While iOS itself is a pretty aesthetic operating system, the default icons that come with it are pretty…well…default. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to change things up and make your device look a lot more stylish. In this post, I’ll showcase 13 rather aesthetically pleasing iOS icon theme ideas that I could find, as well as some icon packs to change up the look of your app icons in general.
1. Minimal iOS App Icons
I think this is most people’s go-to, right? Minimal Icons are a great option if you want to make your home screen look a bit more sleek and stylish. They of course come in a range of styles themselves. The only thing I would say is that they aren’t always super obvious—at least immediately—as to what app it is you’re actually looking for. But, hey, that’s part of the fun, right?
2. Transparent iOS App Icons
If you want to show off your home screen wallpaper a bit more, or just want a different take on the traditional app icon, then transparent icons might be for you. There are a few things to keep in mind with these types of icons though. First, they will obviously blend in more with your wallpaper, so make sure the contrast is high enough that you can still see them easily. Secondly, depending on your wallpaper, you might find that some of the icons look a bit too similar to each other.
3. Grey Scale iOS App Icons
This is a bit of a combination of the first two types of icons. Grey scale icons are usually minimal in design, but by using different shades of grey, they can actually be quite striking and easy to distinguish from one another. There are some great free icon packs out there that use this style, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something a bit different.
4. Black and White iOS App Icons
Another take on the grey scale icons, these types of icons use a black and white color scheme rather than different shades of grey. I think these can actually be some of the most striking and elegant iOS icons out there, but again, they might not be super obvious as to what app they represent.
5. Pastel iOS App Icons
If you’re looking for something a little bit more colorful, but still want to keep things relatively minimal, then pastel icons might be the way to go. There are some really pretty pastel icon packs available, and they can add just the right amount of color to your home screen without being too overwhelming.
6. Spring iOS App Icons
Another popular choice for iOS icon themes is to go with something that represents the current season. Spring is a great time to freshen things up and change the look of your home screen, and there are some beautiful spring-themed icon packs available.
7. Halloween iOS App Icons
Halloween is another great time to change up the look of your home screen with some fun and festive icons. There are tons of different Halloween icon packs available, so you’re sure to find one that you like. It is pretty cool to see people’s different interpretations of what makes an icon look good. Some designers go for simplicity while others try to pack as much detail as possible into their icons. Personally, I think that a balance between the two is usually the best way to go.
8. Black & Gold iOS App Icons
If you want to add a touch of luxury to your home screen, then you can’t go wrong with black and gold icons. This color scheme always looks classy and elegant, and it’s perfect for anyone who wants their device to look a little bit more grown-up. There are lots of different ways to incorporate black and gold into your icons, so have a play around and see what you can come up with. You could go for a completely black and gold color scheme, or you could use gold as an accent color to add a bit of contrast.
9. Neon iOS App Icons
For something a little bit different, why not try out some neon icons? Neon colors are eye-catching and fun, and they can really make your home screen pop. If you want to go for a completely neon look, then you’ll need to use a dark background so that the icons really stand out. Alternatively, you could use neon as an accent color to add a bit of excitement to your otherwise normal-looking icons.
10. Gradient iOS App Icons
Gradients are another great way to add some visual interest to your icons. They can be used to create a subtle ombre effect, or you can go for something a bit more dramatic with two-toned icons. If you want to use gradients in your icons, then you’ll need to make sure that the colors you choose complement each other well. You don’t want your icons to look too busy or cluttered, so it’s best to stick to a maximum of two colors.
11. Simple iOS App Icons
There’s something to be said for simplicity, and that’s especially true when it comes to icons. A well-designed simple icon can be just as effective (if not more so) than a busy and complicated one. They often leave the boxed off impact of their original counterparts, which can really help to make your home screen look a lot more sleek and stylish.
12. Floral iOS App Icons
Floral icons are perfect for anyone who wants to add a touch of femininity to their home screen. They’re also great for spring and summer, when you’re likely to be spending more time outdoors surrounded by flowers. There are lots of different ways to incorporate flowers into your icons, so have a play around and see what you can come up with. You could use real photographs of flowers, or you could go for a more abstract and stylized approach.
13. Create Your Own App Icons
If you’re feeling creative, then why not design your own app icons? This is a great way to personalize your home screen and make it truly unique. To design your own icons, you’ll need to use an icon editor or graphics program like Photoshop. If you’re not sure where to start, then there are plenty of tutorials online that will walk you through the process step-by-step. This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional. © 2022 Elin Beck
