Samsung One UI on iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide

This guide shows you how to bring the look and feel of Samsung’s One UI to your iPhone. You won’t be installing Samsung’s actual software, but you can replicate its key features—like the app drawer, notification style, and home screen layout—using built-in iOS tools and free apps from the App Store. Before starting, make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version and that you have a stable internet connection to download apps.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone running iOS 14 or later (for widgets and App Library)
An Apple ID to download apps
Optional: A computer or cloud backup if you plan to rearrange your home screen extensively

Step-by-Step

Enable the App Library (if not already on): Swipe left on your home screen until you reach the App Library. This is Apple’s version of an app drawer, similar to Samsung’s. To keep it, simply don’t disable it in Settings > Home Screen & App Library.
Set App Library as your main screen: To mimic One UI’s home layout, press and hold an empty spot on your home screen, tap the dots at the bottom, and uncheck all pages except the first one. This hides most apps into the App Library, making it your primary app launcher.
Use widgets to replicate One UI’s look: Press and hold an empty area on your home screen, tap the + button in the top-left corner, and add widgets. For a Samsung feel, add the Clock (world clock), Weather, Calendar, and Battery widgets. Resize them to match the grid you prefer.
Install a third-party launcher app: Go to the App Store and search for “launcher” or “One UI theme.” Apps like “Launcher” or “Theme Park” (not Samsung’s, but similar) let you customize icons, layouts, and even add a dedicated app drawer. Download one that has good reviews and supports iOS 14+.
Customize the app icons: Open the launcher app you installed. Most allow you to change icon shapes (squircle, rounded square), sizes, and grid spacing. Set them to look like One UI’s rounded squares. For individual icons, use the Shortcuts app: create a new Shortcut, add “Open App” action, choose the app, then tap the three dots and “Add to Home Screen” to assign a custom icon from your photos.
Change the notification style: Samsung’s notifications are grouped and appear as cards. On iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications > Notification Grouping and select “By App” to mimic that. To change the banner style, tap an app and choose “Temporary” or “Persistent” under Banner Style.
Enable Dark Mode and adjust accent colors: One UI’s dark mode is very dark. Go to Settings > Display & Brightness and select Dark. To change accent colors, go to Settings > Wallpaper > Choose a new wallpaper and then tap “Customize” to pick a tint that matches Samsung’s blue or your preference.
Add a Samsung-style always-on display (if supported): On iPhone 14 Pro and later, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display. Turn it on. You can also add a clock widget on the lock screen to mimic One UI’s clock styles.
Set up Edge panel-like shortcuts: Use the built-in “Back Tap” feature: Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. Assign a double or triple tap to open a menu via a shortcut app (like “Shortcuts” or a launcher app) that lists your favorite apps.
Finalize the home screen: Delete or hide any remaining stock apps you don’t use. Long-press the app, tap “Remove App,” then “Remove from Home Screen” (keeps it in App Library). Arrange your widgets and icons to match the One UI grid: typically 4×5 or 4×6.

Common Mistakes

Expecting a true system-level replacement: iOS does not allow third-party launchers to run in the background or replace the home screen entirely. The launcher app will only work when you open it, not as a default.
Hiding all home screen pages: If you hide all pages, you might not be able to access the App Library easily if you forget to swipe left. Keep at least one page with a few essential apps.
Using Shortcuts for every icon: Creating hundreds of shortcuts can be time-consuming and may slow down your phone. Only do it for your most-used apps.
Ignoring widget sizes: One UI widgets are typically larger. Make sure you resize your iOS widgets to a similar size, or they will look out of place.

Tips

Use a wallpaper that matches One UI’s aesthetic: Samsung often uses abstract gradients or minimal landscapes. Search for “One UI wallpaper” online and save them to your Photos.
Set up Focus modes to mimic One UI’s routines: Go to Settings > Focus, create a “Work” or “Personal” mode, and customize which apps and notifications appear. This mimics Samsung’s Bixby Routines.
Take advantage of the App Library’s search: Swipe down on the App Library to bring up a search bar, similar to Samsung’s app drawer search. This makes finding apps faster.
Use a third-party icon pack: Some launcher apps offer icon packs that look exactly like One UI icons. Apply them within the launcher app’s settings.

Troubleshooting

Launcher app crashes or lags: Force-quit the app and reopen it. If it persists, uninstall and reinstall it. Make sure your iOS is updated.
Shortcuts don’t open the right app: In the Shortcuts app, tap the shortcut, tap the three dots, and verify the “Open App” action is set to the correct app. Also ensure the shortcut is not set to “Show in Share Sheet” instead of “Add to Home Screen.”
Home screen pages won’t hide: You must have at least one page visible. If you’re trying to hide a page with widgets, move those widgets to another page first.
Widgets won’t resize: Not all widgets support all sizes. Try a different size or use a different widget app.
Always On Display not working: This feature is only available on iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and later. Also check that the battery is above 10%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Samsung One UI on my iPhone?

No, Samsung One UI is a proprietary Android skin and cannot be installed on iOS. You can only replicate its appearance and some functions using third-party apps and iOS settings.

Will this void my warranty?

No, using apps and settings as described does not void your warranty. It does not involve jailbreaking or modifying the system.

Can I get the exact Samsung notification shade?

No, iOS does not allow replacing the notification center. You can only adjust grouping and banner styles.

Do I need to jailbreak my iPhone?

No, all steps use official App Store apps and built-in settings. Jailbreaking is not required and is not recommended.

Will the launcher app drain my battery?

Some launcher apps may use more battery if they run in the background. Check your battery usage in Settings > Battery and restrict background activity for that app if needed.

Can I make my iPhone look exactly like a Galaxy S24?

You can get close, but there will always be differences in system animations, control center, and lock screen behavior. The goal is a similar visual style, not a perfect clone.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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