When migrating from iOS to Android, users often need to replace Apple's default app. Google options, while they are offering great UI/UX are usually privacy invasive in a more aggressive manner than Apple ones. And manufeturer ones like Samsung, Xiaomi or others can feel bloated with ads or also privacy invasive.
On this list you will get basic apps that either provide a similar UI/UX that would makes Apple users familiar with quicker than other options. Some might not have that Apple inspired look but still have great UX, strong enough privacy for most people and might be one of the best option to recommand to an ex-iPhone user.
How to Mimic iOS with most Android Launchers
It won't be 100% identical out of the box (no launcher perfectly replicates iOS due to underlying OS differences in notifications, multitasking, etc.), but with some tweaking + icon/widget packs, it delivers a clean, modern iOS-inspired grid, dock, and overall UX without feeling bloated. Community examples exist for iPhone-like setups.
Open-source Android launcher with customizable icons, layout, and integration of Google Feed, offering Pixel Launcher features without root access.
The most popular Open Source Android Launcher project, pretty customizable but inspired from Google Pixel experience.
Worth mentioning:
Fossify Launcher
If you don't mind paying a proprietary launcher this one could help you get a great Android experience that can feel more like iOS.
Simplifies Android use with automatic app categorization, built-in search, customizable themes, hidden app security, one-handed mode, and adaptive widgets.
If you don't mind paying a proprietary launcher this option is probably among the best availanble today and could help you get a great Android experience that can feel more like iOS.
Bring the elegance of iOS 26 to your Android phone with iOS Launcher 26 – iLauncher, the ultimate iPhone launcher for Android users.
This one not a privacy champion but let you replicate Apple iPhone launchers very easily... with ads. If your OS let you block internet access I would recommand it. If not you can use apps like:
RethinkDNS or
Athena - Firewall & Adblocker to block ads.
A reliable tool that helps you manage and organize files on your device without annoying ads. You can easily search, move, copy, delete and rename files and folders on your device.
A FOSS File Manager app that is strongly inspired by Apple UI
AirSync is an open source project to bring seamless integration between Android and macOS devices over local network with end-to-end encryption with features like mirroring, notification sync and many more that were only been a dream for users.
If you are using a Mac device but use Android for your phone, this is the closest experience to a synergy between your devices. It is freemium and has both a subscription or one-time payment option.
Facilitates device communication, enabling notifications, SMS replies, file sharing, and remote control across multiple operating systems.
Another app to help you connect your computer and your phone together.
The Dialer app is a built-in phone application on Android devices, which manages your call history and contacts. It provides quick access to making calls and sending text messages through the application interface, including popular messengers.
A FOSS dialer inspired by Apple UI
The ultimate app for organizing and customizing your contacts with a focus on privacy. Take control of your contact list by creating private contacts that are accessible only within the app, ensuring that your personal information remains confidential and secure.
A FOSS Contacts app inspired by Apple UI
Fast SMS messenger with iOS 16 style interface. Free and no ads. Supports work with two SIM cards.
A FOSS messaging inspired by Apple UI. Only support SMS unlike
Messages
An encrypted messaging app focused on privacy, supporting texts, calls, photos, videos, files, and group chats, with no ads or trackers.
For private e2ee messaging, VoIP and video calls Signal might be the best alternative to
Your private moments are protected. Discover Right Gallery, where your privacy is our priority.
A FOSS local gallery app inspired by Apple UI. Like
Apple Photos without the cloud.
Open-source, end-to-end encrypted backup and sharing for photos and videos, with multi-platform sync, original quality, privacy controls, and collaborative albums.
A FOSS smart gallery app that also offer a Cloud synching experience. Have text search, face recognition, OCR, link sharing and more.
If you are used to
iCloud
A privacy-first calendar that works offline and looks beautiful. Connect to iCloud — or don't. Your schedule, your choice.
If you still share some
Apple Calendar shared over
Right Calendar app is a versatile scheduling tool that offers unparalleled flexibility to its users. One of its standout features is that it is built on an open-source platform. This not only ensures transparency but also allows for constant updates and bug fixes from a...
If you use calendar on your device only and no Cloud this app is pretty close to
You can still use cloud sync with app like
DAVx5
Tasks is libre open-source software, based on the original source code from the popular Astrid Tasks & To Do List! Tasks is easy-to-use, feature-packed, flexible and customizable, and synchronizes with a variety of services.
A very well made FOSS ToDo List app for Android, not the same UI than
Apple Reminders looks more like native Android but very great UX.
Sometimes we just need to plan our days to make better use of the hours. Sometimes we just need our days to be more ... Structured.
If you don't mind freemium proprietary this one looks more like an Apple app. Privacy issues
Worth mentioning:
Superlist Privacy issues
Fully open-source, end-to-end encrypted notes with device-based security, secure sync, offline access, powerful editor, vault, backups, and exports.
A cloud based private note taking app that offer a clean UI. Can easily replace
Notes
OpenJot is a minimal and open-source journaling app designed for privacy and simplicity. All your thoughts, memories, and ideas are stored securely on your device, never in the cloud.
A clean FOSS
Journal alternative
Apple Music is all about the music, with the highest audio quality; exclusive, in-depth content and unparalleled access to the artists you love–all ad-free.
Recognizes music and TV soundtracks, integrates with Apple Music for song previews, and allows sharing on social media for easy music discovery.
Shazam has been bought by Apple but is still present on Android and work great with
Apple Music or
Spotify
Alternatively you can use:
Audile
A free and open source podcastmanager for Android, allowing you to subscribe to podcasts (via iTunes database & OPML), automatically download episodes using powerful mechanisms and listen to them the way you like (speed, balance adjustments, etc).
Not the same UI/UX than
Apple Podcasts but probably the best Android Podcast app you can find, and it's FOSS !
Introducing PlayBook, the ultimate audiobook player app that lets you dive into your favorite stories whenever and wherever you want.
A great AudioBook Player by the same developper than
Right Dialer
Right Contacts
Right Messages
Right Files and
Right Gallery
Enables exclusive features like noise control, adaptive transparency, ear detection, gesture answering, conversational awareness, battery status, and custom controls on non-Apple devices.
If you use Apple Air Pods and a modern Android version (ColorOS/OxygenOS 16, Android 16 QPR3, Android 17 Beta 3 or higher) you don't need root for most features. This is probably the best reverse-enginnered companion app for Android.
Monitors battery levels for AirPods, Beats, and compatible models on Android with pop-up notifications, widget support, and premium features unlock via F-Droid.
A simpler yet usable AirPod companion app for Android
Continue to watch your favorite shows and movies, discover new content, and find new video apps. With the Apple TV App, you can do it all in one place.
Apple TV is also available on Android if you are paying for this service.
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