With the upcoming release of iOS 18, Apple is introducing exciting new features that enhance the customization of your iPhone home screen, particularly for users who prefer a darker aesthetic.
This update allows you to switch your app icons to dark mode, providing a seamless look that complements the overall dark theme. Here’s how you can make your iPhone home screen icons dark and take full advantage of these new features.
Understanding dark mode icons in iOS 18
In iOS 18, both Apple’s built-in apps and many third-party applications will offer light and dark color options for their icons. This means that when you enable dark mode, the icons will automatically adjust to a darker palette, blending in beautifully with the interface.
For those apps that have not yet been updated to include dark variants, iOS 18 employs an intelligent algorithm that automatically darkens these icons to maintain visual consistency across your home screen.
Benefits of dark mode icons
Dark icons provide a sleek, modern look that many users find visually appealing, especially in low-light environments. Additionally, the mode can be easier on the eyes, particularly during nighttime use, making your device more comfortable to use in the dark.
Users can choose to enable dark icons independently of the overall dark mode setting, allowing for a personalized experience that fits their preferences.
Related: List of iPhones Eligible for iOS 18
How to enable dark icons on your iPhone
Follow these simple steps to enable the mode:
- Press and hold a space on your home screen or on an app page until the icons start to jiggle.
- Tap on “Edit” located in the top-left corner of the screen.
- From the dropdown menu, choose “Customize.”
- In the customization panel, you will see options for “Dark,” “Light,” or “Automatic.” Select “Dark” to enable dark icons.
- Tap anywhere outside the customization panel to exit jiggle mode and save your changes.
In addition to changing icon colours, you can also adjust your wallpaper brightness and icon size from this menu, giving you even more control over your home screen’s appearance.
iOS 18 goes beyond just dark icons. The customization panel includes several other features. You can adjust the brightness of your wallpaper to enhance the overall look of your home screen.
You can also choose between small and large icons, allowing you to create a more spacious or compact layout. Plus, get to apply a tint to all your icons, which can be matched to a colour from your wallpaper using an eyedropper tool, providing a cohesive aesthetic throughout your device.
Read About: iOS vs Android: Widgets and Customization
Whether you prefer a sleek, close-to-black aesthetic or simply want to reduce eye strain during nighttime use, these new features make it easy to tailor your iPhone’s appearance to your liking. As developers update their apps to support these changes, the consistency and beauty of your home screen will only improve.
