How to customise your iPhone Home Screen in iOS 18 – The Times of India
iOS 18 is set to bring some significant changes to the iPhone experience. The redesigned widgets have been a topic of discussion for a long time now. Apple is introducing new features and enhancements, including redesigned widgets and the ability to create folders and customize them to organize your apps effectively.
Redesigned Widgets
The new widgets in iOS 18 offer a refreshed look with various customization options. These widgets allow users to quickly view information, interact with apps, and personalize their home screen. Users can use interactive widgets, customize their colors and fonts, resize widgets, and stack widgets with different depths.
Folders
Folders provide a great way to organize your home screen and keep it clean and organized. You can create folders and give them unique names and icons to visually distinguish them. You can move apps into folders, create subfolders, and customize the view to display multiple apps or only the folder icon. With these new folder features, you can easily manage your apps and improve navigation.
Customizing the Home Screen Layout
iOS 18 allows you to completely customize the home screen layout, making it easy to prioritize apps, folders, and widgets. The flexible home screen layouts help organize everything based on preference. You can create a specific layout for your workspace, home, or hobbies.
1. Create or edit existing widgets
Navigate to the Home Screen and tap on the “+” icon in the top left corner to add new widgets or tap and hold any existing widget on your Home Screen to access its configuration options. Select the desired widget and customize it according to your needs.
2. Move Widgets, Apps, and Folders
Press and hold an app, widget, or folder to move it around the Home Screen, create custom groupings, or adjust the position of an element on the home screen. Simply move your finger to the desired location.
3. Create custom folder groupings
When organizing apps, press and hold the icon, and then move them into the “Suggested Folder,” a special container in the Home Screen. If the “Suggested Folder” does not appear, create your own by dragging two apps together until the folder icon pops up.
4. Choose folder color schemes
Choose the colors you desire, then select “Color Picker” for personalized colors. Select different hues for each folder, reflecting different app types or usage.
5. Use a widget for a personalized approach
To create a fully personalized experience, you can select “Add to Folder” in a Widget’s edit menu. Widgets have a variety of options like background colors or displaying an image, which allows you to seamlessly incorporate a widget into a specific folder’s look and feel. This customization approach lets you create a visually cohesive folder organization system.
6. Use stacks for space-saving efficiency
If you find yourself wanting a more refined look, consider utilizing the feature called “Stack” when you move and hold a widget or multiple widgets on the home screen. By positioning two widgets together and sliding them upward, a “Stack” forms. The stacked widgets appear visually more streamlined and reduce space on your home screen.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
1. Organize the home screen by “Type”
Create a “Social” folder with social media apps or a “Productivity” folder for note-taking and to-do list apps.
2. Color-coded organization
Use color schemes for your folders. You can create a red folder for personal apps and a blue folder for professional ones.
3. Customize widget styles
Experiment with various sizes, fonts, colors, and themes. Tailor the aesthetics to match your desired appearance.
Tips for Maintaining Home Screen Organization
1. Regularly assess your app usage
Review the apps you use often and consider moving infrequently used apps to folders. You can also declutter your app library.
2. Categorize and create folders
Group similar apps, tools, or functions to make navigation smoother and less confusing. You can create folders like “Work,” “Entertainment,” or “Utilities.”
3. Utilize a Widget Library
Apple has a dedicated “Widget Gallery” where users can browse, download, and install additional widgets designed for different app functions and personalization needs.
4. Keep it clutter-free
Continuously review your apps, widgets, and folder organization. Remove items you rarely use, keep them streamlined, and eliminate clutter.
Embrace the New Level of Personalization
By implementing these suggestions, your iPhone home screen becomes your personal workspace. The key is finding a method of organization that aligns with your needs. Explore, try different methods, and refine the layout and visual style to enhance your digital environment and make using your iPhone a truly personalized experience.
