How iOS customization has evolved over time

Here's how iOS user interface customization has evolved over the years, before rumors of "fresh apps" and new experiences would hit customizers at WWDC 2022.

Since its launch in 2007, Apple customers have customized their iPhones to a certain degree. The changes are limited to the wallpapers, and are fairly minor. However, it is also the first step in personalizing your device.

After the first version of iOS, the next customization came in iOS 4. This update provides multitasking and the ability to sort apps into folders. Now people can easily return to previous applications, or categorize them.

On May 7, 2012, iOS 5 brought Notification Center to millions of iPhone users. Finally, a way to track application alerts across your system. Users can click on the notification to go directly to the app and take action.

Apple’s release of the iPhone 6 in 2014 resulted in changes to the iOS user interface. This iPhone gives customers a taller screen, providing an extra row of apps. Previous iPhone models were 4.5 inches tall, allowing the display to be easily reached by your thumb.

Next up, iOS 7 is the first update to overhaul the user interface. Jony Ive took over iOS development and introduced the world to flat, minimalist design.

Prior to this, iOS used textures, splicing, glass, and skeuomorphism of 3D buttons and app icons. Former iOS development lead Scott Forstall was in charge during this era.

Apple users get interactive widgets located in Today View in iOS 8. Apps can provide actionable tasks for people to perform. This legacy system still exists in iOS 15, but new free-form widgets are the norm.

With iPhone 6s and iOS 9, Apple introduced dynamic wallpapers that people could set using the new 3D Touch (now called Haptic Touch). At this time, users can also choose to set dynamic live wallpapers.

Live Wallpaper displays an object, such as a fish, that animates for one second when a person presses their lock screen. With a live wallpaper, a bunch of circles move in slow motion in the background.

The release of iOS 12 introduces the Shortcuts app and Siri suggested shortcuts. This is a milestone in customizing and unlocking new ways to interact with Apple devices. Automation can turn routine tasks into time-saving actions.

When iOS 14 was released, Apple borrowed many features from Android. Widgets on the home screen provide app information at a glance, and the App Library automatically organizes your apps.

Custom app icons also allow users to personalize their home screen like never before. Icons can now be color-coordinated with wallpapers.

Home screen widgets introduced in iOS 14

Widgets were present on the first Android phone launched in October 2008. This was even before Dashboard, the home of desktop widgets, launched with Mac OS X 10.7 Lion in 2011.

Developers can display various data on widgets, and users can click on one to go directly to the application. It's not yet possible for new free-form widgets to be interactive, such as when a user writes an Apple Note from a Notes widget. This site summarizes the best iPhone widget applications for the home screen.

Another first feature Android has is the ability to set default apps. Apple users only recently got this feature with the release of iOS 14, and it was limited to the Mail and Browsing apps.

In the current version of iOS 15, Apple allows people to customize Safari. Managing browser tabs is now easier, and tab groups let you organize them.

You can control what information is displayed on the start page when you open a new tab in Safari. Privacy reporting, Siri suggestions, and more can be configured. You can also set your wallpaper here.

Logo for iOS 16

What’s next

Rumor has it that iOS 16 will be identical to its predecessor in terms of user interface. It is said that there will be new ways to interact with the system, as well as widget-like wallpapers on the lock screen.

Some iPad users might even get what they've been asking for: the freely resizable windows that Mac users love. There will also be new accessibility features, one of which is the ability to mirror your Apple Watch display to your iPhone.

In terms of customization, one area that needs improvement might be the default apps. You can choose default apps for email and web browsing. For example, extend categories so people can set defaults for notes, reminders, calendars, music, and more.

More options for dynamic and dynamic wallpapers would be another welcome update. Apple has been removing old wallpapers for years, while others have been there for years.

The release of iOS 16 will definitely bring more options for iPhone customization.

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