How to Change the Color of Apps on iOS 14
Have you ever wished you could spice up your iPhone's home screen with a splash of color? While iOS 14 offers a plethora of customization options, changing the color of apps directly isn't one of them. It's a feature many users crave, but Apple hasn't implemented it yet.
Don't despair! This article will guide you through the available workarounds and methods that will help you achieve a similar aesthetic, allowing you to personalize your iOS 14 home screen and make it truly your own.
Understanding the Limitations
Before we dive into the solutions, it's crucial to understand why Apple hasn't incorporated the ability to change app colors directly. The core iOS design philosophy emphasizes uniformity and simplicity. Apple believes that a consistent visual experience across apps contributes to a more intuitive and user-friendly interface. Allowing users to change app colors could potentially lead to a cluttered and disorganized home screen, something Apple is actively trying to avoid.
Alternative Approaches to Personalize Your iOS 14 Home Screen
While you can't change the color of apps themselves, there are several ways to achieve a visually customized home screen that aligns with your preferences. Let's explore some popular methods:
1. Utilize Custom Icons
This is perhaps the most popular approach. It involves replacing the default app icons with custom icons of your choosing, which can be designed in various colors and styles. Here's a step-by-step guide:
-
Find a Custom Icon Pack: There are numerous apps and websites offering custom icon packs. Some popular options include:
- Widgetsmith: This app not only offers custom icons but also allows you to create custom widgets to further personalize your home screen.
- Icon Packs by App Icons: This app boasts a vast collection of icon packs with diverse styles, including minimalist, colorful, and artistic designs.
- Color Widgets: While primarily focused on widgets, this app also includes a collection of aesthetically pleasing custom icons.
-
Download and Install the Icon Pack: Once you've chosen an icon pack, download it from the App Store or the provider's website. Most icon packs require a third-party app like Shortcut or Launcher to install.
-
Use Shortcuts or a Launcher App: These apps act as intermediaries, allowing you to replace the default icons with the custom icons from your downloaded pack.
-
Arrange and Customize: You can now arrange the custom icons on your home screen, creating a visually appealing arrangement.
2. Create Folders with Unique Colors
While you can't directly color apps, you can create folders and assign them different colors. This offers a subtle way to introduce a touch of color to your home screen:
- Create Folders: Group your apps into logical folders, such as "Productivity," "Social," or "Entertainment."
- Assign Colors: Long-press a folder and select "Rename Folder." You can then choose from a variety of predefined colors to highlight the folder.
- Use Folder Icons: If you want a more visual cue, you can customize folder icons by tapping the "+" icon inside a folder and selecting from various icons or using custom icons from a third-party app.
3. Employ Widgets
Widgets have become increasingly popular in iOS 14, offering a new avenue for customization. While they don't change app colors directly, they can add visual interest and color to your home screen:
- Choose and Add Widgets: iOS 14 offers a variety of built-in widgets, and third-party apps often provide their own widgets.
- Customize Widget Appearance: Many widgets allow for customization, allowing you to choose colors and themes that match your preferences.
- Experiment with Widget Placement: Widgets can be placed on the home screen, offering flexibility in arranging your desired color palette.
Tips for Achieving a Harmonious Home Screen
Here are some tips to make your home screen truly shine:
- Choose a Color Palette: Select a few core colors that you find visually appealing. This will help you maintain a cohesive look.
- Consider Your Wallpaper: Your wallpaper can greatly influence the overall aesthetic of your home screen. Choose a wallpaper that complements your chosen color scheme.
- Embrace Minimalism: Too many colors can become overwhelming. Keep your home screen clean and organized by focusing on a limited number of colors.
- Experiment with Layouts: Play around with different widget and icon arrangements until you find a layout that satisfies your visual sensibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will I be able to change app colors directly in future iOS updates?
While there's no official confirmation from Apple, it's a feature many users are requesting. It's possible that Apple might implement this in future updates, considering the increasing demand for customization options.
2. Are custom icons safe to use?
Yes, custom icons are generally safe to use if downloaded from reputable sources. Always ensure that the app or website you are using is trusted and has positive reviews.
3. Can I use custom icons on all my apps?
Not all apps can be replaced with custom icons. Some system apps, such as the Camera and Settings apps, may not allow for customization. You can check the app's settings to see if custom icons are supported.
4. Are there any other ways to personalize my iOS 14 home screen?
Absolutely! iOS 14 offers a plethora of customization options, including:
- App Library: This feature automatically organizes your apps into categories, making it easier to find them.
- Widgets: Widgets offer a way to display information from various apps on your home screen.
- Wallpaper: You can choose from a vast library of wallpapers or upload your own custom images.
- App Icons: You can rearrange your apps on the home screen to create a visually pleasing layout.
5. How do I remove custom icons from my home screen?
If you want to revert to the default icons, you can simply delete the Shortcut or Launcher app that you used to install the custom icons. The original app icons will automatically reappear.
Conclusion
While directly changing the color of apps isn't a built-in feature of iOS 14, you can still achieve a visually customized home screen with a little creativity. By leveraging custom icons, folders, and widgets, you can personalize your iOS 14 experience to reflect your style and preferences. Remember, the goal is to create a home screen that's both visually appealing and functionally efficient, allowing you to access your apps seamlessly. So go ahead, experiment with different approaches, and unlock the potential of your iOS 14 home screen!