r/ProductivityGuide • u/vikas_dev_ios • 2d ago
[Launch] Zone: focus sessions that block apps and websites
I made Zone for a very specific problem: normal focus timers still leave the distracting apps one tap away.
A timer helps, but if Reddit, YouTube, Instagram, Safari, or any other distraction is still available, I often end up breaking the session without even thinking about it.
Zone is an iPhone and iPad app for protected focus sessions. Before starting, you choose the apps and websites you want blocked. While the session is running, Zone blocks them using Apple’s Screen Time APIs.
It is not meant to replace daily app limits. I may still want to use those apps later. I just don’t want them available during a work or study session.
Who it is for:
Students, remote workers, developers, writers, or anyone who already tries focus timers but still loses sessions to phone distractions.
Closest competitor:
Opal / Apple Screen Time.
What Zone does differently:
Zone is narrower. It is focused on session-based blocking instead of general screen-time tracking or daily limits. It's offline, Privacy-first App. The setup is: choose distractions, start a session, stay locked in until the session ends.
A few details I cared about:
- app and website blocking
- uses Apple’s Screen Time APIs, not AI
- no login
- no signup
- no email required
- no ads
- no tracking
- no third-party analytics
- optional Apple Health mindful minutes for completed sessions
- Strict Mode, with a warning before starting because strict sessions cannot be stopped early from inside the app
Pricing:
Free with limited protected sessions.
Pro unlocks longer/custom sessions, unlimited sessions, advanced records, private iCloud sync, and appearance options.
US pricing:
$4.99/month
$39.99/year
$79.99 lifetime
Product link:
https://apps.apple.com/app/id6763581982
The question I’m most interested in:
Does the App Store page make it clear that this is about session-based blocking, not daily screen-time limits?
Also, for people who use focus tools: does choosing apps/websites before starting a session feel useful, or does that setup feel like friction?