For some time now, the convenience of the iOS interface has ceased to be a decisive advantage. MIUI and ColorOS are also stable, convenient and effectively copy the best of the Apple system, adding their own features in the form of fine-tuning and a user-friendly operating process.
And if you want it like in your favorite iPhone? Nothing could be simpler: every Android user can turn their smartphone into an iPhone.
It is enough to install several programs, and even an avid fan will not be able to distinguish the Google system from their favorite platform.
What iPhone will we turn into?
Considering the ability of Android systems to be modified and the dream of users to get a cool smartphone for minimal money (let’s not take into account scammers), it is not surprising that the transformation of “green robots” into “iPhones” has been going on for a very long time.
Thanks to this, you can turn a conventional “Xiaomi” into a device running Android 9 Oreo with the iOS 6 interface. There is also something fresh: today all major versions of the interface from version 6 to version 13 are available for Android smartphones.
However, the means to achieve the goal differ depending on the chosen goal.
To simulate earlier versions of iOS, you will need iLauncher, Espier Launcher, JOYLauncher. The seventh and eighth ones are also simulated using Go Launcher and Hi Launcher.
For older people, it is better to choose Launcher iOS 12/13.
Conversion algorithm: 1. Install the launcher from Google Play or an alternative store. 2. In the system settings (Settings -> Default applications -> Graphical interface) specify the launcher used. 3. We use it.
ATTENTION: the editors are not responsible for the use of third-party software.
How to make an iPhone from Android?
Dear readers, today we will try to find out how to make iOS from Android. As noted above, you will need to install some applications on your device in order to change the design of some elements. In this regard, we will consider separate categories of utilities that can help you fulfill your desire. We'll look at launchers, lock screens, new keyboards, as well as add-ons that allow us to delve even deeper into the design changes. Let’s say right away that all programs can be downloaded from the official GooglePlay application store completely free of charge. Some utilities have built-in advertising, so be prepared for this. We also note that Espier programs, which you will learn about below, can only be downloaded from third-party resources. An Internet connection is required to install them. Please note that you perform all actions at your own risk: when installing some products, there is a risk of disrupting the system.
Turning Android into iPhone is not as difficult as it seems
System simulation
The selected program completely changes the interface from the desktop to the settings menu.
The latest version of Launcher iOS 13 supports a dark theme, simulates the operation of 3D Touch with a long press, has a built-in dock bar and works a little more stable than its analogues.
The developers of Launcher iOS 13 make it possible to use a set of icons from your favorite system without installing a launcher. An ersatz imitation, but some will like it.
The result of the installation will be a familiar environment, but based on stock Android applications.
Also, the Android shell leaves the basic set of functions and does not change notifications, curtains, or lock screens. In addition, a number of questions remain regarding minor tweaks.
However, the external similarity is very large - sufficient for a “soft” transition between platforms.
Rounding corners
Despite all the above changes, desktops and phone screens will still be different from the iPhone. The reason for this is straight corners instead of rounded ones. You can further turn Android into iPhone:
- Download and install the Cornerfly utility.
- When you launch an application, it must agree to the requested permissions. You also need to activate the system overlay feature.
- Then go to accessibility options and click on the line with the name of the installed program.
- In the window that appears, click on OK .
- Then click back and check the box.
- Immediately after this, the utility will round the corners of screens and windows when you turn on the slider on the main screen of the program.
How to flash a Xiaomi smartphone with a locked and unlocked bootloader
Simulate Alerts
None of the current launchers can display iOS alerts correctly. Therefore, for the simulation you will need a separate program, for example, iNotifier X or Floatify. With its help, all work with application signals will be exactly the same as on iOS 11 and higher. But there is a nuance.
On Android versions above 8.1, for custom notifications to work correctly, you will need to disable all stock notification displays.
To do this, you need to go to Settings -> Applications and notifications and disable all the corresponding checkboxes here. Those that do not turn off can be turned off by long pressing when they appear in the curtain.
WARNING: The method does not work when using Floatify.
How to make an iPhone from an Android phone
Any user can perform this setup. You don't even need a complete re-flashing for this. Therefore, before making an iPhone out of Android, you can familiarize yourself with all the modification methods. For example, there are utilities or emulators. They can change the lock screen, the main menu and the overall design of the platform.
