A Brilliant Throwback App That Actually Helps You Focus
This app is one of those rare ideas that’s so simple, yet so incredibly effective that you can’t believe no one thought of it sooner.
In a world where every app is fighting for your attention, 1999 does the exact opposite. One tap and your smartphone becomes… well… a phone again. Calls and texts still work, but all the endless scrolling, social media rabbit holes, and mindless distractions disappear until your timer ends. It’s refreshingly ruthless in the best possible way.
But the absolute stroke of genius? Snake.
Whoever decided to include the classic Snake game deserves a standing ovation. Instead of leaving you with absolutely nothing to do, they brought back one of the most iconic games ever created. It perfectly captures the nostalgia of carrying around a brick phone in the late ‘90s. Five minutes of Snake somehow feels more satisfying than an hour of doomscrolling. It’s a reminder that entertainment doesn’t have to be infinite to be enjoyable.
A huge shoutout to the Backward Thinking developers. In an industry obsessed with adding more features, more notifications, and more distractions, they had the courage to move in the opposite direction. That kind of restraint is surprisingly innovative.
This isn’t just another productivity app—it’s a reset button for your attention span. The fact that it blocks distractions at the OS level while letting you keep the essentials makes it feel intentional rather than restrictive.
If you’ve ever caught yourself picking up your phone without even knowing why, do yourself a favor and download this. And when you’re done being productive, fire up a game of Snake. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it transports you back to 1999.
In a world where every app is fighting for your attention, 1999 does the exact opposite. One tap and your smartphone becomes… well… a phone again. Calls and texts still work, but all the endless scrolling, social media rabbit holes, and mindless distractions disappear until your timer ends. It’s refreshingly ruthless in the best possible way.
But the absolute stroke of genius? Snake.
Whoever decided to include the classic Snake game deserves a standing ovation. Instead of leaving you with absolutely nothing to do, they brought back one of the most iconic games ever created. It perfectly captures the nostalgia of carrying around a brick phone in the late ‘90s. Five minutes of Snake somehow feels more satisfying than an hour of doomscrolling. It’s a reminder that entertainment doesn’t have to be infinite to be enjoyable.
A huge shoutout to the Backward Thinking developers. In an industry obsessed with adding more features, more notifications, and more distractions, they had the courage to move in the opposite direction. That kind of restraint is surprisingly innovative.
This isn’t just another productivity app—it’s a reset button for your attention span. The fact that it blocks distractions at the OS level while letting you keep the essentials makes it feel intentional rather than restrictive.
If you’ve ever caught yourself picking up your phone without even knowing why, do yourself a favor and download this. And when you’re done being productive, fire up a game of Snake. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it transports you back to 1999.
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Response from developer
Thank you for the detailed review, we love that you love it and appreciate the great feedback!
Love ittt
Amazing app, i have adhd and it helps me alot to stop using my phone and getting stuck on it. the snake feature as well is super nostalgic the colors as well. absolutely love the app
Response from developer
We love that you found the snake ;)
Sam
Love it!!! You too us back to the 90s
Response from developer
Takes us back too!
Unbelievable
Really helped me get back in touch with my relationships. Cannot recommend enough.
Response from developer
Thank you!
Finally took control of my screen time!!!
I’ve tried several apps in the past to cut down on mindless scrolling, but this one is by far the best I’ve used. The moment I set it up, I could feel the difference — no more falling into the Instagram or TikTok rabbit hole for hours on end.
Response from developer
We’re here to stop you falling into the rabbit hole, thanks for the feedback!
Apple should make all new phones come with the 1999 app installed!!!
I didn’t expect to like 1999 as much as I did, but honestly it’s amazing. The whole idea is that it basically bricks your phone in the best way possible. you can still get calls and messages, but all the usual distractions disappear.
After using it, I realized how often I pick up my phone for absolutely no reason. This app made it way easier to be present, get things done, and actually disconnect without feeling completely unreachable. It’s very simple to use, effective, and weirdly refreshing. Its extremely well designed.
I think everyone should try it at least once, even if just to see how addicted we all are to our phones. Really cool concept and very well executed.
After using it, I realized how often I pick up my phone for absolutely no reason. This app made it way easier to be present, get things done, and actually disconnect without feeling completely unreachable. It’s very simple to use, effective, and weirdly refreshing. Its extremely well designed.
I think everyone should try it at least once, even if just to see how addicted we all are to our phones. Really cool concept and very well executed.
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Response from developer
That’s a great idea, all iPhones should have 1999 installed!
Digital Reset
This app has given me so much time back in my day. The blocking feature is simple and I like that I can set a time and not have to worry about it. It’s also clever in how its designed in a retro way making it feel like you’ve gone back in time in more ways than one. Highly recommend for anyone that is trying to cut back on screen time!!
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Response from developer
We appreciate the great feedback, hope you enjoy!
Cool app that takes you back to the simplicity of the 90’s
Love this app and how it helps me focus and be more present during the day and social occasions. Great added touch to sharpen your mind while in a session if you are bored and need to take your mind off the timer where you can play a game and distract yourself from the phone! Highly recommended!
Response from developer
Thank you, glad you love it!
Great app and simple to use
Love this app, helps me be present in the moment and is super simple to use!
Response from developer
Thank you, glad you love it!
Genius App Idea, with no Drama
This app has helped me detox, from excessive screen time and distractions. Unlike other apps, I have full control over the time spent going back to 1999 mode. From 5 minutes to 24 hours, this is app makes it intuitive and easy to get my productivity and time back! The Easter Egg surprise is a nice touch! Thank you.
~ Yuri R.
~ Yuri R.
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Response from developer
Thanks Yuri for the great feedback!
Helped me to kick my habit of doom scrolling!
I was able to use this app to limit advanced features in my phone and bring it back to the functionality of just a simple phone so that I could stop doom scrolling. Love this app.
Response from developer
Great to hear!
Killer app to be more present irl
This app is for you if you struggle with doom scrolling and brain rot. Put on a timer of your choice and do away with all your phone’s distractions for that time duration. It will truly set you free. Whether you want to be more present irl during a vacation, dinner, a night out this is your solution!! I love starting a session before going to bed as well, always gets me better sleep when I’m not doom scrolling right before bed! Highly recommended!
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Response from developer
Amazing!
Love it!
I didn’t have the best willpower especially when it came to my phone. I’d set a two hour timer and override it before the notification even finished loading. Every time. This 1999 app removes the option entirely. There’s no override. No “remind me in 15 minutes.” The apps that were wasting my time are just gone until the timer ends. Since calls and messages still work, I feel like nothing major or urgent is missed. Love it, and will be using it all the time! Thank you !!
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Response from developer
Thanks, glad it’s helping you!