Dumb Phone (dp)

*Astounded* by how well this app works for minimizing distraction. I first thought (as with other apps) that my muscle memory for turning off the app lock feature would be lightning speed by the end of Day One. But no! The app’s built in NFC lock lets you use any tap thing you already have (I use my metro card) to lock detox mode. Perfect amount of friction (walk to my front door, wait a few seconds, press yes, I’m sure, then tap card unlock). I’m too afraid of losing my metro card so it stays in my purse, bht choose your own difficulty level. The design is beautiful; people have commented on my Home Screen and is totally worth the app alone tbh. There are lots of clever hacks (shout out to the developer for the level of support in helping!); I have the wallpaper and launcher change between work and home—a seamless prompt. I’m no long drawn to my phone line a moth to light, it’s now more likely I want it leave it on the charger lest it annoy me. Recommend to anyone struggling with dopamine hits from apps, focusing with ADHD, or who just wants a better looking phone screen.

This app is exactly what I’ve been needing for years! If you’re someone who’s struggled with compulsively opening your phone, flicking back and forth looking for….. “Wait, why am I on my phone again?!” Then you need this app. Because it works utilizing custom widgets, it was easy to get set up once I got the hang of it and much more customizable than I expected! For example, if you want to go full on analog style, you can have a main page with nothing but the Dumb Phone display, but If you want to keep the messenger/phone/email app widget on the main page to monitor the notification bubble, you can keep them right there! It’s HIGHLY customizable based on your needs. This in combination with the iOS 18 new app widget styles, will give you the simplified phone of your dreams. My phone feels like a phone again instead of the black hole I was always falling into. I honestly felt a sense of calm once I got it set up.

Unfortunately, actual “dumb phones” have to sacrifice all the quality apps people still need with their homegrown operating systems. The Dumb Phone (dp) app lets you shut out the distractions while keeping easy access to your most important apps. While Apple doesn’t make it easy to customize your aesthetic, this app totally breaks the mold and gives you the closest thing to a minimal phone possible. I’ve nearly removed all app icons in replacement of lists. I’m not longer searching my pages for something to do. It’s brilliant. Yes, it takes some getting used to. Yes, you’ll learn how to set new apps up. Yes, it’s not at all like how you organize traditionally. But isn’t that the point. Put in a little effort to protect your mind and you’ll reap the benefits of not being tied to your phone. Lots of customization available still. And you can always create a page of apps if you need to on top of the text-based app links. If you’re looking for a minimal skin for your iPhone, this is it. Developer is awesome and super responsive to adding new apps and making improvements as well.