Beside: Body Doubling Focus

Beside: Body Doubling Focus

ADHD focus & study, no camera

3 ratings
2 reviews
Free

Details

Released
February 25, 2026
Updated
October 6, 2026

Features

Beside: Body Doubling Focus screenshot #1 for iPhone
Beside: Body Doubling Focus screenshot #2 for iPhone
Beside: Body Doubling Focus screenshot #3 for iPhone
Beside: Body Doubling Focus screenshot #4 for iPhone
Beside: Body Doubling Focus screenshot #5 for iPhone
Beside: Body Doubling Focus screenshot #6 for iPhone
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About

This app simulates the presence of someone working nearby to enhance focus, using ambient sounds and visual cues. It offers various scenes and a focus timer to aid productivity without requiring cameras or personal accounts. Track your progress and build focus streaks with this completely free tool.

✓Simulated ambient presence
✓Multiple handcrafted focus scenes
✓Customizable focus timer
✓Progress tracking and streaks
✓Offline functionality
✓No camera or account required
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What's New in Beside

1.1

October 6, 2026

Beside now keeps going when you lock your phone. - Background play: soundscapes and the timer keep running with the screen off or another app open - Pause and resume from the Lock Screen, Control Center, or your headphones - Get a notification when a timed session finishes - New Keep Screen On setting to keep your scene visible while you focus - Daily reminders now arrive at the time you choose in Settings - New Mix with Other Audio setting to play alongside music or podcasts - Volume levels are now remembered for each scene Thank you for the reviews asking for background play. Keep the feedback coming!

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User reviews

Update!

The developers have made the exact changes suggested, so the app continues to play with various settings. Excellent work you guys! Thanks for making such a great tool ✨

Response from developer

Thank you for the great suggestion! Beside 1.1 is out now and adds a Keep Screen On setting (in Settings) that keeps your scene visible during a session. If you'd rather let the screen sleep, soundscapes and the timer now keep playing in the background too. If this makes Beside work better for you, we'd be grateful if you'd consider updating your review.

Super useful for focus!

I really like the variety of soundscapes the app offers—particularly Coffee Shop, which has just the right mix of chatter and ambiance to help me focus.

The only thing I thought was missing was background play: I’d love to have the soundscape play when I’m working on writing on my phone, or when I have the screen turned off to go do a different task! Overall, the app is very well-built and certainly helps me focus better!
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Response from developer

Thank you so much, and we're glad Coffee Shop helps you focus! Good news: Beside 1.1 adds background play, so your soundscape and timer keep going while you write in another app or with the screen off. You can also pause and resume from the Lock Screen or Control Center. Enjoy!

Developer apps

FAQ

What is Beside?

Beside is a productivity app that creates the feeling of someone working next to you using ambient sounds and subtle visual cues. This 'body doubling' technique is designed to help users focus, especially those with ADHD.

Does Beside have ads?

No, Beside is completely free and does not contain any advertisements. It is also free of subscriptions and in-app purchases, offering all features without cost.

How does the body doubling feature work in Beside?

Beside offers six handcrafted scenes like 'Coffee Shop' or 'Library' that provide ambient sounds and visual elements to simulate a shared workspace. You don't see other people, but their presence is felt, aiding concentration.

Can I use Beside offline?

Yes, Beside works offline. Once downloaded, you do not need an internet connection to use its focus scenes and timer features.

What devices does Beside support?

Beside is available for iPhone and iPad, indicated by its support for these devices. It also features a dark mode for comfortable use day or night.

How often is Beside updated?

The app was last updated on October 6, 2026, with version 1.1. This indicates a recent update, suggesting ongoing development and maintenance.

What is the age rating for Beside?

Beside has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. The app prioritizes privacy with no data collection or trackers.

How does Beside compare to other focus apps?

Unlike some apps that require subscriptions or cameras, Beside is 100% free, requires no account, and never uses your camera. It focuses on ambient presence rather than live video sessions.