Customize the iPhone: Here's how!

The Apple iPhone and many other smartphones always have a similar look: a more or less rounded cuboid with a display on the front and camera (s) on the back. You can quickly mix up the devices in the group, accidentally swap them around at work or otherwise incorrectly assign them. Optical customization helps against this. This can be implemented both on the software side on the display and with hardware adjustments. Whether in social situations or simply for your personal taste in everyday life: There are numerous ways to adapt the iPhone to your ideas.

Customize your Apple iPhone: customize the lock and home screens

With the latest iOS versions 12, 13 and 14, Apple has repeatedly introduced new options for iPhone users to customize the display. In addition to the dark mode, there are e.g. B. different sizes App- Widgets available. You can also set different wallpapers for the lock and home screens. You can even change app icons using Siri shortcuts, so you can assign individual images to each app on your home screen. I've always wanted to write a guide for this; keep your eyes open, someday it will come! :D Oh yes: Of course you can also adjust the font size and thickness.

Engraving Apple devices: advantages and disadvantages of the offer

Apple dedicates one to the subjects of "engraving and gift wrapping" own shop page. On it you can already see a few examples of devices with engraving: iPod touch, iPad, Apple Pencil, AirPods charging case and AirTag. The iPhone is not one of the devices that you can order from the manufacturer with an engraving. While that would be an advantage for permanent customization, I personally find an engraved name or a personal message not so practical. Because none of the devices will be used for a lifetime, and an engraving will of course reduce the resale value. A counter-argument would be that a quicker assignment is possible in the event of theft. What do you think of the engraving as an individualization?

Use a fancy or custom iPhone case

Sleeves, cases and smartphone bags are not permanent, but can be changed at any time and also protect the iPhone. There are quite a lot of them, but even the most unusual case that you can find on Amazon and Co. is not only made once. So if you choose an unusual pattern or a seemingly unique motif, there is still a good chance that you will meet another person who has the same smartphone case. Unless, of course, you design them completely yourself. In addition to other smartphones and devices, providers such as DeinDesign also have cases for the iPhone in their range – such as the individual iPhone XR case.

Same case, different look: use pictures and photos

Another cover idea is cheaper and suitable for quick adjustments: Use a simple, transparent TPU or silicone cover and clip pictures you have painted yourself, a beautiful photo or other things on paper between this and the iPhone. The photo of your loved ones, a photo souvenir from your last vacation, your most beautiful sketch and much more can be found behind the transparent iPhone case. If you want it a little more robust and still individual, then take a look at our article on the RhinoShield cases for iPhone XS, (Max), XR and X. There is also a transparent case that you can customize with elements behind it.

What is your idea of ​​customizing the iPhone?

Do you use the iPhone as Apple created it, do you dress it in standard cases or do you provide a very personal look? Or does digital customization with background images, app symbols and ring tones play a major role for you? Feel free to leave your ideas, experiences and methods for customizing the iPhone as a comment! Perhaps this has already saved you from a momentous mix-up ... I'm looking forward to your story on the subject :)

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.