# Hardcore Focus: Deep Work — App Blocker & Screen Time > Productivity app for focused, deep work on a single task. (iPhone/iPad app by Eric Kuhn.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hardcore-focus-deep-work/id6746370343 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Eric Kuhn](https://appshunter.io/developer/1686292395) - Category: Productivity, Health & Fitness - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 5.00/5 from 12 App Store ratings · 11 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 26.0 · 20 MB - Languages: American English, French (France), German (Germany), Italian, Japanese, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese (Simplified, China), European Spanish, Chinese (Traditional, Taiwan) - Released: 2026-01-27 - Data updated: 2026-10-06 - Monetization: freemium - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hardcore-focus-deep-work/id6746370343/reviews.md ## What is Hardcore Focus? Less phone. More life. Hardcore Focus is an iPhone app blocker with Screen Time. Block the apps that steal your attention, do real deep work, and fill the time you get back with habits that stick. No to-do lists. No calendar. Three things: Shield, Focus, Habits. BLOCK THE NOISE Shield blocks your most distracting apps with Screen Time — on a schedule, during a focus session, or always on. You choose how hard it is to get back in: • No Bypass — locked is locked • 15-Minute Bypass — one short, deliberate exception DO DEEP WORK The Focus tab is a single button. Tap it and work for as long as you want — no countdown, just an open timer that runs until you’re done. Block distracting apps for the session, keep the screen awake, and watch your daily focus goal fill up. Pause and resume when you need to. BUILD HABITS THAT STICK Track daily habits and routines by time of day. Check them off, count reps, or run a timed habit. Some habits track themselves — link them to Apple Health or to time spent in apps you actually want to use. Keep the streak alive. ALSO • Apple Watch — start sessions and complete habits from your wrist • Siri & Shortcuts — “Start a focus session,” “Mark off my habit” • Widgets, Live Activities & Dynamic Island • Complete habits from the Lock Screen, Control Center, or a widget • On-device AI insights into your focus patterns • Apple Music focus playlists, inside the session • iCloud sync across iPhone, iPad & Apple Watch PRIVATE BY DESIGN Zero data collection. Insights run on-device with Apple Intelligence — your data never leaves your phone, and anything you sync stays in your own iCloud. SUBSCRIPTION Hardcore Focus requires a subscription. Start with a 7-day free trial, then pick Weekly (3.99), Monthly (8.99), or Annual ($49.99 — best value). Payment is charged to your Apple Account. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the period ends. Manage or cancel anytime in Settings. Terms: https://www.hardcorefocus.com/terms Privacy: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdfla/ ## Key features - Single daily task focus - 2-hour deep work timer - Distracting app blocking - Distraction tracking - Progress logging - Streaks and achievements - Widgets and Live Activities ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **Subscriptions** | Subscription | Price | Period | | --- | --- | --- | | Hardcore Focus Pro Annual | $49.99 | per year | | Hardcore Focus Pro Monthly | $8.99 | per month | | Hardcore Focus Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days | ## Recent user reviews (10 of 11) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hardcore-focus-deep-work/id6746370343/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Happy *2026-04-24* This app is all I was looking for ### 5/5 — Helpful *2026-04-21* This app help me a lot in my homeschool ### 5/5 — Good for kids too *2026-04-19* Works well for kids to get their reading done without the internet distractions. ### 5/5 — Five Stars !! *2026-04-19* Exactly what I was looking for ! Helps me achieve my goals throughout the week. ### 5/5 — So far , loving it! *2026-04-12* Easy to use ! ### 5/5 — So far so good *2026-04-05* Great app for focus . ### 5/5 — One thing that matters *2026-02-26* I used to use an app like this 10+ years ago where you would put in only one to do task per day. It kept me really focused on the main thing I needed to do for the day. Hardcore Focus also lets me put my phone into focus mode and block out all distracting apps so I can stay in the zone. ### 5/5 — Mental clarity *2026-02-07* As a busy homeschool mom, my days are really full — lesson planning, teaching, house stuff, and keeping two active boys on track. Honestly, staying focused has always been hard for me because I’m always thinking about the next thing I need to do. That’s why I decided to try Hardcore Focus, and I was actually surprised by how much I liked it. It helps with mental clarity and focus. For me, it just feels like my brain is more “organized.” I can stick to what I’m doing instead of jumping from one thing to another all the time. ### 5/5 — Efficient and Simple *2026-01-30* This app is truly the combination of simple and efficient. It is simple to use , which makes it easy to add to my daily routine. I’ve been looking for a way to maximize my productivity and remove distractions while working on specific tasks ( we all have that 2026 New Year revolutions list ), and since using Hardcore I have been able to achieve it. I look forward