
Do you ever find yourself wishing your iPhone’s home screen felt more like you? I know I did! When iOS 18 rolled out with its exciting new app color customization feature, I couldn’t wait to try it out. I remember sitting on my couch, coffee in hand, and diving headfirst into customizing my apps. By the end of the evening, my phone reflected not just my style but also my mood — a mix of calming blues and energetic yellows. If you’re as excited as I was to revamp your home screen, let’s dive into how you can change app colors in iOS 18 in just a few easy steps.
Why Customize App Colors?
Personalizing your app colors goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about functionality, organization, and self-expression. For me, assigning different colors to app categories like productivity, social media, and entertainment made navigating my home screen so much easier. Plus, there’s something satisfying about unlocking your phone and seeing a layout that’s uniquely yours.
Whether you’re aiming to simplify your life or add a pop of creativity, customizing app colors is a small change with a big impact.
Steps to Change App Colors in iOS 18
Customizing app colors might sound technical, but Apple has made it refreshingly simple. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a personalized home screen in no time.
1. Update to iOS 18
Before you start, make sure your device is running iOS 18. Here’s how:
- Open Settings on your device.
- Go to General > Software Update.
- If iOS 18 is available, tap Download and Install. Make sure your device has enough storage and battery life to complete the update.
Updating is essential to unlock the new customization features. If you run into issues, check your internet connection or free up some storage space before trying again.
2. Enable App Color Customization
Once your device is updated, you’ll need to activate the feature:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility.
- Scroll down to Display & Text Size.
- Toggle on App Tint Customization.
This setting is your gateway to changing app colors and gives you full control over how your home screen looks.
3. Choose and Apply Colors
Now comes the fun part: customizing your apps.
- Long-press an app icon on your home screen until a menu pops up.
- Tap Edit Home Screen to enter editing mode.
- Select the app you want to customize by tapping on it.
- Choose Change Color from the menu.
- Pick a color from Apple’s pre-designed palette or use the Custom Color Picker to create your own shade.
Once you’ve found the perfect hue, tap Apply to save your changes. You’ll see the app’s icon update instantly. Repeat this process for any apps you want to personalize. If you decide you want to go back to the original look, simply follow these steps again and select the default color.
4. Organize Your Home Screen
Changing app colors is just the start. To make your home screen truly functional, consider organizing your apps by color or category. Here’s what worked for me:
- Color Coding by Function: Assign similar colors to apps with related purposes. For example, productivity apps in green, social media in blue, and entertainment apps in red.
- Grouping by Category: Create folders for specific categories like “Work,” “Fitness,” or “Travel” and give each folder a cohesive color theme.
- Daily Routine Layout: Arrange apps based on how often and when you use them during the day. This way, your most-used apps are always easy to find.
This step not only enhances your phone’s visual appeal but also makes navigation a breeze.
Tips for the Best Results
To make the most of app color customization, keep these tips in mind:
- Experiment with Colors: Don’t be afraid to try bold or contrasting hues. Bright colors can make frequently used apps stand out, while softer tones create a calming aesthetic.
- Consider Color Psychology: Use calming blues or greens for work-related apps to promote focus and vibrant reds or oranges for entertainment apps to evoke energy and excitement.
- Reset as Needed: If you’re not happy with the outcome, it’s easy to start over. Head back to Settings > App Tint Customization and reset everything to default.
Personalization Ideas
Need inspiration? Here are some creative ways to use the app color customization feature:
- Seasonal Themes: Match your app colors to the season. Think pastels for spring, bright yellows and greens for summer, warm oranges for fall, and icy blues for winter.
- Mood-Based Layouts: Change colors based on your current mood or energy level. For a calm vibe, go for muted tones. Feeling bold? Use neon shades.
- Thematic Designs: Create a theme inspired by your favorite color palette, book, or even a TV show. I once designed my screen with sunset-inspired hues, and it made unlocking my phone feel magical.
Final Thoughts
Customizing your app colors in iOS 18 is more than just a fun feature; it’s a way to make your device truly yours. I remember how much joy it brought me to see my newly designed home screen for the first time. It’s not just about aesthetics — it’s about creating a space that feels personal and organized.
So, grab your phone and start experimenting! Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist look or a vibrant, colorful display, the possibilities are endless. Let your creativity shine and enjoy your newly personalized iPhone. Happy customizing!