ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Some Android users might enjoy their phone, but want some iOS-style perks.
- Getting the best of both systems is a few customizations away.
- Your options vary between free and paid versions.
Have you switched to an Android phone from an <a href="https://myappsplus.com/t-mobile-is-giving-away-the-apple-iphone-17-for-free/” title=”T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free”>iPhone but miss the look and feel of Apple’s OS? Alternatively, maybe you’ve always used Android, but prefer specific visual elements and features of iOS. Either way, you can’t turn Android into iOS, but you can replicate certain aspects from Apple’s aesthetic on your Android device.
1. Install a home screen launcher to replicate iOS
A home screen launcher customizes the look, layout, and functionality of the Android home screen. Your Android phone already comes with a built-in home screen launcher designed by the manufacturer. But you can switch the launcher to a third-party program.
Also: 6 Android launchers that are better than your default home screen
At Google Play, you’ll find a variety of launchers that mimic the iOS Home screen. Some are free, some are paid. Be aware that the freebies typically throw a lot of ads at you, which you can pay to remove. Some of these launchers can also be buggy.
One launcher worth trying is Moni Launcher: OS 26 Style, which you can download and install from Google Play. After you start the app, the setup is quick and simple, allowing you to choose it as the default launcher. Your Home screen then reboots to resemble something more like iOS. Swipe through each screen to see all your apps and widgets, ending with the App Library. There’s even the iOS Dock at the bottom.
The icon for Moni takes you to its settings, where you can easily tweak the wallpaper, themes, icons, widgets, grid, and gestures. From here, you’re also able to switch your default launcher back to the original. Though it doesn’t bring over every nook and cranny of iOS, it does replicate enough of the look and layout to make an iPhone user feel at home.
2. Duplicate Control Center
Swiping from the top right of the screen on an iPhone triggers Control Center, where you can launch an array of commands and features. You can bring Control Center to Android with a free app called Control Center iOS 15.
Also: 7 iOS 27 features that make old iPhones exciting again
Grab the app from Google Play. After loading it, just turn on its switch. You can then customize the program by adding and removing controls and setting its size, color, and orientation. You will have to put up with some annoying and intrusive ads, but only when you’re tweaking the settings.
Once the app is set up, swipe down from the top of the screen and you’ll see the familiar Control Center. Keep swiping down to see additional screens just like on iOS. Tap an icon to launch the associated command or feature.
3. Recreate the Dynamic Island
The Dynamic Island is a handy way to view and manage certain live activities on the iPhone. You can recreate that feature on an Android phone thanks to an app called Islandly — Dynamic Island. Just download and install it from Google Play and configure the settings to control the width, height, position, and top gap. As you launch different apps, supported ones will be accessible from the Dynamic Island. Just tap the control at the top to view and manage them.
4. Switch to gesture navigation
In iOS, you head to the Home screen, view all your open apps, and go back to the previous screen using gestures and swipes. In Android, you do those things by tapping the buttons at the bottom of the screen. If you prefer the iOS approach, you can easily switch to gesture navigation in Android, and you don’t need a third-party app.
Also: 5 hidden iOS 27 upgrades that make a big difference
On your Android phone, go to Settings, select System, and then tap Navigation Mode. Change the setting from 3-button navigation to Gesture navigation. You’ll then be able to navigate the screens by swiping the same as you would on an iPhone.
5. Customize the Lock screen
Next, you can customize the Lock screen to give it a more iOS-like vibe. The tweaks you’re able to make will vary to some degree on your model and version of Android. Here’s how it works on my Pixel phone with Android 17.
Also: How to make Windows more like MacOS: 6 tweaks to try
Go to Settings, select Display & touch, and then tap the entry for Lock screen. Here, you can choose to display notifications and widgets on the Lock screen. You can add your own customized text, device controls, and two shortcuts (one on the left, one on the right). You can also set the clock size to change based on other content on the screen.
6. Share files with other iPhones
Android’s Quick Share feature now works with Apple’s AirDrop, so you can exchange files with iPhone users. To set this up on your Android phone, go to Settings, select Connection preferences, and tap Quick Share. Here, you can customize your device name and choose whether to use mobile data. You’ll also want to determine who and what can share with you: your other devices, your contacts, or everyone for 10 minutes.
Also: I tested an Android app that lets anyone fight censorship
Open the app, such as the Photos app, to view the files you wish to share. Select the files you want to share and then tap the Share icon. Choose Quick Share and then select the iPhone you want to send the files to.
