How to Get iOS 18 Dark Icons: A Step-by-Step Guide

With each new iOS release, Apple introduces a wave of exciting features and aesthetic changes, and the rumored iOS 18 is no exception. One of the most anticipated visual updates is the potential introduction (or enhanced implementation) of system-wide dark mode icons. While iOS has had dark mode for several years, the integration with app icons has been somewhat inconsistent. Many users crave a unified dark theme where every icon seamlessly blends with the dark interface. This guide will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to achieving a dark icon aesthetic on your iOS device, mimicking the potential look of iOS 18, even before its official release. We’ll cover various methods, from utilizing built-in features to employing third-party apps and custom icon packs.

## Understanding the Challenge: Native Dark Mode Limitations

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the limitations of iOS’s native dark mode regarding icons. While the system UI elements (like menus, settings, and control center) switch to a dark color scheme, app icons are largely left untouched. This is because app icons are embedded within the app itself and are typically designed with a light theme in mind. Developers need to specifically create dark mode versions of their icons for them to change automatically when dark mode is enabled. Unfortunately, many apps haven’t adopted this practice, resulting in a mix of light and dark icons, which can be visually jarring.

## Method 1: Using Smart Invert (Accessibility Feature) – A Quick and Dirty Solution

iOS has an accessibility feature called “Smart Invert” that can quickly invert the colors on your screen. While not a perfect solution, it can provide a temporary dark mode effect for icons. Here’s how to enable it:

1. **Open Settings:** Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. **Navigate to Accessibility:** Scroll down and tap on “Accessibility.”
3. **Select Display & Text Size:** Tap on “Display & Text Size.”
4. **Enable Smart Invert:** Toggle the switch next to “Smart Invert” to the ON position.

**Pros:**

* **Quick and Easy:** It’s a simple toggle to enable.
* **No Third-Party Apps Required:** It utilizes a built-in iOS feature.

**Cons:**

* **Inverts Everything:** Smart Invert inverts *all* colors on your screen, including images and videos, which can result in a distorted and unpleasant visual experience.
* **Not a True Dark Mode:** It’s merely an inversion of colors, not a designed dark theme.
* **Inconsistent Results:** Some icons might look acceptable, while others will appear completely bizarre.

**When to Use:** If you need a very quick and temporary dark mode effect and don’t mind the color distortions, Smart Invert can be a viable option. However, it’s not recommended for long-term use.

## Method 2: Creating Custom App Icons with Shortcuts App (The Most Flexible Approach)

The Shortcuts app offers a much more flexible and customizable way to achieve dark icons. This method involves creating custom icons using the Shortcuts app and replacing the original app icons on your home screen. This is the most involved process, but it provides the most control over the final look.

**Step 1: Find or Create Dark Icons**

The first step is to gather dark icons. You have several options:

* **Download Icon Packs:** Search online for “iOS dark icon packs” or “iOS glyph icon packs.” Many websites and online communities offer free or paid icon packs designed for iOS customization. Ensure the icons are in PNG format and have a reasonable resolution (at least 120×120 pixels). Look for icon packs specifically designed for iOS, as these will generally have a consistent aesthetic and adhere to iOS design guidelines.
* **Create Your Own Icons:** If you’re feeling creative, you can design your own dark icons using a graphic design app like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or even a free online tool like Canva. Consider using a consistent style (e.g., filled icons, outlined icons, or glyph icons) to maintain a unified look. Save your icons as PNG files.
* **Use Existing App Icons as a Base:** You can take screenshots of existing app icons and then use a photo editing app to darken or recolor them. This can be a good option if you want to maintain the original app’s design but with a dark theme. However, ensure the resulting icons are clear and not pixelated.

**Where to Find Icon Packs:**

* **Etsy:** Etsy is a great resource for finding unique and creative icon packs, often designed by independent artists.
* **Creative Market:** Creative Market offers a wide selection of design assets, including icon packs, both free and paid.
* **Flaticon:** Flaticon has a vast library of free icons, although you may need to attribute the authors depending on the license.
* **Google Images:** A simple Google search for “iOS dark icons” or “iOS glyph icons” will yield numerous results.

