Focus Blocks vs DTox

Focus Blocks is an app blocker for iPhone and iPad that puts distracting apps out of reach during the time you set aside to focus. Choose the apps. Choose the rule. Block during focus hours, allow only inside chosen windows, or set a daily app budget. When a rule applies, selected apps are hidden system-wide until they are allowed again. No willpower games, no streaks, no social layer — just one clear setting that gives you your attention back. Built on Apple's Screen Time APIs, Focus Blocks works entirely on your device. It has no backend and no account. Your rules sync between your own devices through iCloud, under your own Apple ID. Screen Time app selections are private device-local tokens, so each device asks you to confirm the apps it should block before enabling a synced rule there. WHAT YOU CAN DO • Create as many focus blocks as you want — mornings, weekdays, deep-work afternoons • Pick specific apps and whole categories in one tap • Block during a schedule, allow only during a schedule, or set a daily limit • Enable synced rules separately on each device after confirming local app selections • Add a weekly setup window so blocks cannot be edited on impulse • Enable or disable any inactive block from one screen PRIVACY BY DEFAULT • No sign-up, no account • No analytics, no ads, no third-party SDKs • Uses Apple's Screen Time framework — selections and usage stay on-device • iCloud Key-Value Store is the only remote storage, and it lives in your own Apple ID Focus Blocks is self-directed. It is not a parental-control product and does not monitor or manage other people's devices. Requires iOS 18 or later.

Stop bypassing your screen time limits. Tapping “Ignore Limit for 15 Minutes” is too easy. Standard blockers fail because dismissing them requires zero willpower. DTox replaces broken digital limits with the Escalation Ladder - an adaptive barrier system that makes every relapse physically costlier than the last. Want to open an addictive app? You’ll have to earn it in the physical world first. HOW THE ESCALATION LADDER WORKS Most blockers are binary - either completely open or strictly locked. DTox increases the real-world cost every time you give in: • Step 1: Take a 15-second guided CoreHaptics box-breath or state your intention. • Step 2: Walk 100 physical steps or climb 2 flights of stairs to clear brain fog. • Step 3: Leave your desk entirely, drink glass of water and take a photo of a glass. • Grace Period: Enjoy your calibrated 5-minute window - then the shield automatically re-arms. Stay off your guarded apps for the duration of your configurable memory window (1–24 hours), and the ladder resets back to Step 1. Relapse repeatedly, and the physical barrier climbs. 6 HARDWARE & SENSOR-POWERED BARRIERS • Altimeter Stair Climber: Powered by your iPhone’s altimeter. Wake up your sluggish brain by climbing 1 to 5 flights of stairs before feeds unlock. • CoreMotion Step Counter: Real-time pedometer tracking requires 50 to 500 physical steps with your device to earn screen time. • Screen-Down Flip: Proximity and motion sensors ensure your phone rests facedown on a flat surface for up to 2 minutes. • Mindful Box Breathing: Interrupt dopamine rushes with synchronized, tactile vibration sessions powered by Apple’s CoreHaptics engine. • Intention Statement: Destroy thumb muscle memory by typing a custom accountability phrase word-for-word. • Cognitive Logic & Math: Engage your prefrontal cortex with focus-demanding arithmetic challenges. TAMPER-PROOF DISCIPLINE & STRICT MODE • Strict Mode: Lock your active Focus Shields to prevent editing friction levels, lowering penalties, or deleting shields during moments of weakness. • Emergency Pass with Cooldown: Safe, intentional access for real emergencies without letting you surrender your progress. • Custom Focus Schedules: Automate continuous 24/7 enforcement or schedule deep-work routines filtered by days of the week. • Safari & Web Protection: Deep native integration with Apple’s FamilyControls to block specific apps, full categories, and web domains simultaneously. • Defended Insights Dashboard: Track local analytics via SwiftCharts - see total prevented app launches, hours reclaimed, and actual stairs climbed. 100% ON-DEVICE PRIVACY Your screen habits and guarded apps belong to you alone. • No account creation or email required • No remote servers, cloud databases, or tracking pixels • Powered 100% locally with SwiftData and native Apple frameworks FREE VS. DTOX PRO: • Free Tier: Includes 1 fully customizable Focus Shield with core barrier access. • DTox Pro (In-App Purchase): Unlocks unlimited Focus Shields, 3+ barrier rungs per ladder, and Strict Mode enforcement. Stop fighting your own brain with digital pop-ups. Download DTox and anchor your focus in the physical world. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://dtox.app/privacy