Precursor: Hourly Screen Time

Precursor: Hourly Screen Time

App limits per hour, not daily

5 ratings
1 review
Free
In-App Purchases

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • July 31, 2026
  • August 19, 2026

Features

Precursor: Hourly Screen Time video #1 for iPhone
Precursor: Hourly Screen Time screenshot #2 for iPhone
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Precursor: Hourly Screen Time screenshot #4 for iPhone
Precursor: Hourly Screen Time screenshot #5 for iPhone
Precursor: Hourly Screen Time screenshot #6 for iPhone
Precursor: Hourly Screen Time screenshot #7 for iPhone
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About

This app offers a unique approach to screen time management by setting hourly limits for app usage. It aims to break the cycle of daily limit exhaustion and impulsive overrides by providing a sustainable, guilt-free solution that resets limits every hour.

Set hourly app limits
Automatic hourly limit resets
Customizable limits by day
Friction to prevent impulsive overrides
Private by design, on-device processing
Optional Precursor+ upgrade
Show original description

What's New in Precursor

1.2.0

August 19, 2026

Deep Focus sessions (Precursor+) - Pick the groups you want locked down, pick a length from 30 minutes to 8 hours, and hold the button to start. Those apps stay blocked for the whole session. No stopping and no editing until it ends. - One 5 minute emergency break per session, for the moments you truly need it. - Groups you leave out of the session keep their normal hourly limits. Reset every 2 or 3 hours (Precursor+) - Your limits can now reset every 2 or 3 hours instead of every hour. Minutes you do not spend carry across the hours inside the window, so the limit means the same thing whichever length you pick. - The hourly reset stays free, and it is still the default. Shortcuts and Siri - Start your limits, or check where they stand, from the Shortcuts app or by asking Siri. - Your limits cannot be turned off from Shortcuts while your apps are blocked. Precursor now speaks 14 more languages - Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese. Also in this update: the block holds through heavy use instead of giving up after eight retries, the block screen no longer flashes at the top of the hour when your limits restart, a clearer reset window picker, simpler group cards, and fixes to Shortcuts and reset times on the longer windows.

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Subscription plans

Monthly

Precursor+ billed monthly

$4.991 Month
1 Month trial
How to cancel Precursor subscription ⁉️
1

In-App Purchases

$99.99

Lifetime

Precursor+ forever (one-time purchase)

User reviews

Such a game changer

This app has been super helpful at navigating screen time limits, I love how aesthetic & cute it is, how positive the idea is & am so thankful I caught it in time for the free lifetime trial ! My new favorite time limit app!! Totally recommend !!!!!!!

Response from developer

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. I originally developed Precursor out of personal need and I am just so grateful that others like yourself are able to benefit from this unique approach to screen time limits! I also appreciate you noticing the subtle design choices, I think user experience is just as important as the function of the app! If you ever have feedback or feature requests please feel free to share them via the Precursor forum, available in the in app settings menu!

FAQ

What is Precursor's hourly limit system?

Precursor allows you to set specific hourly allowances for apps, such as 5 minutes per hour. These limits automatically reset at the beginning of each new hour, providing a consistent rhythm for managing screen time without the frustration of hitting a daily limit early.

How does Precursor help prevent impulsive overrides?

Precursor adds friction to stopping limits by prompting a written reflection, offering optional passcode locks, and requiring users to intentionally open the Precursor app to disable limits, rather than offering an immediate 'ignore' button within blocked apps.

Is Precursor private and secure?

Yes, Precursor is built on Apple's Screen Time technology and is private by design. App choices are opaque tokens, usage history stays on your phone, and insights are computed on-device. There are no accounts and no ads.

What are the benefits of Precursor+?

The optional Precursor+ upgrade offers extended functionality, including more app groups, shorter time windows, and longer hourly limits, with options for up to 30 minutes per hour. A one-time Lifetime purchase option is also available.

What devices does Precursor support?

Precursor is available for iPhone and iPad devices, leveraging Apple's native Screen Time framework for its functionality.

How often is Precursor updated?

The latest version, 1.0.1, was released on August 6, 2026, indicating recent development activity. Updates are crucial for maintaining compatibility and introducing new features.

What is the pricing for Precursor's subscription plans?

Precursor offers monthly and yearly subscription plans. The monthly plan is $4.99/month and the yearly plan is $49.99/year, both including a 1-month free trial.

Does Precursor have ads?

No, Precursor is ad-free. The description explicitly states that there are no ads, contributing to a focused user experience.