**Organizing Your Icons:**

Before you start creating shortcuts, it’s a good idea to organize your icons into a folder on your iPhone’s Photos app or in a cloud storage service like iCloud Drive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. This will make it easier to access them when you’re creating the shortcuts.

**Step 2: Create Shortcuts for Each App**

Now, you’ll use the Shortcuts app to create a shortcut for each app you want to customize. This shortcut will essentially open the app when you tap the custom icon on your home screen.

1. **Open the Shortcuts App:** Locate and open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone or iPad. It’s a native iOS app, so it should already be installed.
2. **Create a New Shortcut:** Tap the “+” button in the top-right corner to create a new shortcut.
3. **Add the “Open App” Action:** Tap “Add Action.” In the search bar, type “Open App” and select the “Open App” action from the scripting section.
4. **Choose the App:** Tap on the word “App” (which is usually highlighted in blue) within the action. This will bring up a list of all the apps installed on your device. Select the app you want to create a shortcut for.
5. **Name the Shortcut (Optional):** While not strictly necessary, you can rename the shortcut to match the app’s name. This can help you keep track of your shortcuts. To rename the shortcut, tap the three dots in the top-right corner of the screen. Enter a name for the shortcut in the “Shortcut Name” field.

**Step 3: Add the Shortcut to Your Home Screen with a Custom Icon**

This is where you’ll replace the original app icon with your custom dark icon.

1. **Tap the Share Button:** While still in the shortcut editor (after adding the “Open App” action), tap the share button (the square with an arrow pointing upwards) at the bottom of the screen.
2. **Select “Add to Home Screen”:** In the share sheet, scroll down and tap on “Add to Home Screen.”
3. **Change the Icon:** On the “Add to Home Screen” screen, you’ll see the default shortcut icon and the name of the shortcut. Tap on the icon itself. This will give you options to choose a photo, take a photo, or choose a file.
4. **Select Your Dark Icon:** Choose “Choose Photo” and select the dark icon you prepared earlier from your Photos app. Adjust the icon within the frame if needed. The system will automatically resize the image to fit as an icon.
5. **Rename the Shortcut (if needed):** The name of the shortcut will be displayed below the icon. Make sure it’s the correct app name. If not, tap on the name and edit it.
6. **Add to Home Screen:** Tap the “Add” button in the top-right corner.

**Step 4: Repeat for All Apps**

Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each app you want to customize with a dark icon. This process can be time-consuming, especially if you have a lot of apps, but it’s the only way to achieve a fully customized dark icon aesthetic.

**Step 5: Organize Your Home Screen (Optional)**

Once you’ve created shortcuts for all your desired apps, you can organize your home screen to your liking. You might want to create a separate page for your customized icons or group them into folders.

**Hiding the Original Apps (Important):**

To complete the effect, you’ll need to hide the original app icons from your home screen. You can do this by:

* **Moving to App Library:** The easiest way is to remove the apps from the Home Screen and keep them only in the App Library. Touch and hold the app icon, select “Remove App”, then select “Remove from Home Screen”.
* **Creating a Folder on a Second Page:** Alternatively, you can create a folder on a second page of your home screen and move all the original app icons into that folder. This keeps them accessible but out of sight.

**Pros:**

* **Highly Customizable:** You have complete control over the look of your icons.
* **No System-Wide Changes:** This method only affects the icons you customize, leaving the rest of your system UI untouched.
* **Reversible:** You can easily revert to the original icons by deleting the shortcuts.

**Cons:**

* **Time-Consuming:** Creating shortcuts for each app can be a lengthy process.
* **Adds a Slight Delay:** When you tap a custom icon, there might be a very slight delay (usually less than a second) as the Shortcuts app opens and then launches the app.
* **Notifications Issues:** You may have to tweak notification settings, as some notifications may not be visible on the custom icon itself.

