Distant vs AppLock
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Distant
Enhance concentration with a premium focus timer that blocks distracting applications. Track your progress with detailed analytics and celebrate achievements. Customize your sessions and themes for a personalized productivity experience.
- App blocking for distractions
- Customizable focus sessions
- Detailed progress analytics
- Achievement system
- Intuitive dark interface
- Multiple timer modes
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Distant is a premium focus timer designed to help you disconnect from digital distractions and reclaim your time. Set a focus session, block distracting apps, and stay present in what matters most. Beautiful, Intuitive Design Dark, premium interface with tactile dial controls Smooth animations and haptic feedback Customizable themes and gradients Multiple timer appearance modes (Standard, Minimal, Detailed) Powerful Focus Features Focus sessions from 1 to 120 minutes Deep Focus mode for extended concentration Quick presets for instant session starts Custom focus types (Work, Study, Reading, Meditation, etc.) Pause and resume sessions as needed Emergency override with 10-second cooldown Track Your Progress Detailed analytics and insights Session history with completion tracking Achievement system to celebrate milestones Experience points and level progression Focus streaks and statistics Smart Notifications Progress updates during sessions Session completion alerts Motivational reminders In-app notification center Customization Personalize colors and gradients Configure quick preset durations Toggle features to match your workflow Multiple language support
AppLock
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This is a smart focus and digital wellbeing app that helps you cut distractions and stay in flow. With flexible time-based rules, you can automatically limit access to distracting apps during work, study or sleep. ◆ Focus Control • Manual Mode – Quickly enable or disable focus rules for selected app groups with a single tap. Perfect for on-demand focus sessions. • Time Mode – Schedule focus sessions (e.g., 09:00–12:00 on weekdays) and let the app automatically restrict distracting apps at those times. Rules run in the background even when the app is closed. • Schedule-based Restrictions – Set specific time windows when apps are automatically locked. Ideal for work hours, study sessions, or sleep time. • Daily Usage Limits – Set daily time limits for app groups. Once the limit is reached, apps are automatically restricted for the rest of the day. ◆ SafeBox – Private Storage • Encrypted Photo & Video Albums – Safely store your private photos and videos in encrypted albums. Create custom albums and organize your memories with complete privacy protection. • Private Contacts – Keep important contacts secure and separate from your regular address book. Import contacts and manage them privately. • Local Encryption – All SafeBox data is encrypted and stored locally on your device. No data is uploaded to servers. ◆ System Control Tools • Block App Deletion – Prevent apps from being deleted from your device. • Block App Installation – Control which apps can be installed on your device. • Block Payments – Require password authentication for all App Store purchases and block in-app purchases. • Block Account Changes – Lock account settings to prevent unauthorized modifications. • Block Date & Time Changes – Prevent tampering with device date and time settings. • Game Center Controls – Block multiplayer gaming and prevent adding Game Center friends. • Content Filtering – Block explicit content and set age rating restrictions for App Store downloads. • Siri Control – Disable Siri access when needed. ◆ Intruder Detection • Auto-capture photos when incorrect password is entered, helping you monitor unauthorized access attempts. ◆ How it works This app uses Apple's Screen Time / Family Controls framework: • You pick the apps or categories you want to manage with FamilyActivityPicker. • The app applies Screen Time restrictions through the official ManagedSettings APIs. • A Device Activity extension allows time-based rules to run even when the main app is closed. All changes are fully under your control: you can edit, pause or delete any rule at any time. ◆ Privacy • No user data is uploaded to servers. • No third-party analytics, ads or tracking SDKs. • All configuration data (groups, schedules, preferences, SafeBox content) is stored locally on your device with encryption. This app is designed purely to help you build better focus habits, reduce time-wasting app usage and improve your digital wellbeing.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: AppLock at none against Distant's 1. AppLock also leads on iOS requirement (17.4 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Distant sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. AppLock asks for nothing beyond the download.
Distant ships an update every 3 weeks, AppLock fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on June 10, 2026 and September 11, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Distant | AppLock |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 17.4 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 6 MB | 9 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Odd Omens LLC | 少秋 陈 |
In-app purchases
Distant
- Distant Full Access$3.99
AppLock
No in-app purchases





