I’m trying to customize my iPhone 11 and wanted to rename some apps for better organization. I’ve searched but couldn’t find a clear way to do this. Can someone confirm if it’s possible or suggest any tips to help with app customization?
Nope, you can’t just rename apps on an iPhone because Apple decided we don’t deserve that kind of freedom. They’re like, “Organize your apps how we tell you, minion!” You’re stuck with whatever name the developers gave it. Your best bet is to shove them into folders and rename the folders if you want some sense of order. Like, put all your social apps together in a folder called “Keep Procrastinating,” or stick your work stuff in one called “Dread.” But individually renaming apps? Apple ain’t letting that happen anytime soon.
No, you can’t rename apps on an iPhone, and honestly, it’s kind of ridiculous. Apple locks that down tight, like it’s some kind of state secret. I get it—standardization, blah blah. But it’s frustrating when you’re staring at an app named something vague or borderline cryptic like “App” or a developer’s random name, and you just want to change it to something useful.
Anyway, @kakeru mentioned folders, which can help, but if you’re not into cluttering your screen with folders labeled “Life Chaos” or “Stuff I Ignore,” you could also try customizing the icons themselves. You can use Apple’s Shortcuts app to create new “app icons” that show a different name—yes, it’s a bit of a hack and not very clean because when you tap it, it first opens the Shortcut before the actual app, but hey, it’s a start.
Here’s a rough idea:
- Open Shortcuts > Create a new Shortcut.
- Add an action to open the desired app.
- Save it and add it to the Home Screen with a custom name and icon.
Takes time, but that’s Apple’s way of saying, “Do things our way or suffer the long route.”
If you’re hardcore about customizing, look into third-party launchers. Although, tbh, Apple doesn’t play nicely with those, so you’re still in their box no matter how hard you try. The endgame is they want control. At least Android lets you have fun with this stuff.
So, renaming apps on your iPhone 11? Short answer: no, you can’t directly do that. Apple’s ecosystem is locked down tighter than a bank safe when it comes to app names. However, customization isn’t entirely out of reach—you’ve got workarounds, though they’re not perfect. Let’s break it down.
Folders
Sure, what @boswandelaar and @kakeru mentioned about using folders as a way to organize is solid. It’s simple—you can slap a custom label on a folder like “Stuff I Use Once a Year” and dump apps into it. Pro: quick and clean. Con: you might end up accidentally opening folders repeatedly when searching for a specific app.
Shortcuts App (Renaming Hack)
Their mention of the Shortcuts app is legit. If you’re borderline obsessive about renaming, this is the pathway you’ll have to take. Here’s why it’s both great and frustrating:
- Pros: Rename apps to anything you want, use custom icons, and create a visually appealing set-up. Your “Bank of Obligations” app can actually look that way.
- Cons: It’s clunky. When you tap the shortcut, your screen does a weird, unnecessary Shortcut detour before launching the app. Plus, setting custom icons for every app on your phone? Let’s just say your weekend plans might get postponed.
Step-by-step recap of Shortcuts:
- Open Shortcuts app.
- Create New Shortcut > Use ‘Open App’ action and select app.
- Tap Share Icon > Add to Home Screen.
- Edit the name and icon (this part’s fun).
- Repeat until you question life choices.
Third-Party Solutions??
You could give third-party launchers a go, but let’s be honest—this isn’t Android. Apple treats them like an invasive species. They’re clunky, might interfere with iOS updates, and really don’t offer much beyond theming. Sure, some hardcore Apple customizers swear by it, but if you’re in this thread, you’re probably looking for ease, not a tedious install process.
Why Apple Does This (Sort Of…)
Here’s the analytical bit: Apple’s whole shtick is about standardization. When app developers name their apps, Apple intends for every user to see it the same way across devices worldwide. It’s annoying, yeah, but from a design consistency standpoint, it makes sense. Doesn’t mean we have to like it, though.
Alternatives to Explore
Here are a few additional tips if neither folders nor Shortcuts scratch your itch:
- Rearrange based on priority. It doesn’t rename, but hey, you’ll know top-left is “Work Stuff Stressor” even if Apple Maps is chilling there.
- Use widgets for quick views of regularly opened apps. Helps bypass unnecessary icon interaction altogether.
- Consider just embracing the chaos? (Probably terrible advice.)
Final Thoughts
Let’s be real, this whole renaming apps quest is ultimately screaming, “Just give us more autonomy, Apple.” The feature could be implemented in about ten minutes if Cupertino gave it the green light, but hey, where’s the fun in that? For now, it’s folders or Shortcuts… or a subtle lingering envy for Android users out there.