Approach: Know when to Connect
Know when to reach out
About
This app helps you know when friends and family are available to connect without direct communication. It displays availability through simple color blocks and allows users to set their own status to indicate when they welcome company. Seamlessly integrates with existing calendars to visualize everyone's free time.
What's New in Approach
1.2
September 29, 2026
What’s New • Sharing your hours and busy blocks with friends is now free for everyone — no Plus needed. • Your people, groups and settings now sync across your devices through iCloud. • Connected friends become real people: fill in their phone, email and photo from Contacts with one tap, and merge duplicates. • Invite links now open the app directly. Hold a date from Plan a Trip or Visit. • Fixes and polish.
MoreSubscriptions & In-App Purchases
$4.99
Approach Plus
Unlimited people, Plan trips, share your hours
FAQ
How does Approach show when people are available?
Approach displays availability using simple color blocks on a 'Now' screen. These colors represent different states like 'Please Approach', 'Available', 'Working', 'Approach with Caution', and 'Do Not Disturb', allowing users to quickly gauge who is open to connecting.
Can I set my own availability status in Approach?
Yes, you can manually set your status to 'Available to Approach', 'Please Approach' (for a set duration or indefinitely), or 'Do Not Disturb'. You can also set 'approachable hours' weekly, like 'Work, Mon–Fri 9–5', to inform others when you are generally open.
Does Approach require an account or sign-up?
No, Approach is designed with privacy in mind and does not require an account or sign-up. Your calendar data is read locally on your device, and any information shared with friends is encrypted.
How does Approach handle privacy?
Approach is private by design. Event titles, locations, and notes stay on your phone. You can mark any event as private, and it will remain private across all integrated calendars. Shared status with friends is end-to-end encrypted.
Can Approach help plan group trips or events?
Yes, Approach includes a 'Plan' feature. You can select a group and the desired duration (e.g., a day, weekend, week) to see dates when everyone is free. It then highlights near-misses with only one person unavailable, simplifying group coordination.
Does Approach have ads?
No, Approach does not contain advertisements. The app is free to use and does not display any ads to users.
What calendars can Approach integrate with?
Approach integrates with all calendars already on your iPhone, including iCloud, Google, Outlook, and Exchange. It also supports any shared calendar links you may have.
How often is Approach updated?
The latest version of Approach is 1.2, which was last updated on September 29, 2026. This indicates a relatively recent update, suggesting ongoing development and support.
