Custom Tint Colors for iOS 18 Home Screen Icons

With the release of iOS 18, Apple allows iPhone users to customize their Home Screen app icons using custom color tints. Users are not limited to predefined color presets; the update includes a built-in color picker and adjustment sliders that let you choose any color you want. This guide explains how the custom tinting feature works and the exact steps to apply your own colors to Home Screen icons.

Does iOS 18 Include a Color Picker for App Icons?

Yes. iOS 18 includes a full color customization tool for app icons and widgets. When you choose the "Tinted" display style, the interface provides:

  • An Eyedropper Color Picker: A dedicated eyedropper tool allows you to sample any specific color directly from your current wallpaper.
  • Hue and Saturation Sliders: Two granular sliders let you manually dial in any shade, hue, or intensity across the entire color spectrum.
  • Automatic Recommendations: The system automatically suggests complementary colors derived from your wallpaper's dominant palette.

Once selected, the tint applies uniformly across all app icons and widgets on your Home Screen, creating a unified, monochromatic appearance.

How to Set a Custom Tint Color on iOS 18

To access the color picker and customize your Home Screen icons, follow these steps:

  1. Enter Edit Mode: Touch and hold any empty area on your Home Screen until the apps begin to jiggle.
  2. Open Customization Options: Tap the Edit button in the upper-left corner of the screen, then select Customize from the menu that appears.
  3. Select Tinted: In the customization panel at the bottom of the screen, tap the Tinted option.
  4. Choose Your Color:
    • To pick a color from your wallpaper: Tap the eyedropper icon in the top-right corner of the panel. Drag the reticle over the desired color on your background, then release it.
    • To select a color manually: Drag the bottom two sliders left or right to adjust the hue and brightness until you achieve your preferred shade.
  5. Save Changes: Tap anywhere outside the customization panel or swipe down to exit and apply your new theme.

Key Things to Know About Icon Tinting

  • Universal Application: Tinting cannot be applied to individual apps selectively. It applies globally to all first-party and third-party apps, as well as Home Screen widgets.
  • Automatic Dark Effect: Applying a tint turns the background of all app icons dark, matching the chosen accent color for high contrast and readability.
  • Reverting to Default: You can return to standard icon appearances at any time by opening the Customize menu and selecting either Light, Dark, or Automatic.