# Surface Time — Designed to time your non-use.

> Intuitive, button-free timer to encourage phone downtime and focus. (iPhone/iPad app by Neel Makhecha.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/surface-time/id6747015704 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Neel Makhecha](https://appshunter.io/developer/1353167736)
- Category: Utilities, Productivity
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 3 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 17.6 · 17 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2025-09-03
- Data updated: 2026-08-22
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/surface-time/id6747015704/reviews.md

## What is Surface Time?

Timer apps are usually always simple with few buttons, but Surface takes this simplicity to the next level. With no buttons, taps, or swipes, the timer just turns on and off.  It is designed to intuitively encourage you to put your phone down. The timer values peek from a small circle, and as you move your iPhone across angles, the circle expands with subtle haptics, nudging you to keep going and rest your phone on the surface facing down. 

The hidden yet visible options for Settings and Goals are not only designed to prevent opening when you might accidentally touch or swipe when flipping your phone, but are also intentionally uninviting for you to interact. However, the moment you choose to do interact, it transforms itself into a beautiful control. A control that encourages you to make a gesture and intentionally reveal the hidden features.  

The app is mainly aimed to help you stay focused in your work while keeping your phone at arms reach. But it is truly versatile, and I personally found myself using this everywhere. For instance in the kitchen, when my hands are dirty and I don't want to touch the screen or shout at my voice assistants, or to monitor my workouts with intervals. I'm sure there are many more ways to use this!

For basic timer features, you'll never have to touch the screen or press any buttons. Just flip your iPhone back up to reveal the screen and the timer pauses. Then, you can shake to reset or flip back down to resume. 

Notifications:
Surface uses backside LED flash to signal when timer begins. 
You can also set periodic notifications using LED flash or using calming sounds, such as of Himalayan Bowl or Guitar Strum to keep rough track of duration without looking at your timer. 

Goals:
By default, your surface time per day is always saved and visible from the Goals view. You can adjust this goal to whatever duration you want. Plus, you can create custom everyday color-coded goals for different tasks and monitor your everyday progress.

## Key features

- Button-free timer operation
- Intuitive haptic feedback
- Visual timer progression
- LED flash notifications
- Calming sound alerts
- Customizable daily goals
- Progress tracking

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Surface - One Time Purchase | $5.99 | one-time |



## Frequently asked questions about Surface Time

### How does Surface Time work without buttons?

Surface Time operates on intuitive gestures. Flipping your iPhone face down starts the timer, and flipping it back up pauses it. Subtle haptics and visual cues guide your interaction, encouraging you to put your phone down.

### What kind of notifications does Surface Time offer?

Surface Time provides unique notification options. It can use the backside LED flash to signal timer events or offer calming sounds like Himalayan Bowl or Guitar Strum to keep you aware of duration without needing to look at your screen.

### Can I set goals in Surface Time?

Yes, Surface Time allows you to set and track daily goals for your phone downtime. You can adjust the default goal or create custom, color-coded goals for different tasks to monitor your progress.

### Is Surface Time suitable for use in the kitchen or during workouts?

Absolutely. The app's design is versatile, making it ideal for situations where you have dirty hands and cannot touch the screen, or for monitoring workout intervals without direct interaction.

### What devices does Surface Time support?

Surface Time is currently designed for iPhone. It utilizes specific iPhone features to provide its unique user experience.

### How often is Surface Time updated?

The latest version is 1.1.1, released on 2025-09-16. Updates are provided by developer Neel Makhecha to enhance functionality and reliability.

### What is the age rating for Surface Time?

Surface Time has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for users of all ages, with no mature content.

### Does Surface Time have ads?

No, Surface Time does not contain advertisements. The app is completely free to use without any ad interruptions.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.1.1 — 2025-09-16

- Bug fixes and minor improvements

### 1.01 — 2025-09-09

- Redesigned parts of the app for better visual consistency
- Ability to edit the goal name and color
- There's now a more prominent feedback when timer resets, with animations and haptics

### 1.0 — 2025-09-03

No release notes.

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## More apps by Neel Makhecha

- [Attendance (For Students)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/attendance-for-students/id1402760614)
- [Pendulum: Elevate Productivity](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pendulum-elevate-productivity/id1560225041)

All apps by Neel Makhecha: https://appshunter.io/developer/1353167736

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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 2026-08-22.*