On September 16, Apple released iOS 14 which allows users to personalize their home screens through the use of widgets, a redesigned home screen, and the app library! More information about iOS 14 can be found here. Let’s get started!
- Widgets
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The biggest feature that allows for customization is the support of widgets through a redesigned home screen. Apple provides integrated widgets, but in order to customize them, you’ll need to download Widgetsmith. Widgetsmith allows users to customize time, date, calendar, health, weather, and reminder widgets and add a custom photo, text, or blank widget! Within each widget, you can choose the color, font, and size of the widget.
After creating a widget, here’s how to add it to your home screen:
1. Tap and hold on an icon.
2. Select “Edit Home Screen”.
3. Tap the + in the top right corner.
4. Search “Widgetsmith” and select it.
5. Now you can choose the size of the widget you want to add.
6. Once added, tap the widget to change it to the one you want and move it around.
- App Icons
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The second part to customizing your home screen is by changing your app icons to match the aesthetic you’re going for. While this isn’t a new feature with iOS 14, it goes hand-in-hand with widgets in furthering customization. To do this, you’ll need to use Shortcuts which should already be installed. There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating and designing shortcuts!
In order to create a shortcut that opens an app:
1. Open “Shortcuts”.
2. Click “All Shortcuts”.
3. Add a new shortcut by clicking the + in the top right corner.
4. Click “Add Action” and search “Open App”.
5. Once selected, you can choose which app you want to open.
6. Click “Next” and name your shortcut (this will be displayed on the home screen).
7. Now tap the three dots in the top right corner of the shortcut and click “Add to Home Screen”.
8. To pick an image to represent the app shortcut, tap the icon next to the name you’ve added, and then you can choose a photo from your camera roll.
9. Tap “Add” and now your shortcut to open that app is on your home screen.
10. Move the icon to where you want it to be!
When you tap the shortcut, it has to go to the shortcuts app before opening the app or doing the shortcut you’ve made. This can cause lag and isn’t as smooth, but can be fixed going to Settings > Accessibility > Motion > Reduce Motion. It isn’t perfect, but definitely better than not having it turned on.
- App Library
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The App Library is a new feature that allows you to hide apps from your home screen and put them in an organized place. It can be accessed by swiping left across your phone screen. However, you cannot organize the App Library folders which is a drawback, but it can help declutter your home screen and remove apps you don’t use every day!
- Aesthetics
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When choosing an aesthetic, it’s so important to remember that it isn’t permanent! I recommend choosing something that is both functional and represents your personality. If you have no idea where to start, I recommend searching Pinterest or WeHeartIt for broader aesthetics that interest you then narrowing it down from there. I have also created a Pinterest board with a wide variety of aesthetics, tips, and examples here!
Once you know what aesthetic you’re going for, I recommend making a new Pinterest board or photo album with all of the photos you will be using. This makes it easier to find and use for when you are redoing your home screen! A few other resources I found helpful are YouTube videos!
Aside from the video above, a few of my other favorites are listed below:
1. Tech Me Out
2. Sadie Aldis
Now you’re ready to start customizing! This process may take you anywhere from half an hour to a few depending on how many apps you customize and widgets you add. Don’t forget to put your needs first and customize your phone in a way that works best for you! Throw on your favorite Netflix show or movie and get started!