**Troubleshooting Shortcuts:**

* **Shortcut Not Working:** If a shortcut isn’t working, double-check that you’ve correctly selected the app in the “Open App” action.
* **Icon Not Changing:** If the icon isn’t changing when you add the shortcut to your home screen, make sure the image is a valid PNG file and that it’s not too small or too large.
* **Delay is Too Long:** The delay is usually minimal, but if it’s excessive, try restarting your device. Also, ensure you have enough free storage space on your iPhone.

## Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps with Icon Theming (Potentially Risky – Proceed with Caution)

Some third-party apps on the App Store claim to offer icon theming capabilities. These apps typically work by installing configuration profiles that change the appearance of your app icons. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution when using these apps, as they can potentially pose security risks.

**Why the Caution?**

* **Profile Installation:** These apps often require you to install a configuration profile, which grants them a high level of access to your device. This access could potentially be misused to collect personal data or modify system settings.
* **App Store Restrictions:** Apple has strict guidelines regarding app functionality, and many of these icon theming apps may violate those guidelines. They might be removed from the App Store at any time, leaving you with a broken or unstable system.
* **Lack of Transparency:** It can be difficult to determine the true intentions of these apps. Some may contain hidden malware or collect data without your knowledge.

**If You Choose to Use a Third-Party App:**

1. **Research the App Thoroughly:** Before installing any app, read reviews carefully and check the developer’s reputation. Look for apps with a long history of positive reviews and a clear privacy policy.
2. **Understand the Permissions:** Pay close attention to the permissions the app requests. If an app asks for excessive permissions that don’t seem relevant to its functionality, it’s a red flag.
3. **Use a VPN:** Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when using these apps to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your privacy.
4. **Be Prepared to Revert:** Make sure you understand how to remove the configuration profile installed by the app in case you encounter problems.

**Removing a Configuration Profile:**

1. **Open Settings:** Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. **Navigate to General:** Scroll down and tap on “General.”
3. **Select VPN & Device Management:** Tap on “VPN & Device Management.”
4. **Find the Configuration Profile:** Look for the configuration profile installed by the app you want to remove.
5. **Remove the Profile:** Tap on the profile and then tap “Remove Profile.” You may be prompted to enter your passcode.

**Popular (But Use With Caution) Apps:**

* **ThemeKit:** ThemeKit is one of the more popular options, but always check for the latest reviews and security information before using it.
* **Color Widgets:** While primarily known for widgets, some versions offer theming options.

**Pros:**

* **Potentially Easier:** Some apps claim to simplify the icon changing process.
* **Wider Variety of Themes:** Third-party apps may offer a wider selection of pre-made themes.

**Cons:**

* **Security Risks:** The biggest concern is the potential for malware or data collection.
* **App Store Restrictions:** These apps may be removed from the App Store.
* **System Instability:** They could potentially cause system instability or conflicts with other apps.

**Recommendation:** Due to the inherent security risks, using third-party apps for icon theming is generally not recommended. The Shortcuts method, while more time-consuming, is a much safer and more reliable approach.

## Method 4: Jailbreaking (Advanced – Not Recommended for Most Users)

Jailbreaking your iOS device removes many of the restrictions imposed by Apple, giving you greater control over your system. With a jailbroken device, you can install tweaks that allow you to customize virtually every aspect of your interface, including app icons. However, jailbreaking comes with significant risks and is not recommended for most users.

**Why Jailbreaking is Risky:**

* **Voiding Your Warranty:** Jailbreaking voids your Apple warranty.
* **Security Vulnerabilities:** Jailbreaking can expose your device to security vulnerabilities, making it more susceptible to malware and hacking.
* **System Instability:** Jailbreaking can cause system instability, leading to crashes, freezes, and other problems.
* **Bricking Your Device:** There’s a risk of bricking your device (rendering it unusable) if the jailbreaking process is not performed correctly.
* **Software Update Issues:** Jailbreaking can interfere with software updates, making it difficult or impossible to update to the latest version of iOS.

