# Personalizing Your iPhone: A Handbook on App Colors and Themes in iOS 18
For more than ten years, altering the look of iPhone applications necessitated jailbreaking or various hacks. However, with the release of iOS 18, Apple has at last included built-in options for modifying app colors and themes, enabling users to customize their devices more seamlessly than ever. This article will walk you through the latest features and how to utilize them.
## A Snapshot of Customization in iOS
Apple initiated its path to improved customization with the debut of iOS 14 in 2020, introducing the first widgets. Each following iOS update has granted users increased freedom and choices for personalization. With the launch of iOS 18, users can now adjust iPhone app colors not only between light and dark modes but also with custom hues, elevating the visual allure of their devices.
## Steps to Alter iPhone App Colors and Themes with iOS 18
If you’re eager to personalize your iPhone, adhere to these straightforward instructions to modify app colors and themes:
1. **Check for Updates**: Ensure that your iPhone is running iOS 18.
2. **Go to the Home Screen**: On the Home Screen, press and hold an empty space until the options emerge.
3. **Edit Home Screen**: Click “Edit” in the upper left corner.
4. **Select Customize**: Opt for the “Customize” option.
5. **Pick Your Theme**: You can choose from “Automatic,” “Dark,” “Light,” and “Tinted.”
6. **Icon Size Preferences**: Choose between “small” (default) and “large” app icons.
7. **Apply Tinted Colors**: If you select “Tinted,” you can change the colors of all iPhone apps to a single hue of your choice.
### Key Points to Keep in Mind
– **Global Changes**: The color modification applies universally to all apps at once; individual app customization is not feasible through this method.
– **Compatibility with Third-Party Apps**: The tinting feature in iOS 18 influences both first-party and third-party applications. If certain third-party apps do not adjust with the dark mode setting, it might require an update from the app’s developer to enable this function.
### Visualizing Your Personalization
As you modify your app colors, you can observe the updates instantly. For instance, you can choose a dark theme, a dark theme with large icons (which eliminates app titles), or a distinctive tinted theme, like a green tint. This adaptability allows users to establish a unified appearance that resonates with their personal style.
If you wish for your app colors to match your wallpaper, simply click the eyedropper tool above the “Tinted” option in the Customize menu.
## Final Thoughts
The enhanced customization capabilities in iOS 18 empower users to tailor their iPhones in ways previously achievable only through jailbreaking. Whether you favor a traditional dark mode, a vibrant light theme, or a special color tint, the functionality to change app colors enriches the user experience and fosters greater individual expression.
What are your thoughts on the new customization options in iOS 18? Share your opinions in the comments below!
*Top image via Apple*
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