There seems to be a wave of app blocking ‘focus’ apps right now, making use of Apple’s ScreenTime APIs. I’ve not used them, so I won’t comment on them specifically, but I’m sure they make a big difference for many people.

I believe there are two small things that you can try first, though, which might be enough. The first is obvious. The second perhaps less so.

1. Remove distracting apps from your home screens. All of them. You don’t need to uninstall them. Just remove them from sight.

2. Remove these apps from being suggested in spotlight. Any time spotlight suggests one of them (i.e. before you type anything), long press on it and tap “Don’t suggest”.

If you don’t see these apps, you’ll use them a lot less. It becomes an intentional choice to open them, rather than muscle memory and habit. For many people, I think this will be enough, without the need for a focus app. For others maybe not, but these steps only take a minute to try, and they’re free.

“Out of sight, out of mind” holds so much power across day to day life, politics, and user interfaces. Use it to your advantage when you can.