Understanding the Concept: App Icons Changing on iPhone

What is App Icon Changing?

The trend of customising app icons on iPhones caught on largely with the introduction of iOS 14, which allows users to personalise their home screens far more than before. Changing an app’s icon doesn't mean you are changing the app’s functionality, but rather the way it looks on your screen. This allows individuals to personalise their iPhones to suit their preferences and aesthetic choices, making each iPhone's appearance unique to its user.

Why Do People Change App Icons on iPhones?

There are a few reasons why someone might want to change an app icon on an iPhone. Firstly, it lets users show off their personality and style. For instance, a user may prefer minimalistic icons or vibrant, more colourful ones. Similarly, changing app icons can also create a more organised and coherent look on one’s phone. Users might also change icons for practical purposes. For example, by using more easily recognisable icons, it can speed up navigation for those who struggle with reading small text. Changing app icons is also an expression of tech-savviness and creativity, as users experiment with different applications and customisation features to personalise their phones' interfaces.

Caveats and Considerations

While changing app icons on an iPhone can bring numerous benefits, users should also consider some side effects. First, the process might take some time and patience, especially when changing multiple icons. Second, after changing the app’s icon, clicking on the new icon might take a bit longer to open the app because of the shortcut process involved. Lastly, badge notifications won't appear over the personalised app icons, which could be a significant drawback for some users who rely on those reminders.

Step-by-step Guide: How to Change App Icons on iPhone

Using Shortcuts Application

The built-in Shortcuts app on iPhones makes it possible for users to customise their app icons easily. This app allows users to create personalised shortcuts to an app, which can then be placed on the home screen with a custom icon and name. Through this method, users can choose from a wide variety of images to use as their app icons, thus widely opening the door for customisation.

Using Online Icon Packs

There are numerous online icon packs available that users can download and use directly. These icon packs often provide a unified aesthetic and can save users the time and effort of searching for individual icon images. After downloading the icon pack, users then replace their current app icons through the Shortcuts app. The extensive range of designs and styles available in these packs make it possible for every user to find an aesthetic that suits their preferences.

Using Third Party Apps

There are apps available on the App Store that provide further options and convenience for changing app icons on iPhones. These third-party applications come with a library of app icons and wallpapers that allow users to fully customise their iPhones' appearance. Some of these apps even provide the luxury of changing app icons directly without going through the Shortcuts app, which can be an advantage for some users as it directly launches the apps without the detour.

Maintaining New App Icons

Regularly Updating Shortcuts

Once users have set up their new app icons, it is crucial to maintain and update these icons with any app updates. This is especially true for those using the Shortcuts app to change their app icons, as new application updates can occasionally reset the shortcut.

Organising App Collections

To keep a tidy home screen, it is vital to organise and manage apps properly. This could include grouping related apps into folders or arranging them based on usage frequency. With their new aesthetic app icons, users can achieve a cleaner and more organised home screen.

Backing up Icon Images and Packs

In case of device shifts or system updates, it's always a good idea to back up the icon images and packs used for customisation. This way, users can easily re-implement their custom icons and not lose their favourite aesthetic due to unforeseen circumstances.