# Focus Timer: Back to Basics — Minimalist Pomodoro for study

> Minimalist Pomodoro for study (iPhone/iPad app by Juho Ilmari Kantola.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-timer-back-to-basics/id6820868955 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Juho Ilmari Kantola](https://appshunter.io/developer/1837193306)
- Category: Productivity
- Price: $4.99
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 18.0 · 1 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2026-10-22
- Data updated: 2026-11-06

## What is Focus Timer?

A minimalist focus timer for work and study, with adjustable Pomodoro-style focus and rest intervals. Works offline, with no ads, accounts or subscriptions.

Back to Basics keeps your timer on one screen, with a clear countdown and just the controls you need for reading, writing and desk work.

When a focus period ends, rest starts automatically. Every fourth completed focus is followed by a longer rest. You choose when to start the next focus.

Make the timing yours
Choose focus, short rest and long rest durations from 1 to 180 minutes. Defaults are 20 minutes of focus, 5 minutes of rest and 15 minutes of long rest. Changes apply to your next focus and its rest.

Stay in control
Pause, resume or stop your timer. Completion alerts follow your device's notification settings. While charging, turn your phone sideways for a larger desk view with the app open.

Keep it simple
The app keeps your active timer and preferences on your device. It works offline after installation, with no statistics, streaks, task lists or session history.

Buy once
Pay once, with no recurring charge. Installation and store purchases can require an internet connection. Purchases are handled by the App Store.

Support: https://getbacktobasics.app/support/
Privacy: https://getbacktobasics.app/privacy/

## Is Focus Timer safe?

Not enough ratings yet to assess Focus Timer.

## Is Focus Timer legit?

Focus Timer: Back to Basics appears legitimate, with a few gaps. The AppsHunter Legitimacy Score for Focus Timer is 65 out of 100 points across 7 verification signals from App Store and developer data.


## Version history (last 4 releases)

### 1.0.3 — 2026-11-01

- Desk view: rotate to landscape for a larger, manual desk timer.
- Keep-awake now applies to the running timer, so the screen stays on while a session runs.
- Cleaner Live Activity, Dynamic Island and StandBy timer views.

### 1.0.2 — 2026-10-26

- Desk view: use your phone as a desk timer without a charger.
- Optional keep-awake while Desk view is open.

### 1.0.1 — 2026-10-23

- Skip rest when you’re ready to focus again.
- Start, pause, resume and stop your timer with Siri Shortcuts.
- Updated full-screen timer visuals and improved widget controls.

### 1.0.0 — 2026-10-23

No release notes.

## More apps by Juho Ilmari Kantola

- [Baby Tracker: Vaava](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/baby-tracker-vaava/id6759612808)
- [Fika Lingo: Vocabulary Trainer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fika-lingo-vocabulary-trainer/id6801397604)

All apps by Juho Ilmari Kantola: https://appshunter.io/developer/1837193306

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-11-06.*