Android and iOS have all the time had contrasting approaches to theming and design. Check out the iPhone 16. iOS has all the time embraced a minimalist look. Nevertheless, Apple has taken strides lately, adding more theming and customization options with latest iOS updates. For instance, with iOS 18, iPhone customers can rearrange app icons and widgets on the house display screen, whereas Android has had this function because the starting. Nonetheless, there is a distinction between how Android and iOS strategy theming. Listed here are 5 key methods they differ.
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5 iOS makes app icons theme-ready
Darkish mode applies to each app icon seamlessly
With iOS 18, Apple launched adjustments to app icon customization. One notable function is the power to theme app icons in gentle, darkish, or computerized modes, no matter developer assist. Along with the sunshine and darkish mode icons, customers can use an eyedropper device to match icon colours with their wallpaper. This uniformity ensures each app icon aligns with the chosen theme.
Whereas Android permits app icon theming based mostly on Materials You’s colours, this solely works if the developer provides assist for it. If the developer does not construct in assist, the app icon stays unchanged, even when the choice is activated. This can be a main distinction between each working methods. Android customers should watch for builders to implement this function, whereas iOS helps it out of the field.
4 Icon packs give Android the sting
Android enables you to choose your icon type
Whereas iOS could excel at theming app icons, Android takes customization to a different degree. On Android, you possibly can obtain and apply third-party icon packs, altering the look of your app icons. Most first-party gadgets, together with Samsung Galaxy phones (through Good Lock), and most third-party launchers assist customized icon packs. Whether or not you need Pixel-style icons or one thing summary, Android has an icon pack.
In distinction, iOS does not enable icon customization except builders add this selection to their apps. Whereas customers can bypass this by creating customized shortcuts, the method is time-consuming and fewer intuitive than Android’s answer.
3 Android’s customization remains to be unmatched
From launchers to layouts, you are in management
It does not cease at icon packs. Android’s openness permits you to rework your telephone’s look. If you happen to aren’t a fan of the default launcher, app icons, grid format, or the font, you possibly can change them. Android’s openness permits you to tweak practically each facet of the house display screen and system interface.
iOS, then again, stays extra locked down. Whereas Apple caught up by letting customers rearrange icons and widgets, iPhone customers are caught with the preinstalled default launcher. Third-party launchers or customized icon packs aren’t an possibility.
2 Materials You on Android feels extra cohesive
Wallpapers encourage colours throughout your entire UI
One standout function of Android’s theming is its capacity to extract colours from the telephone’s wallpaper and apply them throughout the system. Generally known as Materials You, this function brings a unified look to your telephone, dynamically adjusting the colour palette of fast settings, notifications, widgets, and extra to align completely with the chosen wallpaper. It is a refined however impactful manner of creating your machine really feel actually yours.
iOS, by comparability, sticks to its tried-and-true gentle and darkish modes. Whereas efficient at making a constant theme throughout apps, it lacks the private contact and cohesiveness that Android’s system-wide theming gives.
An even bigger, higher, and smarter choice
Apple launched widgets to iPhones with iOS 14 in 2020, however Android nonetheless leads on this division. Android gives a greater variety of widgets, and plenty of present deeper performance. As an illustration, the Google Preserve app supplies three widget choices on Android however none on iOS. Equally, many apps on iOS lack one-tap motion widgets, like turning on a wise plug from the widget with out opening the app, which Android has supplied for years.
Whereas iOS widgets could also be barely extra aesthetically pleasing, they usually really feel restricted in scope and performance. Nevertheless, Android’s extremely customized and purposeful residence display screen is difficult to beat.
iOS is catching up, however Android stays far forward
Theming is not solely about aesthetics. It is about creating a tool that feels tailor-made to your preferences. Whereas iOS has made progress lately, Android gives extra customization and management. The most effective half? You may make your Android phone look and feel like iOS, however the reverse is not attainable. Android remains to be the way in which to go in the event you’re severe about theming.