**If You Still Choose to Jailbreak:**

1. **Research Thoroughly:** Understand the risks involved and research the specific jailbreaking method for your device and iOS version.
2. **Back Up Your Device:** Before jailbreaking, create a full backup of your device using iTunes or iCloud.
3. **Follow Instructions Carefully:** Follow the jailbreaking instructions precisely. Do not deviate from the instructions or skip any steps.
4. **Install Reputable Tweaks:** Only install tweaks from reputable sources. Be wary of tweaks that promise too much or that come from unknown developers.

**Tweaks for Icon Theming:**

* **SnowBoard:** SnowBoard is a popular theming engine for jailbroken devices that allows you to easily apply icon themes.
* **Anemone:** Anemone is another theming engine that offers a wide range of customization options.

**Pros:**

* **Maximum Customization:** Jailbreaking offers the greatest level of customization possible.
* **Access to Powerful Tweaks:** You can install tweaks that significantly enhance the functionality of your device.

**Cons:**

* **High Risk:** Jailbreaking is inherently risky and can lead to serious problems.
* **Technical Expertise Required:** Jailbreaking requires a certain level of technical expertise.
* **Voiding Warranty:** Jailbreaking voids your Apple warranty.

**Recommendation:** Jailbreaking is generally not recommended due to the significant risks involved. The Shortcuts method provides a safer and more practical way to achieve dark icons.

## Creating Your Own Dark Icons: A Mini-Tutorial

If you decide to create your own dark icons, here’s a brief overview of the process using a free online tool like Canva:

1. **Go to Canva:** Open Canva in your web browser (www.canva.com). Create a free account if you don’t already have one.
2. **Create a Custom Design:** Click on “Create a design” and choose “Custom size.” Enter a size of 512 x 512 pixels (or larger for higher resolution). This is a good size for iOS app icons.
3. **Choose a Background:** Select a dark background color for your icon. You can use a solid color or a gradient.
4. **Add an Icon or Graphic:** Search for an icon or graphic that represents the app you’re creating an icon for. Canva has a vast library of free and paid icons. Choose an icon that complements the dark background. Consider using a white or light-colored icon for contrast.
5. **Customize the Icon:** Adjust the size, position, and color of the icon to your liking. You can also add text, shapes, or other elements to your design.
6. **Download the Icon:** Once you’re happy with your design, click on the “Download” button in the top-right corner. Choose “PNG” as the file type and select a transparent background (if applicable). Download the icon to your computer or iPhone.

**Tips for Creating Effective Dark Icons:**

* **Use High Contrast:** Ensure there’s sufficient contrast between the icon and the background to make it easily visible.
* **Keep it Simple:** Avoid cluttering the icon with too many details. Simple, clean designs are more effective.
* **Maintain Consistency:** If you’re creating multiple icons, use a consistent style and color palette to create a unified look.
* **Test on Your Device:** After creating an icon, test it on your iPhone to see how it looks on your home screen. Make adjustments as needed.

## Conclusion: Achieving the iOS 18 Dark Icon Look Today

While we await the official release of iOS 18 and potential native dark icon support, you can achieve a similar aesthetic on your current iOS device using the methods outlined in this guide. The Shortcuts app method offers the best balance of customization, safety, and control. While it requires more effort upfront, it provides the most rewarding results and allows you to create a truly personalized dark icon experience. Remember to prioritize safety and security when exploring third-party apps or jailbreaking, and always back up your device before making significant changes. With a little effort and creativity, you can transform your iOS home screen into a sleek and stylish dark mode masterpiece, anticipating the visual enhancements that iOS 18 might bring.

By carefully following these steps and choosing the method that best suits your needs and risk tolerance, you can enjoy a more visually consistent and aesthetically pleasing dark mode experience on your iPhone or iPad. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle refinement or a complete visual overhaul, the power to customize your iOS device’s icons is within your reach. And as iOS continues to evolve, we can only hope that Apple will eventually provide a more seamless and integrated solution for system-wide dark mode icons, making the process even easier and more accessible for all users.