Full flashing
To make your phone a full-fledged iPhone, you can flash it for iOS. The algorithm itself will be no different from a regular system reinstallation. However, this is very dangerous for a smartphone. Since it will install an iOS system that is not optimized for Android devices. The OS was created exclusively for iPhones. Therefore, there is a high probability of turning the device into a “brick”.
Visual changes only
The best way to turn Android into iOS is to make design changes. In addition, making visual changes is very fast. The user does not need to have experience in flashing or download third-party files. To change your phone, the applications that are on Google Play will suffice.
When the download is complete, you will need to launch a special application and configure it. There are different launchers that change the main screen and menu. Such extensions are completely safe for the device. In addition, they can be closed and deleted at any time. Thanks to such additions, you will be able to master the iOS system without purchasing an iPhone.
Using launchers
The most important difference between the system and Apple is its unique menu. It uses a specific design and number of these icons. The design is completely different from Android. Even if you compare them with Xiaomi, a company that is inspired by Apple's design. Android applications are also different from iOS ones. Therefore, to turn a phone into an iPhone, you first need to change the design.
The easiest way to do this is with the help of special launchers that are available in the Google Play store. It has a lot of applications. Most of them have a unique menu that is not similar to any other theme. However, Google Play also has launchers that closely replicate Apple’s design.
Such applications do not stay in the store for a long time. Since Apple often complains about copyright infringement. Therefore, you will need to download some launchers from the Internet on various exchangers:
- The most popular application that follows the design of the iOS system is iLauncher.
It completely replicates the design of the ninth generation of Apple's OS. The developers are updating it, so a better version of the iOS shell may soon be released. The application supports smartphones based on Android 4 and above. This launcher will not be able to make any major hardware changes. Therefore, it does not load the system with additional megabytes. Such an application will replace the design of icons and utilities. All labels will look like Apple's. These are small square icons with rounded corners. In addition, the application will remove the menu. The main workspace will be the same as Apple's. - In addition, there is another extension on Google Play. It's called OS9 Launcher. The developers call it very smart and easy to use. The software also changes the entire design of the phone's desktop. Some installed applications too. In addition, other changes taken from the iOS system will appear in the phone. If a notification appears in the program, the corresponding number will be displayed above the label. Additionally, the software has a similar function to 3D Touch. However, it can only be activated by double clicking on the application. The only drawback of this launcher is the presence of advertising. There really is a lot of it. However, it is located on the desktop with a widget. The search bar is also located there. At the moment it is impossible to download the application on Google Play; it is better to look at special forums.
- You can also change the design using the CleanUI launcher. The main feature of the software is its large icons. They are not the same size as the original. As a result, there are fewer different shortcuts on the screen. With this application you can change the menu itself and the notification panel. The rest of the functionality is the same as other applications. You can remove some icons from the menu. There is no function similar to 3D Touch. This software also has a separate menu. Only there is no advertising in it at all. There is only a search bar. You can use it to find something on your phone or use Google. At the moment it is impossible to download the application on Google Play; it is better to look at special forums.
Replacing the lock screen
The launcher replaces the design of menus and icons. However, such software is not capable of creating a lock screen like the iPhone. This problem can also be solved. There are special applications for this. The best one is called OS8 Lock Screen. The utility can be downloaded from Google Play.
After launching it, a special window with settings opens. It has everything you need to create a lock screen design just like the iPhone. However, the entire interface is in English. The application will allow the user to set any wallpaper, password and even text.
The appearance of the application imitates iOS 8 generation. The utility operates very quickly. Unlocking occurs in a few seconds. In addition, it is possible to open the camera by swiping to the side. This makes the phone look even more like an iPhone.
SMS message design
You can also change this section so that the Android OS is similar to iOS. To do this, you will need to download a special application, previously called iPhone massages. Now there is an AI Message application - Message OS13.
Once installed on your phone it will start working immediately. This will be a utility called “Messages”. You will also need to make additional settings. Instructions for using the program:
- First you need to download the file of this utility. Then install it.
- After installation, move the icon of the installed application to the quick access panel.
- A notification will open where you need to choose between the built-in and previously installed extension.
- Click on “Always”.
After these settings, the messages section will look like the original iPhone. There are no freezes or bugs in the application. Therefore, you can use it with confidence. Other utilities on Google Play no longer work.
Notification panel
Not all launchers have developed this part of the interface. Therefore, users need to improve the notification panel themselves. A software called OS10 Notification Style will help with this.
