Home

How to Mimic the iPhone's Status Bar on Your Android

Mar 23, 2015 05:38 PM

Smartphones displaying different operating systems and time.

As an Android user, there aren't many elements of my friend's iPhone that I find myself envious of, because anything he can do on iOS, I can surely find a way to do on Android...often better.

That being said, I have to admit that one feature I do like is the minimal style and layout of iOS 8's status bar. With the time centered and the Wi-Fi icon and signal bars aligned to the left, the iOS status bar appears better organized with less clutter, which is exactly what I want.

As stated, you can (almost) always find a way to do anything iOS can do on Android, so today I'll be showing you how to make your Android status bar look and feel like an iPhone's.

Getting Your Device Ready

Ensure that your Android device is both rooted and running the Xposed Framework. Also, let me state that this process will unfortunately not work on Android 5.0 Lollipop. Bummer, I know.

Install iOS 8 Killer

Download and install iOS 8 Killer from developer Ahmed Aljazwi. This app is not on the Google Play Store, so before installing, make sure you have Unknown sources enabled in your settings, if not already done.

iOS8 Killer app installation confirmation on a smartphone screen.

Once you have successfully installed the app, be sure to properly activate the module through Xposed Installer.

Apply iOS 8's Layout

Enter the settings for iOS 8 Killer to adjust your status bar's layout. Along with shifting the alignment of certain icons, the app can also change your battery icon and give you the option to use a custom carrier label, but this only works well if your carrier doesn't automatically stick one there (thanks for nothing AT&T).

Settings screen for an app with options for USB carrier label and battery management.

Smartphone home screen displaying time and various app icons.

Center the Clock

This process wouldn't be complete without centering the clock like iOS 8 has. While we may have to wait for an update for iOS 8 Killer to include this feature, you can still easily achieve this using XBlast Tools.

Just launch Xblast Tools and navigate to Status Bar -> Clock Settings -> Center clock. After a quick reboot, your status bar will be looking very similar to an iPhone's.

Mobile phone screen displaying a home interface with app icons.

Status bar on iOS 8.

Smartphone home screen displaying various app icons and time.

Android status bar with iOS 8 Killer.

Status bar on iOS 8.

Android status bar with iOS 8 Killer.

It may not be an exact match, but it's definitely a close match. The dev is working on updates so you should definitely check back to his thread to keep up with development.

For anything else, shoot us a comment below, and make sure to keep up with future Gadget Hacks news and guides over on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.