhone style or Apple theme. Top results often include high-quality builds with icons, fonts and animations that mimic iOS. Pay attention to themes marked Full Theme, which change not only wallpaper, but also system elements.

• 🎨 Best topics for MIUI: "iOS 15 Dark, Apple Minimal, iPhone 12 Pro Max (by XiaomiThemes).
• 🔍 How to search: Sort results by rating and update date. topic with 4.5+ The stars and fresh reviews are a good sign.
• ⚙️ Settings: After applying the theme, go to Settings → Display. → Size of font and select San Francisco (Apple font).

For a deeper transformation, install the Lawnchair 2 launcher or Nova Launcher from Google Play.

• 📱 Set up a grid of applications under 4×5 or 5×6 (iOS-like).
• 🔄 Add a swipe up gesture to open a search (similar to Spotlight).
• 🖼️ Hide the name of the application under the icons (option "Without inscriptions").

⚠️ Note: Some of the themes from the Xiaomi store contain ads or collect data. Before installing, check the application permissions in Settings → Applications: If the subject requests access to SMS or geolocation, discard it.

2. Deep customization: firmware for iOS and their consequences

If themes and launchers seem like half-measures, some users go further by installing custom firmware that mimics iOS.The most famous projects are iOS Launcher (from TechNews) and iOS. ROM And these solutions change not only the look, but also the logic of the system, adding a new dimension to the system:

• 📱 Control Center in the style of iOS (swipe top-down right).
• 🔒 Lock screen with lift animation (like on iPhone).
• 📂 File system with imitation Files.app.
• 🎵 Music player in the style of Apple Music.

However, this approach has critical shortcomings:

1. Instability: Firmware often contains bugs that cause sensors, cameras, or mobile communications to stop working.
2. Security: Many iOS firmware is assembled by enthusiasts and may contain backdoors or spyware.
3. Performance: Emulating an iOS interface on Android eats up to 30% of CPU resources, which leads to overheating and fast battery discharge.

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader, which cancels the Xiaomi warranty and increases the risk of turning the phone into a brick. Before the procedure, back up using the Mi Flash Tool and check the firmware compatibility with your model on the forum XDA Developers.

3. Hardware modification: replacement of the body and buttons

If the software methods don’t work, we can go further, physically change the look of Xiaomi, bringing it closer to the iPhone 12.

• 📦 Rear panels with the Apple logo and "magnets" (imitation MagSafe).
• 🔘 On/loudness buttons in the style of iPhone (rectangular, with a characteristic click).
• 📶 Antenna inserts (decorative stripes, like on the iPhone 12).
• 🔌 Camera modules with "island" (visually copy the design of Apple).

The cost of such an upgrade varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the quality of the parts.

1. Accuracy of fit: Cases for Xiaomi under the iPhone 12 often have gaps near the camera or speakers. Before buying, read reviews from photos of real installations.
2. Functionality: The “Magnets” on the back don’t work with the original MagSafe accessories – they’re just metal inserts.
3. Warranty: Replacing the case in an unofficial service deprives Xiaomi of warranty (if it is still valid).

Replacement will require:

• 🔧 Setting screwdrivers T3-T5 and plastic blades.
• 🔥 Dryer for softening glue (temperature 60-80)°C).
• 📱 Screen removal suction cup (if you need to replace the front panel).

Make a backup copy of the data|Charge the phone to 50%|Buy the original glue B7000|Prepare the workplace (clean surface, good lighting)|Take the process on video for reverse assembly-->

⚠️ Note: When replacing the back panel with Xiaomi NFC (For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+) Wireless payment antenna may stop working. check Google Pay feature after build!

4. Emulation of gestures and animations iOS on Xiaomi

One of the key elements of iOS is smooth animations and intuitive gestures, which can be played on Xiaomi using:

1. Native settings MIUI: Go to Settings. → System system → Gestures. Turn on full-screen gestures and select "iPhone" style. Turn off gesture prompts to remove the backlight at the bottom of the screen.

