lionthemeThe jailbreaking community has brought all sorts of interesting tweaks and hacks to iOS devices. Lion Ultimatum is functional theme for jailbroken iPhones that attempts to completely replicate the OS X user interface, not just with icons and a background, but with "fully usable Finder menus, stacks, launchpad, a scrollable dock, draggable windows, mission control, dashboard, and a customizable lock screen."

Lion Ultimatum is a free install for jailbroken iPhones. Lifehacker has installation instructions for those interested in trying it out.

It is, however, more useful as a proof-of-concept than anything else, and shows why Apple redesigned the iOS user interface from the ground up to be touch-compatible, rather than simply shoehorning the OS X interface onto a smaller touchscreen.

Top Rated Comments

Agent OrangeZ Avatar
188 months ago
What iOS should have been like!If this is what Apple had shown instead of the Springboard iOS back in 2007, iPhone would have been a failure. iPhone is successful due to it's ease of use.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hugo7 Avatar
188 months ago
Totally useless?

It looks very awkward for a touch-based input device but it is a fantastic proof-of-concept.

It also demonstrates the amount of passion developers have for the iOS platform. I love it.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DoogH Avatar
188 months ago
I'd go insane. Button touch areas are so small! I'd always misclick.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mazz0 Avatar
188 months ago
(I'm running Lion, btw... there are some things I like... there are some things I hate... Missions Control, Full Screen Apps, and Resume all seem to impair productivity and drain battery. Expose was better, and I miss it sorely.)

How do they impair productivity or battery life? If you don't like them you don't have to use them so they can't possibly impair your productivity, and even if you do use them what are they doing that will impair battery life?

I agree about missing Expose though.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ZackaryVS Avatar
188 months ago
This would be awesome on the iPad...

I would love to have this on an iPad... you'd have a full desktop resolution... that'd be pretty sweet. iMacbook
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WestonHarvey1 Avatar
188 months ago
What an incredible amount of effort to prove Apple's point for them. So many fat-finger blunders in that trailer for all to see.

Anyone who has used a remote desktop tool on iOS already understands why you need a totally new interface for touch.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...