to the end year to look back at my log to see all that I was able to accomplish using my time wisely. ### 5/5 — super helpful *2026-01-27* Really like this app. Hardcore keeps me on track with my daily tasks without being complicated. Super helpful. ## Frequently asked questions about Hardcore Focus ### What is Hardcore Focus? Hardcore Focus is a productivity app designed to help you complete one meaningful task within a two-hour, distraction-free session. It emphasizes finishing real work over managing endless to-do lists. ### How does Hardcore Focus block distractions? Hardcore Focus utilizes your device's Screen Time settings to block distracting apps. It also features a 'Focus Shield' to discourage attempts to bypass these blocks. ### Does Hardcore Focus have ads? No, Hardcore Focus is ad-free. The app is free to download and use, with optional Pro features available via subscription. ### What are the Pro features in Hardcore Focus? Pro features include an AI Coach for feedback on work patterns, a brown noise generator for focus, detailed analytics, and iCloud sync across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. ### How does Hardcore Focus track progress? The app logs what you actually 'shipped' or accomplished during your focus sessions, rather than just tracking planned tasks. It also offers streaks and over 30 badges for achievements. ### Is Hardcore Focus available on multiple devices? Yes, Hardcore Focus is available on iPhone and iPad. Pro features offer iCloud sync for a seamless experience across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. ### How often is Hardcore Focus updated? The app was last updated on January 27, 2026, with version 1.0. Specific update frequency is not detailed, but it is actively developed. ### What is the age rating for Hardcore Focus? Hardcore Focus has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Its focus on productivity is designed for individuals looking to enhance their work habits. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3.1 — 2026-09-24 Introducing Friends — focus is easier with company. -FRIENDS: invite up to 8 people you trust and see each other's focus minutes, habits done and shield count. Send a cheer a day. -Block screens now say why — "You hit your 1h limit for today" — instead of a generic message. -Improved Language Support: The whole app now follows your language, including widgets, notifications, the Watch app and the block screen. -iOS27 Support -Pomodoro Timer -Lots of other bug fixes! ### 3.0 — 2026-08-26 Hardcore Focus is simpler now. The Focus tab is just the timer. • One button to start a focus session • To-do lists, calendars, and non-essentials are gone • Habits and Shield are still there — same three pillars, less noise. • The app is faster Open the app. Focus. ### 2.01 — 2026-06-18 NEW: Read It Later Share any article to Hardcore Focus and read it later in a clean, offline, distraction-free reader. Inbox, Archive, and iCloud sync included. NEW: Listen to Your Articles Every saved article can now be read aloud with natural voices — with sentence highlighting and speed control. Pick up right where you paused. ### 2.0 — 2026-06-14 What's New The Gatekeeper is here. Try to open a blocked app and you'll meet a new bypass mode: instead of one easy tap, you argue your case to a skeptical on-device AI that only grants a timed exception if you've earned it. No more mindless "just 15 more minutes." Also new: - Apple Watch — start focus sessions, complete habits, and track streaks from your wrist - Siri & Shortcuts — start a session or mark off a habit by voice - Complete habits from the Lock Screen, Control Center, or a widget - Smarter on-device notifications that actually sound like you - GTD-style lists for organizing tasks from Apple Reminders - Faster habits, smoother timers, and dozens of fixes under the hood Everything still runs on-device and syncs privately through iCloud. ### 1.0 — 2026-01-27 No release notes. ## Apps similar to Hardcore Focus | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Gaze - Hardcore Focus Timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gaze-hardcore-focus-timer/id6760926650) | — | Free | Productivity | | [Unfry: App Blocker & Focus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/unfry-app-blocker-and-focus/id6774138511) | — | Free | Productivity | | [DayAware: Holiday Calendar](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dayaware-holiday-calendar/id6467467188) | — | Free | Productivity | | [3-Line Calendar for Watch Face](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3-line-calendar-for-watch-face/id6790045496) | — | Free | Productivity | | [Ellis – In-Person AI Notes](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ellis-in-person-ai-notes/id6753657763) | — | Free | Productivity | | [HCF: Hardcore Focus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hcf-hardcore-focus/id6720709211) | 5.0 (9) | Free | Productivity | ## More apps by Eric Kuhn - [RobotDomainSearch](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/robotdomainsearch/id6448768742) - [Sats App: Bitcoin Price](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sats-app-bitcoin-price/id6739965472) - [Raindrop Sounds](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/raindrop-sounds/id6744993725) All apps by Eric Kuhn: https://appshunter.io/developer/1686292395 --- *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 2026-10-06.*