Third-party applications:

• Fluid Navigation Gestures – adds an animation of “lift” when unlocked (like on iPhone).
• Edge Gestures – allows you to configure swipes from the edges of the screen to call the Control Center or Control Point.

To fine-tune the animations, you'll need root access and an LSPosed app with iOS Animations.

• 🔄 Speed and smoothness of transitions between applications.
• 📱 Animation of opening / closing folders.
• 🔙 The “reduction” effect of returning to the menu (like Zoom Back on iOS).

Note that after installing the module, you may experience lags in games or when scrolling heavy web pages. To roll back changes, you just need to turn off the module in LSPosed or delete it through Magisk.

- Window animation → 0.5x

- Animation of transitions → 0.5x

- Duration of the animator → Disconnected.

This will smooth out the lags without losing the visual effect.-->

5.Moving iOS features to Xiaomi: what really works

Some iPhone chips can be played on Xiaomi without any deep modifications.

Here's what you can't do:

• 🔒 Secure Enclave (hardware encryption Apple) – on Android there is no analogue.
• 📡 5G On all models – even if you flash iOS, the communication module will remain from Xiaomi.
• 🎥 Cinematic Mode – requires a special processor A15 Bionic.

To emulate Siri, you can use Google Assistant with the voice "Assistant 2" (most similar to Apple).

1. Open Google Assistant.
2. Tap on the profile icon → Settings → Assistant → Assistant voice.
3. Select Assistant 2 (Female) and set the speech speed to 0.8x.

💡

The most realistic way Xiaomi can play the visual elements of iOS (interface, animations) and basic functions (AirDrop, Live Photos). ID, U1-chips are not available without iron replacement.

6 Risks and Alternatives: Is the Game Worth the Candle?

Before you start the transformation, consider the real costs:

• ⏱️ Time: Complete flashing + Replacement of the body will take 4-6 hours (excluding the search for details).
• 💰 Money: High-quality back panel - from 2 000 ₽, firmware from a professional - from 3 000 ₽.
• 📉 Performance: Emulating iOS eats up to 30% of battery and 15% of CPU power.
• 🚨 Risks: 10% chance to “brick” the phone when firmware (according to statistics) XDA Developers).

Alternatives worth considering:

1. Buy used iPhone 12: On Avito or Yandex Market you can find a device in good condition for 25-35 thousand. ₽ (cheaper than the new Xiaomi flagship + modification).
2. Official rebranding: Some Chinese manufacturers (like Meizu) are making iPhone-designed phones that look similar but without the risk of homemade modification.
3. Slip case: Silicone cases with the Apple logo (for example, from Spigen) visually transform the phone for 500-1000 ₽.

⚠️ Note: If you modify Xiaomi for iPhone for sale or deception (for example, impersonating the original Apple), this qualifies as a fraud under Art. 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Even if you just show your friends the phone and they decide it’s a real iPhone, it can cause problems with warranty repairs or inspections. IMEI.

7. Step-by-step: how to make Xiaomi look like iPhone 12 in 1 hour

If you are not ready for radical measures, but want to bring the interface as close as possible, follow this algorithm:

1. Set theme and font: Download the theme "iOS 15 Dark" from the Xiaomi Themes store. → Display select the font San Francisco.
2. Set up the launcher: Install Lawnchair 2 From Google Play. In the launcher settings, turn on: App grid 4×5. Hiding icon names. Swipe gesture up for search.
3. Add animations: Install Fluid Navigation Gestures. Enable the unlock animation "iPhone-style."
4. Configure the Control Center: Download Power Shade. In the application settings, select the style "iOS 14".

Replace the sounds:

• Download the iPhone notification sounds (files) marimba.mp3, alarm.caf).
• Put them in a folder. /sdcard/Ringtones and install through Settings → Sounds.

The result: the phone looks like the iPhone 12 by 70-80%. For full effect, buy a case with the Apple logo (for example, Spigen Thin Fit in black).

adb shell su -c "setprop persist.sys.bootanim.disabled 1"

But it requires root access and doesn’t work on all models.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about converting Xiaomi into iPhone