It adds the appearance of the panel from the tenth version of Apple OS. After the utility is installed, you will need to configure it. The program will automatically redirect the user to the settings section. There you will need to select “Activate status bar”. Afterwards you can start using the software.
This is the only app that can make the notification bar look like iOS. However, it copes well with its tasks. The status bar gives the impression that the phone has full-fledged Apple firmware installed. If you compare the original version of the panel, the differences will be almost invisible.
In addition, the menu of this software has additional options. You can activate the functional component. To do this, a special blue button will appear in the interface. It is located at the bottom of the display. With it you can open a camera or even a calculator. It is possible to activate the flashlight. In general, this section is the same as on the iOS system. There is a brightness slider and a Wi-Fi activation icon.
Changing the keyboard and camera
Thanks to all the additional utilities, you can make a real iPhone from Android. However, there is one more nuance - this is the keyboard. It also affects the perception of the phone. The element appears whenever the user types text. To do this, you need to install an application called Apple Keyboard.
This keyboard will simulate the one used in the iOS system. However, there will be no Russian language in it.
To replace the camera, you also need to download additional programs. The best app is GEAK Camera.
It allows you not only to take photos, but also to use various effects and filters. However, not only this application replicates the camera design of the iPhone.
It will be possible to download other software. Just write in the search the phrase “Keyboard like an iPhone.”
Simulate loading and lock screens
Perhaps the most difficult element of “transforming” an Android smartphone into an iPhone will be replacing the boot animation (loading screen animation).
In order to use this picture you will need to obtain root rights and/or install a custom bootloader ( TWRP ). With it, you just need to drop the archive into the media folder of the boot partition.
Please note: Does not work on Android 8.0 and above as those versions will still have the native loading screen.
Latest versions of Android require the use of the Lock Screen XS app. Its performance is not guaranteed
Changing the lock screen
To change your smartphone globally and... To make all your friends envy you, you cannot do without editing the lock screen.
The best solution for Android devices is the Passcode Lock Screen application. Through this application, you can set a screen lock key to protect it from hacking. Also, you can put any image you like on the background.
Keyboard
There is no exact copy of the iOS keyboard. It is most similar to the native Keyboard for Os13, but its performance is not guaranteed on all smartphones.
Another option would be a paid SwiftKey with a Huawei theme. But it doesn't have a dark theme.
Which GBoard has, which at the moment best imitates the same swipe typing for which the iOS keyboard is loved.
And among all the options, it’s the only one that has the correct dark theme, which, wait a minute, on Android really allows you to save a lot of battery.
Changing the keyboard and camera
To make the phone look even more like an iPhone, you can change the camera and keyboard. For camera:
- Download and install GEAK Camera.
- In order to take pictures, it is enough to install this utility as the main camera. The program has built-in filters and the appearance is fully consistent with iOS.
To change the keyboard, you need to download and install the Apple Keyboard utility. After this, the keyboard will change its appearance. The main drawback is that it is only in English.
Applications
ATTENTION. Applications that imitate stock iOS programs are privately developed and are not available on Google Play. Installation is carried out by the user at his own risk. The editors are not responsible for their use.
On thematic forums you can find almost any application that imitates analogues from iOS. Thus, 4pda have created a number of applications that are similar in detail to those used in iOS.
IMPORTANT: To download the following materials, registration on the appropriate resource is required.
A partial list of them looks like this:
- Photo - simulates the interface, access to offline tracks
- Messages - simulates the interface
- Reminders - mimics the interface
- Dialer - imitates the interface
- Calendar - imitates the interface
- Volume bar iOS 13 - simulates the interface
- Music - simulates the interface, access to offline tracks
- Podcasts - simulates the interface
- AppStore - Applies a familiar interface to Google Play
- iTunes Store - a full-fledged application for accessing the resource
- Game Center - Applies a familiar interface to Google Games
- Promotions - imitates the interface using other sources
- Voice recorder - simulates the interface
- Health - imitates the interface
- Compass - simulates the interface
- Video – simulates the interface, access to offline video
- iBooks - imitates the interface, access to offline books
- Mail - imitates the interface, uses any mail
- Notes - simulates the interface, access to offline tracks
- Calculator - simulates the interface
- Contacts - simulates the interface
- Weather - simulates the interface, uses other sources
- Settings - simulates the interface
- Clock - simulates the interface
The installation is carried out as follows: 1. You must allow installation of applications from unknown sources (Security -> Unknown sources). 2. Download the apk file from the above or other link and install it. 3. Assign the program to perform a basic function (Default Applications).
