DO NOT x out of those tips/add sections, or you will not be able to get them back! Had to delete and reinstall the app. Also not very intuitive how to reorganize and edit the list of apps. You gotta tap on a blank space within the widget inside of the app, without accidentally hitting one of the names/shortcuts because that will launch the app. What’s up with the lowercase app names? Without giving us control over formatting?? You should respect the name given and allow people to decide for themselves how they’d like the formatting done. And what the heck with the lame degree symbols/small o letters at the top and bottom of the widget on the home screen? How is that minimal? Super distracting. If you want me to pay for this, you’re going to have to improve all of these things, as I’m deleting this for now. it’s the second best one of the ones I’ve tried (2 of the 4 were total garbage). The one I’m going with allows for a LOT of formatting/tweaking/customization of the app titles, AND how many display in each widget pane. I hope you improve this app and make it better than the other one! For now, I’ll have to stick with what looks and works best.
I guess I have arrived at the point that I am not technically advanced enough to set up a dumb phone. Essentially this app steps you through how to set up a dumb phone. Unfortunately the directions only have screen shots and it is unclear what to do. I gave up after an hour. Too bad. Good idea. Bad execution.
I used the Light Phone II for 6 months. I really enjoyed the experience, but eventually switched back because I needed the convenience of my phone camera to take pictures at an event… and I never switched back. This “Dumb Phone” app reminds me of the look and feel of that home screen, I absolutely love it! I feel like I am getting the best of both worlds. It’s especially nice to continue using iMessage: it was tough becoming a green bubble for my friends and family when I was using the Light Phone. Great app. Use the trouble shooting guides if you have any issue, it is documented very well!
Love Dumb Phone! Does exactly what it says it’ll do, with better customization options that other app that I tried. Michael is super responsive to feedback! Looking forward to future updates!!
I love this app! I’ve been hoping for something like this for years.
One thing I’m curious about though is the App Library (that stupid screen you get on iPhone when you swipe left). It still shows all of my apps right there, so I still have to exert willpower not to look at it.
I wish there were a way to get rid of that, as well. Maybe in a future update?!
Keep up the great work!
It is always nice to see developers who care about their app and their feedback from app users. 😁 As one minimal aesthetic lover to another - thanks for creating this. It has helped me stay focused in the 2-3 days I’ve downloaded it. Way less going on which my brain needs. No annoying notification badges. Paired with widgey it makes a powerful statement when people will look at my minimal phone Home Screen, which I never thought possible on iOS. Thanks also for adding the shortcut method to add your own apps. That was great to let me do it myself. I can’t wait to see what other ideas you have in store for the app
Developer Response
Thanks heaps for the super kind review! Really appreciate it 🤩
Happy to hear how effective Dumb Phone has been for you during the first week of using it. I'm so excited to make it even better over time and hope you enjoy what's to come. Glad to also hear you're loving the Shortcuts alternative for apps that aren't in the list.
If there are any important apps that you'd like added, please share then with me in-app via Settings → Request App and i'll try to add them for you. Thanks again! 🙏To use this app it requires adding the app as a widget to the Home Screen. I followed the instructions and the app was not available to add in the widget menu, meaning this app was entirely useless. You have to subscribe and pay at least $2.99 to even begin setup, so I feel like I’ve been scammed. Do not download this app.
Developer Response
Appreciate the review, I'm sorry to hear you're having an issue adding the widget.
Restarting your iPhone and/or reinstalling the app will fix it - sounds like the classic iOS Add Widget bug strikes again.
I have had a few reports about this occurring, and the above did the trick for them. I'm more than happy to help out if you still get stuck, please reach out in-app via Settings → Contact Us.
Also, it's not a requirement to pay upfront to use the app - I'm sorry to hear you feel like you've been scammed. Would appreciate if you did reach out though, there's a real person behind this app trying to make a great product and is open to feedback for it! Cheers.For a widget that just links to other apps… They want you to pay a monthly fee of 5-10 dollars for WIDGET THAT IS JUST LINKS TO OTHER APPS.
Developer Response
Appreciate the review! Unfortunately due to iOS limitations we as developers aren't able to create a more comprehensive home screen experience beyond leveraging widgets - unlike in Android where it's possible to make custom home screens.
So when it comes to creating a minimalist experience, this is as good as it gets for now sadly.
This being said, I only launched the app three weeks ago and have been continuosly gathering feedback to make it even better.
Given that you're invested in dumbing down your phone (which is why you probably gave Dumb Phone a shot), i'd really love your feedback on how I could make it even better and more valuable for what you'd expect from this kind of app.
Please do reach out in-app via Settings → Contact Us, and i'll get back to you. I'm a single person working on this, and won't bite! Cheers :)I tried the accessibility thing that is supposed to make apps launch instantly, however it still lags. Also, the circle thing like everyone mentioned is a slight annoyance but nothing too bad! Since I paid for the lifetime, I hope updates will improve this app. I like it a lot but I want to love it!
Developer Response
Thank you for the super kind review, and I appreciate the support with you upgrading too!
Unfortunately the current mechanism for launching apps is an iOS limitation. However, I have something planned for the next big version of iOS that will improve both points that you've mentioned. Hang in there for a few more weeks! 🙏
Can't wait to share more soon. Cheers!So helpful, pretty easy to use. Definitely worth the money! Launchers like this help me not get addicted to that phone dopamine 😅 I have found no bugs so far — excellent app! Plus when I wanted help with something, I got an email back much sooner than expected. Great app 😊
Developer Response
Thank you so much for the really kind review!! 🤩
I'm so glad to hear Dumb Phone has been helping you manage phone addiction, and that it's absolutely my pleasure for helping out when you reached out!
Hope you continue to enjoy loving Dumb Phone. Cheers!
iPhone User One
Jst9876
Smart guy, dumb phone
JulianMarx
Leon Carosi
CloudStrife7
Saintcharlie
JeremyTheTechGuy
Update Helped
MurPH7014