Android and iOS have always had contrasting approaches to theme and design. Take a look at the iPhone 16. iOS has always embraced a minimalist look. However, Apple has made progress in recent years, adding more theme and customization options with recent iOS updates. For example, with iOS 18, iPhone users can rearrange app icons and widgets on the Home screen, while Android has had this feature from the beginning. However, there is a difference between how Android and iOS approach themes. Here are five main differences between them.
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5 iOS makes app icons theme ready
Dark mode applies seamlessly to every app icon
With iOS 18, Apple introduced changes to app icon customization. One notable feature is the ability to theme app icons in light, dark, or auto modes, regardless of developer support. In addition to the light and dark mode icons, users can use an eyedropper tool to match the icon colors with their wallpaper. This uniformity ensures that each app icon aligns with the selected theme.
Although Android allows theming of app icons based on Material You colors, this only works if the developer adds support for it. If the developer does not include support, the app icon remains unchanged even when the option is enabled. This is a major difference between the two operating systems. Android users have to wait for developers to implement this feature, while iOS supports it out of the box.
4 Icon packs give Android the edge
Android lets you choose your icon style
While iOS can excel at theming app icons, Android takes customization to another level. On Android, you can download and apply third-party icon packs, changing the appearance of your app icons. Most first-party devices, including Samsung Galaxy phones (via Good Lock), and most third-party launchers support custom icon packs. Whether you want Pixel-style icons or something abstract, Android has an icon pack.
On the other hand, iOS does not allow icon customization unless developers add this option to their apps. Although users can work around this problem by creating custom shortcuts, the process is time-consuming and less intuitive than the Android solution.
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3 Android customization is still unmatched
From launchers to layouts, you are in control
It doesn’t stop with icon packs. Opening Android lets you transform the look of your phone. If you’re not a fan of the default launcher, app icons, grid layout, or font, you can change them. Opening Android allows you to change almost every aspect of the home screen and system interface.
iOS, on the other hand, remains more locked down. While Apple has caught up by allowing users to rearrange icons and widgets, iPhone users are stuck with the pre-installed default launcher. Third-party launchers or custom icon packs are not an option.
2 Material You on Android seems more consistent
Wallpapers inspire colors throughout the user interface
A notable feature of Android’s theme is its ability to extract colors from the phone’s wallpaper and apply them throughout the system. Known as Material You, this feature brings a unified look to your phone, dynamically adjusting the color palette of quick settings, notifications, widgets and more to align perfectly with your chosen wallpaper . It’s a subtle but impactful way to make your device feel like it’s truly yours.
iOS, in comparison, sticks to its tried-and-tested light and dark modes. While it is effective at creating a consistent theme across apps, it lacks the personal touch and cohesion that Android system-wide theming provides.
A bigger, better, smarter selection
Apple introduced widgets to iPhones with iOS 14 in 2020, but Android still leads in this department. Android offers a wider variety of widgets, and many offer deeper features. For example, the Google Keep app has three widget options on Android but none on iOS. Likewise, many apps on iOS don’t have one-tap action widgets, like turning on a smart plug from the widget without opening the app, something Android has offered for years.
Although iOS widgets may be slightly more aesthetically pleasing, they often seem limited in scope and functionality. However, Android’s highly personalized and functional home screen is hard to beat.
iOS is catching up, but Android is still far ahead
The theme is not just about aesthetics. It’s about creating a device tailored to your preferences. While iOS has progressed in recent years, Android offers more customization and control. The best part? You can make your Android phone look and feel like iOS, but the other way around isn’t possible. Android is still the way to go if you’re serious about theming.