Using other applications, you can also change the smartphone model in the settings and completely hide mentions of Android. However, their use is fraudulent, so we will not even provide explicit references to the source.
Comparison and table
Systems can be compared according to various parameters:
- There have been a lot of Android phones released in 2020. Manufacturers can be divided into echelons, and their models into entire lines. The iPhone is the only one, now the current version is 11 and 11 pro max. Device designers maintain a signature style. For example, the tenth generation is similar in design to the eleventh, if you do not take into account the camera. Android fans are given greater freedom of choice. Thanks to this, any consumer can find a gadget to suit their needs.
- The advantage of an Apple device is that it is made from the highest quality materials. Developers focus on one model to work out the interaction between the platform and the phablet's hardware. The corporation believes that their OS is constantly improving. Android is a very universal platform. It is easy to port, which is why every developer can change it to suit their needs. Android is easy to optimize for weak hardware. There is no support for such a system. Apple advises its users on any issues.
- Apple developers are convinced that they produce gadgets “for the people.” Therefore, immediately after launch, their phones will not need to be further configured. There are no various improvements or modifications in iOS because of this. Users were spared the need to intervene in the system. People who use the Android platform are constantly refining, changing and improving the OS. Some users can greatly expand the functionality.
- The iPhone can be confidently called authentic. It can only be used with accessories from Apple. Or these are devices that have received a license from the company. To connect to a computer or charge your phone, you will need a lightning connector. Once connected to the PC, the user will only have access to photos from the smartphone. Android is more functional in this regard. You can't transfer music, videos, games, and other files to your computer. The entire system becomes open via a USB cable. In addition, the cable is suitable for most Android devices.
- People who do not know the difference between an Apple device and an Android system often cite the possibility of installing a memory card in favor of the latter. Previously, users said that Google platforms have better cameras. However, in 2020 there is practically no difference between iPhone and Android in this regard.
- The memory of Apple devices starts from 16 and ends with 512 gigabytes. You can buy Android without built-in memory, but expand it using a microSD card. This way, users do not overpay for the drive.
- Each company has its own approach to applications. Apple carefully monitors its reputation and tests programs and games from independent developers. After which they can be posted on the AppStore. Most of the developments located there have a user-friendly interface. They are free of various crashes and freezes. In addition, the store has exclusive applications that only work on the iOS system. Android is more democratic when it comes to third-party applications. The Google Play store contains games and software from a variety of developers. The administration tests them only for compatibility. However, the likelihood of installing a program with lags is very high. Android has a significant advantage - free content. There is significantly more of it in the store than in the App Store. In addition, Android users have the opportunity to directly download APK files from the Internet.
- In terms of performance, both classes of devices also differ. iPhones are the leaders in this regard, since their system is well optimized for the hardware. In addition, the OS takes up virtually no memory space. Android consumes much more gigabytes. The system is power hungry due to its open source nature and difficulties in adapting to different phones. Every year, companies are increasing the performance of Android devices. However, the platform is not ready for this.
Apple devices also have high autonomy. If you take two identical devices on iOS and Android, the latter will discharge much faster. However, the latest flagships have approximately the same performance.
iPhone | Android |
Produced by Apple | Produced by Samsung, Huawei, Sony, Xiaomi, etc. |
There is a limited line of phones that have the same design | There are more than a thousand different models in the world with different appearances. |
High-quality materials and assembly itself | There are both high-quality and budget phablets |
The OS is adapted to the device's hardware | Open source system, frequent stuttering on some phones |
High-quality user support | TP depends on the specific manufacturer |
There is almost no way to configure the operating system | It is possible to improve the OS to suit any preferences |
Branded lightning cable | USB cord fits most smartphones |
The file system is completely closed and incompatible with other phones | Completely open system, making it easy to transfer media to or from your PC |
Memory cannot be expanded | There is a microSD card slot |
Applications in the App Store are controlled by the administration | Any developments are included in Google Play |
Productive phone | Resource-intensive system |
Limited mAh in batteries | There are many standalone devices |
Can be unlocked with a glance | There is an analogue of Face ID and fingerprint scanners |
Launchers
Many users of smartphones running the Android operating system are familiar with this word. But if you are encountering this concept for the first time, then we will clarify this issue a little. Launchers are special applications that allow you to completely or partially change the appearance of the desktop and menu page of your device. That is, we can say that here the launcher will be practically the key program in our operation.
