How can I customize the icons on my Home Screen in iOS 18

Entering Customization Mode

1. Long Press: Start by pressing and holding a blank area on your Home Screen until the app icons begin to jiggle. Alternatively, you can long press any app icon and select "Edit Home Screen" from the menu that appears[2][5].
2. Tap Edit: Once in jiggle mode, tap the "Edit" button located at the top-left corner of your screen to access customization options[3][4].

Customizing Icon Appearance

Tinting Icons

- Select Tinted Option: In the customization menu, tap on the "Tinted" option. This allows you to change the color of your app icons based on your wallpaper or select a custom color[2][3].
- Use Sliders: Adjust the color and saturation using two sliders provided in the menu. The top slider changes the color, while the bottom adjusts its intensity[6].
- Eyedropper Tool: You can also use an eyedropper tool to pick a color directly from your wallpaper, giving your icons a cohesive look with your chosen background[3][4].

Changing Icon Size

- Choose Size: You can opt for larger icons by selecting the "Large" option in the customization menu. This will also remove app labels, creating a cleaner look on your Home Screen[5][6].

Light and Dark Modes

- Select Appearance: Choose between light or dark mode for your icons. There’s also an "Automatic" option that switches between modes based on the time of day[5][6].

Rearranging Icons

- Flexible Placement: Unlike previous versions, iOS 18 allows you to place icons anywhere on the screen without being restricted to a grid layout. This means you can create unique arrangements that complement your wallpaper[3][4].
- Drag and Drop: Simply drag your app icons to your desired location while in jiggle mode. You can also move widgets around in a similar fashion[2][6].

Additional Customization Options

- Widgets: You can add and resize widgets easily by tapping the "+" sign in the top-right corner of the screen. This allows you to integrate more functionality into your Home Screen layout[6].
- Backgrounds and Themes: Consider using themes or wallpapers that enhance your icon colors. Apps like Themify offer collections that blend icons with backgrounds for a more integrated aesthetic[3].

By following these steps, you can create a personalized Home Screen that reflects your style and preferences using iOS 18's robust customization features.

Citations:
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgWySDI9RqM
[2] https://www.techradar.com/phones/ios/how-to-customize-your-iphones-home-screen-in-ios-18
[3] https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/three-new-ways-to-personalize-your-iphones-home-screen-in-ios-18/
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhh-LGcXRw
[5] https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/customize-apps-and-widgets-on-the-home-screen-iph385473442/ios
[6] https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/ios-18-how-to-customize-your-iphones-home-screen-widgets/
[7] https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/easily-customize-your-iphones-home-screen-with-ios-18/
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cixUxCCyehs

Can I change the color of my app icons in iOS 18

Yes, you can change the color of your app icons in iOS 18, which introduces several customization features for personalizing your Home Screen. Here’s how to do it:

Steps to Change App Icon Colors

1. Enter Edit Mode: Long-press on an empty area of your Home Screen until the app icons start to jiggle. This indicates that you are in edit mode[1][2].

2. Access Customization Options: Tap the "Edit" button located in the top-left corner of the screen, then select "Customize" from the menu that appears[3][4].

3. Choose Color Settings:
- You will see options for Automatic, Light, Dark, and Tinted.
- Automatic allows the icons to change based on your device's light or dark mode settings.
- Light keeps the icons in a light color, while Dark maintains them in a dark color at all times[5][6].

4. Select Tinted: Tap on the "Tinted" option to customize the color of your app icons. This will reveal two sliders:
- The first slider lets you choose the base color.
- The second slider adjusts the intensity of that color, allowing for fine-tuning[2][3][4].

5. Use Eyedropper Tool: If you want your icons to match a specific color from your wallpaper, tap the eyedropper tool located at the top-right corner of the menu. This allows you to select a color directly from your background[1][6].

6. Finalize Changes: Once you are satisfied with your selections, simply tap outside of the menu to apply your changes and exit edit mode.

Additional Notes

- This customization applies to all app icons simultaneously, rather than allowing individual changes for each icon[6].
- The effectiveness of tinting may vary depending on whether app developers have updated their apps to support dark mode icons; some third-party apps may not display changes as expected[4][5].

By following these steps, you can create a more personalized look for your iPhone's Home Screen with vibrant or subtle colors that match your style.