Recently, iOS and macOS have moved closer to achieving feature parity. Now, macOS updates often incorporate features that were initially launched on the iPhone and iPad, sometimes with unique enhancements. However, despite this convergence, certain areas remain underdeveloped, particularly regarding customization options. Below are a few recent customization features available on the iPhone and iPad that have yet to be seen on the Mac.
Lock Screen Customization
With the launch of iOS 16 (and iPadOS 17), Apple made it possible for users to customize their lock screens on the iPhone and iPad, enabling the addition of custom widgets, font modifications, and more. While this was an exciting development, similar customization options have not yet been introduced on the Mac.
While macOS Sonoma did make some adjustments to the Lock Screen, it didn’t reach the level of customization found on the iPhone and iPad. Features like widgets and font options were noticeably absent, leaving it less dynamic compared to its counterparts.
Apple could greatly benefit from implementing true lock screen customization in next year’s macOS release, aligning it with the rest of the Apple ecosystem.
App Icon Customization
With the launch of iOS and iPadOS 18, Apple unveiled dark mode and tinting options for app icons, giving users the ability to theme their home screens on the iPhone. While opinions on tinted icons vary, I personally appreciate the option.
However, that’s not the full picture. Even prior to iOS 18, app developers had the ability to enable users to change the default app icon on iOS natively without needing shortcuts. While macOS does allow some level of app icon customization, it’s not as prevalent as on iOS and iPadOS.
While it’s unlikely that app icon customization will become as prominent on macOS as it is on its iOS counterparts, it would certainly be a welcome addition.
Control Center Customization
The recent updates in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 include a revamped Control Center, which allows third-party apps to add their own toggles and enables users to arrange Control Center items to their liking.
As with the other features mentioned, macOS lacks this level of customization. Although Apple introduced Control Center in macOS Big Sur, it has remained largely unchanged for over four years.
While full rearrangement capabilities like those on iOS may not be forthcoming, some level of third-party integration would certainly be appreciated.
Check out my favorite Mac accessories on Amazon:
Follow StrongChimp on: X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram
: We use income-earning auto affiliate links. More.