Let's look at the list of the most popular shells:
- OS9 Launcher HD. It has changed the icons of absolutely all standard applications, as well as a large number of third-party ones. There is also some semblance of the 3DTouch function, which is familiar to iPhone 6S users. Here you will activate it by double clicking on the program icon. The only downside that can be noted is, perhaps, the presence of an advertising banner on the search page of the Spotlight analogue. The search bar uses Google.
OS9 Launcher HD
- CleanUI. It's a pretty good launcher, but its application icons are different from those in the iOS operating system. However, here is a notification panel made in some iPhone design. Of course, it’s far from ideal, but a good start has already been made. Perhaps the developers will update this in their future versions. Among other things, it also presents, as in the previous program, an analogue of the Spotlight page.
CleanUI
- Espier Launcher. There are almost all the application icons like on the iPhone: even a compass, shares, FaceTime. Please note that if your device has root superuser rights, it is recommended to install the application in the system/app folder.
Espier Launcher
Emulators and other tools
At the moment, apart from the emulators listed above, none of the available tools can cope with the task of reproducing the basic capabilities of iOS:
iEMU Emulator
A fun way to learn an operating system designed for Apple technology. The advantages are excellent optimization, a well-designed interface that easily adapts to the screen resolution of a smartphone or tablet. In addition, the developers also took care of the built-in store with applications that go beyond the “starting” powers of the system.
There are a lot of technical errors and shortcomings at the moment - when interacting with the desktop, the response time is too long. In addition, the emulator has difficulty connecting to the network, does not allow you to track your location on a map or use the App Store.
One of the advantages is working with archives and various file extensions that have long been familiar to Android. Apple interface. Setup is quick, and system resources do not impact overall performance.
Cider
A rapidly developing, but no longer official emulator, which became the main surprise in the world of mobile technology. Developers from Columbia University depicted the iOS operating system so well that even Apple developers became worried. Cider was able to provide access to an amazing desktop that runs incredibly smoothly and allows you to look into a whole collection of different sections. Here you can access notes, and work with the App Store (at this stage there are a lot of problems: some applications are downloaded, due to the static and no longer updated version of iOS, it’s not worth dreaming about the opportunity to launch some Apple exclusives), it’s possible to feel all the speed of Safari and even familiarity with some gestures.
The main advantages are fast operating speed, the ability to install Cider without Root rights, and quick setup. Of the minuses - no prospects (the project is closed and is no longer updated, you don’t have to expect any surprises, most likely, the guys from Apple have already hired students), imperfect implementation of some features, problems with finding a geoposition.
AndroidHacks
If the options listed above do not inspire you (and what else – no stability!), then another option is available. Attention! The described instructions are designed for real extreme sports enthusiasts, experimenters, those who are used to sitting without folding their arms .
Take care of your own device - create a backup copy both on your computer and in cloud storage. Read the instructions for restoring your smartphone if for some reason everything gets out of control. And one more thing - under no circumstances try to recommend this method to your friends, otherwise the problems will spread to others!
- Immediately after preparation (once again, be sure to carry out a series of the listed measures - backup, save settings, if desired, you should clear the internal memory and external data sources) - go to the AndroidHacks website and study the available instructions (the project developers carefully described each point, and at the same time posted list of minimum requirements - namely: Android 4.0 and higher and 1 GB of RAM. If the requirements are too high, please don’t even try!);
- As is the case with emulators (which are much more stable and secure), Root rights are not needed, and installation takes place in a few seconds;
- The idea of abandoning such an installation has not yet disappeared? This means that the last step remains - click on the “Dual-Boot-iOS” button located at the bottom of the only available page. Wait for the procedure to complete and begin testing.
As foreign colleagues say, the method works and gives access to a whole list of interesting features - including access to the App Store, but with one caveat - the emulation of the iOS operating system is incomplete: no calls, SMS requests, the ability to track a location on a map, download data and work in the same way as owners of Apple equipment are used to.
As a result, each of the listed methods suffers from a bunch of shortcomings and is suitable for one-time experiments.