apptoken vs Normal

Apptoken helps you create real friction before opening distracting apps. Instead of relying on willpower, Apptoken lets you create blocking profiles, choose the apps and websites you want to restrict, and start focused sessions using Apple's Screen Time controls. When you need access again, unlock using the method that fits your setup: NFC token, QR code, timer, schedule, widget, or manual control. Apptoken is free. There are no subscriptions, no in-app purchases, no paywall, and no account required. HOW IT WORKS 1. Create a blocking profile 2. Select distracting apps and websites 3. Grant Screen Time permission 4. Start a blocking session 5. Unlock only when you choose to BUILT FOR PRACTICAL FOCUS Apptoken is designed for people who want a stronger boundary than a reminder, but still need controlled access when life happens. Use it to: - Reduce mindless scrolling - Protect work and study blocks - Build better phone habits - Keep social apps out of easy reach - Add physical friction with an NFC token - Use a QR code as a simple unlock method - Schedule recurring focus time - Control active sessions from widgets UNLOCK OPTIONS NFC unlock Pair blocking with a physical NFC tag or token so access requires a deliberate tap. QR unlock Use a QR code as a lightweight unlock method when you want separation without extra setup. Timers Start timed sessions and return to your selected restrictions when the session ends. Schedules Create recurring blocks for work, school, mornings, evenings, or any routine you want to protect. Widgets and Live Activities Control active sessions and keep track of focus time from the places you already use on iPhone. PRIVACY-FIRST BY DEFAULT Apptoken does not require an account. Your profiles, selected restrictions, NFC and QR identifiers, schedules, timers, and session history are stored locally on your device or in the app group container used by the app and its extensions. The app does not use third-party app analytics, advertising SDKs, behavioral tracking, subscriptions, or in-app purchases. REQUIREMENTS Apptoken uses Apple's Screen Time, Family Controls, Managed Settings, Device Activity, NFC, Camera, WidgetKit, Live Activities, and Background Tasks frameworks to provide blocking and unlock features. You can revoke app permissions at any time in iOS Settings. Apptoken is developed by Fokusbloks Oy. Support: benjam@fokusbloks.com Website: apptoken.co

Normal actually makes you use your phone less by keeping selected apps blocked by default. To unblock you have to physically scan an NFC Tag, QR Code or use a Location. This can be any NFC Tag, QR Code, Barcode, Location you set in the app. This 'opt-in' approach is backed by research and actual use. Normal is made to be the most powerful screen time app available. Saving your hours of your day. It's fully open-source and no features are behind paywalls. It can also be made to be impossible to bypass. Highlights of Normal: - Block Apps via NFC Tags, QR Codes and Barcodes - Use ANY NFC Tag, QR Code or Barcode - Unblock/Block specific Apps - Timed Unblocks - Emergency Unblocks - Scheduling - Complete Granular Control - Can make it as easy or as hard to bypass Normal was made because of issues with some other screen time apps. - Other screen time apps are easy to bypass. Normal can be made to be impossible to bypass, or easy to bypass. You have complete control. - Most other screen time apps work on opt-out strategy, where you have access to all apps, then lose access through usage. - Normal works on opt-in strategy. The apps you have blocked are always blocked, to use them you have to physically get up and scan your NFC tag or QR Code. - Most screen time apps are paid, either one-time or more commonly, subscriptions. There are no paid features. Everything is free and open-source. - Normal is privacy-focused. We don't log any data, everything stays on device. Since we're open source, you can check our code and confirm. - Normal allows timed unlocks. Other NFC/QR Code blockers don't have this. If you want to use an app for 15min, you can unlock it for 15min only. You don't have to remember to reblock. Normal was made by actual users, research on smartphone addiction and developments in dumbphones in-mind. If you want to turn your iPhone into a dumbphone, you can. Block all smart apps, block the app store, prevent disabling normal (via preventing delete and the shortcuts trick). Now you have a dumbphone, which you can't make smart without your NFC Tag (which you can make as difficult as you need). If you want a semi-dumbphone, you can. Do the above but have some apps like maps, music, messaging, etc. If you're a professional who needs access to apps distracting sometimes, Normal is for you! Block all distractions with Normal. Set schedules for you work apps or used timed unblocks. Need 15min to post content or check email? You can do that! You just have to physically get up and scan your NFC Tag, QR Code, or Barcode. The apps will automatically reblock after your timer is over. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/