If you’ve updated to iOS 18.0 and now you’re staring at your home screen thinking, “Why do all my apps still look the same?”, you’re not alone. A lot of iPhone users assume that changing app colors should be simple — especially with all the customization Apple has been adding lately. But once you dive into Settings, things can feel… confusing. Where’s the color option? Is it hidden? Do you need a third-party app?

I’ve been experimenting with iPhone customization for years, and when iOS 18.0 dropped, I immediately started testing the new features. I think Apple has made it easier in some ways — but they’ve also changed the layout just enough to throw people off. In my opinion, the key is understanding which customization method you actually need: built-in tinting, Dark Mode, Focus filters, or the Shortcuts app trick.

The good news? You absolutely can change app colors on your iPhone running iOS 18.0 — and you don’t need to jailbreak anything. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps, explain your options clearly, and help you choose the best method depending on the look you’re going for.

Quick Answer: How To Change Apps Color In iPhone iOS 18.0

Yes — you can change app colors in iOS 18.0 using Apple’s built-in customization tools.

Here’s the short version:

Use Home Screen Edit Mode to access color tint options
Enable Dark Mode for automatic darker app styles
Apply Color Tint customization from the wallpaper editor
Use the Shortcuts app to create custom-colored icons
Adjust Accessibility > Display & Text Size for contrast changes
Combine Focus Modes with custom screens for color themes

Immediate Practical Steps

If you want fast results:

Long press on your home screen
Tap Customize
Select Tinted (if available)
Choose your preferred color tone
Tap Done

That’s it. You’ve just changed your app color style system-wide.

Now let’s break it down properly.

Understanding App Color Customization in iOS 18.0

Before jumping into steps, let’s clear something up.

When people say “change app color,” they usually mean one of three things:

Change the overall app icon tint
Create custom colored icons
Make apps appear darker or lighter

iOS 18.0 gives you more flexibility than older versions, but the customization happens in layers. Some changes affect all apps. Others require manual setup.

Once you understand this, everything feels easier.

Method 1: Use the Built-In App Tint Feature (iOS 18.0)

Apple introduced expanded home screen customization in recent updates, and iOS 18 continues improving it.

Step-by-Step: Change App Color Using Tint

Long press on an empty space on your home screen.
Tap Edit (top corner).
Select Customize.
Choose the Tinted option.
Adjust the color slider to your preferred shade.
Tap Done.

That’s it.

Your app icons will now adopt a unified color tone. It looks clean, aesthetic, and modern.

Why This Works

The tint feature overlays a color filter across compatible icons. It doesn’t permanently modify app logos — it just stylizes them.

This method is perfect if you want:

A soft pastel theme
A dark minimalist setup
A monochrome aesthetic

Method 2: Change App Colors Using Dark Mode

This is the simplest method, and honestly, a lot of people forget it counts.

Turn On Dark Mode

Go to Settings.
Tap Display & Brightness.
Select Dark.

Done.

Many apps automatically shift their icon appearance or at least their interface color scheme.

Why Dark Mode Helps

Reduces eye strain
Gives a sleek black background
Makes colorful icons pop more

IMO, combining Dark Mode with tinted icons creates the best visual effect.

Method 3: Create Custom Colored App Icons (Shortcuts App)

Now this is where things get interesting.

If you want full control over app colors — like turning Instagram neon pink or making Spotify beige — you’ll use the Shortcuts app.

Step-by-Step: Create Custom App Icon Color

Open the Shortcuts app.
Tap the + icon.
Tap Add Action.
Search and select Open App.
Tap Choose, then pick your app.
Tap the dropdown arrow at the top.
Select Add to Home Screen.
Tap the icon preview.
Choose a colored image from your Photos.
Tap Add.

Now you’ve created a fully customized colored app icon.

Important Note

The original app icon will still exist unless you remove it. Most people move originals into a hidden folder.

This method takes more time, but the aesthetic payoff is huge.

Why Some People Can’t Find the Color Option

If the tint feature doesn’t show up, here are possible reasons:

You’re not actually on iOS 18.0
You haven’t updated fully
Your device model may have limited features
You’re not accessing customization from wallpaper edit mode

Fix It

Go to Settings > General > Software Update
Confirm iOS 18.0 is installed
Restart your device

Simple but effective.

Using Focus Modes for Color-Themed Screens

Here’s a trick not everyone knows.

You can create different Focus Modes and assign custom home screens to each one.

Example:

Work Mode → Blue toned icons
Chill Mode → Dark tinted icons
Weekend Mode → Pastel pink theme

How To Do It

Go to Settings > Focus.
Create a new Focus.
Customize Home Screen.
Choose specific pages.
Apply your desired icon theme.

Now your phone changes colors automatically depending on your mode.

Pretty cool, right?

Accessibility Settings That Affect App Colors

If you want stronger color contrast or visual adjustments:

Try These:

Settings > Accessibility
Display & Text Size
Increase Contrast
Reduce Transparency
Color Filters

Color Filters allow you to adjust hues globally. While not technically an “icon recolor,” it dramatically changes appearance.

FYI: This affects everything, not just icons.

Best Color Theme Ideas for iOS 18.0

Need inspiration?

Here are popular combinations:

Black + Red Accent (Bold and modern)
Beige Minimalist (Soft aesthetic)
Monochrome Grey (Professional look)
Pastel Lavender (Cute aesthetic setup)
Emerald Green Tint (Nature vibe)

Keep wallpaper aligned with your icon tint. Contrast matters.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s save you time.

Don’t download sketchy “icon changer” apps
Don’t jailbreak (not necessary)
Don’t forget to remove duplicate original icons
Don’t overuse too many colors — it looks chaotic

Simplicity wins.

Does Changing App Color Affect Performance?

Short answer: No.

Using tint or Dark Mode has zero performance impact.

Using Shortcuts may cause a slight delay (less than a second) when opening apps because it routes through Shortcuts first. Most people barely notice it.

Battery impact? Negligible.

Is It Safe to Change App Colors?

Yes — as long as you use Apple’s built-in tools.

Avoid third-party configuration profiles or unknown customization apps. They can create security risks.

Stick to:

Built-in customization
Shortcuts app
Accessibility settings

That’s the safe zone.

Final Thoughts

Customizing your iPhone in iOS 18.0 feels more flexible than ever. You don’t need technical skills, and you definitely don’t need to jailbreak.

If you want quick changes, use the Tinted Home Screen option.
If you want full aesthetic control, use Shortcuts custom icons.
If you want subtle elegance, turn on Dark Mode.

At the end of the day, your home screen should feel like yours. Why stare at default icons when you can design something that actually matches your vibe?

FAQ: How To Change Apps Color In Iphone | Ios 18.0 Latest Update

1. Can I change individual app icon colors without using Shortcuts?

No. iOS 18.0’s built-in tint applies system-wide. To change individual icons separately, you must use the Shortcuts method.

2. Does changing app color require jailbreaking?

Absolutely not. All customization methods discussed here use official Apple features and are fully supported.

3. Why don’t I see the Tinted option on my iPhone?

You may not be running iOS 18.0, or your update may not have completed properly. Check under Settings > General > Software Update.

4. Will custom app icons update automatically when apps update?

If you use Shortcuts, your custom icon remains unchanged even when the app updates. The original app icon may change, but your custom one stays the same.

5. Does using Shortcuts slow down my iPhone?

There can be a slight launch animation delay because the app opens via Shortcuts first. However, it does not significantly impact overall performance or battery life.