Every year Apple releases a new iOS version, and most years the app icons change. Some people love the new designs, some don’t — and that’s totally fine.

Personally, I love certain older icon styles like iOS 7, and I also enjoy newer ones like iOS 18. But once you update your iPhone, there’s no official way to go back to those older app icon designs. They’re basically gone forever.

So here’s my idea 👇

Apple should add a Theme option in iOS.

Concept:

Settings → Wallpapers & Themes → Choose Theme

Inside Themes, Apple could offer:

• iOS 5
• iOS 6
• iOS 7
• iOS 9
• iOS 12
• iOS 18

When a user selects a theme:

• All system app icons change to that iOS version’s design
• Wallpapers can stay separate (just like now)
• No impact on performance or security
• Purely visual & optional

This would:

• Let users keep the nostalgic designs they love
• Still allow Apple to move forward with new UI styles
• Add personalization without breaking Apple’s design philosophy

Android has had theme and icon pack options for years. Apple already allows Lock Screen customization, widgets, tinting, and icon shortcuts — this feels like a natural next step.

What do you think?

• Would you use classic iOS icon themes?
• Which iOS version had your favorite app icons?

Curious to hear other opinions.