In recent times, iOS and macOS have aligned more closely than ever, achieving considerable feature parity. Nowadays, most macOS updates introduce functionalities that were initially launched on the iPhone and iPad, often with unique enhancements. Yet, despite this progress, certain areas remain lacking, particularly when it comes to customization options.
Lock Screen Customization
With the advent of iOS 16 (and later, iPadOS 17), Apple allowed users to customize their iPhone and iPad lock screens, introducing features like custom widgets and personalized fonts. While these enhancements were visually appealing, macOS users have yet to receive a similar level of customization.
While macOS Sonoma did bring some redesign to the Lock Screen, it falls short of the expansive options available on iOS and iPad. There were no additions in terms of widgets or font modifications, making it less striking compared to its counterparts.
If Apple is seeking inspiration for upcoming macOS versions, it would be wonderful to witness genuine lock screen customization akin to what exists across other devices in its ecosystem.
App Icon Customization
With iOS and iPadOS 18, Apple added dark mode and tinting options for app icons, granting users the opportunity to theme their home screens. While opinions may vary, many users, including myself, appreciate these tinted icons as an option.
However, this isn’t the entire picture. Before the arrival of iOS 18, app developers were already able to enable users to change default app icons on iOS natively, without the need for any shortcuts. While macOS also supports app icon customization, it is not as prevalent as it is on iOS and iPadOS.
Although it may be improbable for macOS to reach the same level of app icon customization as iOS, it would be exciting to see such features introduced for Mac users.
Control Center Customization
In the most recent updates for iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, Apple revamped the Control Center, allowing third-party apps to integrate toggles and providing users with the ability to rearrange items as they like.
Yet, macOS still lacks this level of customization for Control Center. Although introduced in macOS Big Sur, the Control Center has remained largely unchanged since its inception over four years ago.
While I don’t expect the same degree of rearrangement that is possible on iOS, some integration with third-party applications would indeed be a welcome addition.
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