The Shimeji app allows Android users to add anime characters to their phone screen, and while it isn't available on iPhone, there are some great alternatives. The Shimeji app is extremely popular and has over 10 million downloads on the Google Play Store. It also has a stellar 4.7 rating, which suggests that an overwhelming majority of folks who download it on their devices also love it for all the customization options it offers.

The best Shimeji alternative for iPhone is an app called My Tamagotchi Forever. Created by Bandai Namco, the app is based on the digital toys that became a rage in Japan during the late 90s and spread to the rest of the world in the subsequent years. It is a mobile game that allows users to raise their own Tamagotchi characters by feeding and washing them and even putting them to bed at night. As with the original toys, the characters in the app need daily care to stay healthy and happy. But, with regular TLC, they will evolve and grow right in front of the users' eyes.

Related: How To Add A Tamagotchi Pet To Your MacBook Touch Bar

My Tamagotchi Forever

My Tamagotchi Forever also requires users to take the characters around Tamatown, the hometown of the Tamagotchis. It is an augmented reality feature like Pokémon GO that allows the players to play hide-and-seek with the Tamagotchi characters in real surroundings and collect treasure and bonuses. The app is free to play, although some items are available as in-app purchases. Overall, My Tamagotchi Forever has a lot to offer users and is one of the best alternatives to Shimeji on iPhones. The app is also available on the Play Store for Android users.

Dogotchi

Another alternative to Shimeji on iPhone is an app called Dogotchi. Created by Wildagotchi, the retro-style game has 12 dogs users can take care of. Users can feed their dog, clean it, and play with it. The more users interact with their pet, the better their happiness levels. Users will be able to choose from Old English Sheepdog, Husky, and Pug breeds when they start playing. After two dogs reach the adult stage, three additional breeds will become available.

Each dog has three sets of mini games that are unlocked as users progress through the game. Users can select a name for their dog, and choose its gender too. While Dogotchi is a free game, it does have its fair share of ads. Users who enjoy playing the game can pay a one-time fee of $2.99 to get rid of ads.

While both My Tamagotchi Forever and Dogotchi are great Shimeji alternatives, neither provide the option to interact with the pet on the phone's home screen. Unlike Android, Apple doesn't allow third-party apps to add things to the home screen. Apple does it in the name of security, but what it really does is it gives Apple more control over how people use their smartphones and what they can do with them. Meanwhile, Android has always offered more customization options, which is why the Shimeji app can place the animated characters on the phone's screen.

Source: App Store 1, 2

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

The iPhone 14 Pro Max ticks all the right boxes with its beautiful display, excellent performance, fantastic cameras, impressive battery life, and flagship essentials like wireless charging and dust and water resistance. All that power, specifications, and features admittedly come at a price. But if budget isn’t a concern, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is a no-brainer, especially if you’re already a part of the Apple ecosystem.

Brand

Apple

SoC

Apple A16 Bionic

Display

6.7-inch (2796 x 1290)

RAM

6GB

Storage

128/256/512GB

Battery

4,323mAh

Operating System

iOS 16

Front camera

12MP

Rear cameras

48MP + 12MP (ultrawide) + 12MP (telephoto)

Dimensions

6.33 x 3.06 x 0.31in,

Colors

Space Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple

Weight

8.47oz

IP Rating

IP68

$1099 at Apple