
Precursor: Hourly Screen Time
App limits per hour, not daily
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.
What's New in Precursor
1.1.0
August 10, 2026
More control with limit modes: - Easy mode notifies you when you have reached your limit, and you can dismiss the block right from the block screen. - Normal mode lets you ask for more time without stopping your limits entirely. Every ask costs a longer hold. - Hard mode removes the ability to ask for more time and lets you stop your limits to edit them only once every 24 hours. Added time-of-day scheduling: - You can now specify each group to only run on the days you choose and only during the hours you choose. - For example, set one group to run weekdays 8 AM to 5 PM, another to run evenings only, and another all day, every day. - Each group keeps its own schedule and its own allowance. Parent Mode and uninstall protection for extra support: - You can now turn on Parent Mode to help lock down settings in Precursor. If the passcode is forgotten, resetting it takes your recovery answer instead of the standard 24 hour wait. - There are no accounts, so Precursor support cannot reset your passcode or your recovery answer for you. Save both somewhere safe. - Uninstall protection prevents Precursor from being deleted. Please note that while this setting is on, all apps cannot be deleted, not just Precursor. Ask for more time, and automatic restarts: - In Normal mode you can ask for a few more minutes instead of stopping your limits entirely, however each ask costs a longer hold than the last. - No more forgetting to turn your limits back on. When you stop your limits to edit them, Precursor restarts them for you. Also in this update: a tutorials button on the dashboard so you can replay helpful walkthroughs and answer common questions in app, on device storage of the reasons you stop your limits so you can reflect on them later via the insights page, and a long list of fixes to timing, notifications, and accessibility.
MoreSubscription plans
Monthly
Precursor+ billed monthly
In-App Purchases
$99.99
Lifetime
Precursor+ forever (one-time purchase)
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.






