I’m interested in investigating how the ability to set time restrictions on apps or block them for a set amount of time influences users’ social media usage. Is it possible make an app that can both view screen time usage and restrict/block other apps on iOS? The Brick (https://getbrick.app/) makes me think it must be, though there’s (obviously) little publicly available practical information on how Brick works. I know the functionality I’m looking for is at least partially possible on Android, but I would like to develop for iOS as well. Thanks!
You’re absolutely right! While Apple doesn’t offer a single built-in app for both viewing screen time and restricting apps, it’s definitely possible to achieve this functionality on iOS through a combination of features and potentially third-party libraries:
1. Viewing Screen Time Usage:
- Apple’s built-in Screen Time feature allows users to see how much time they spend on different app categories and individual apps. You can access Screen Time through Settings > Screen Time.
2. Restricting/Blocking Apps:
There are two main approaches to achieve this:
- Apple’s Screen Time Restrictions:
- Screen Time offers some built-in app restrictions, like setting time limits for specific app categories (e.g., Social) or blocking them entirely. However, this might not be as granular as you’d like (e.g., blocking specific social media apps).
- Guided Access:
- Guided Access allows you to temporarily lock your device into a single app. This can indirectly restrict access to other apps, but it’s not ideal for long-term blocking.
3. Third-Party Libraries (Limited Functionality):
- While Apple’s App Store policies are strict about directly interfering with other apps, there might be some third-party libraries that offer limited functionality like app reminders or focus timers. These can indirectly nudge users to reduce social media usage.
However, there are limitations to consider:
- Direct App Blocking: Unfortunately, Apple’s App Store policies currently prohibit apps from directly blocking or restricting other apps. This means you can’t build an app that truly mimics Brick’s functionality on iOS.
Alternative Approaches for Your App:
Despite the limitations, you can still develop an app that focuses on helping users manage their social media usage:
- Social Media Usage Insights: Combine Screen Time data with other metrics (e.g., app launches, notifications) to provide users with deeper insights into their social media habits.
- Goal Setting & Tracking: Allow users to set goals for social media usage and track their progress over time.
- Focus Mode & Reminders: Implement features like focus modes (similar to Guided Access) or reminders that prompt users to step away from social media.
- Integrations with Social Media Apps: Explore potential APIs (if available) offered by social media platforms to help users manage notifications or curate content.
By focusing on these areas, you can create a valuable app for iOS users looking to manage their social media habits without directly blocking apps.
Further Research:
- Explore Apple’s documentation for Screen Time and App Extensions: Screen Time Technology Frameworks | Apple Developer Documentation
- Research third-party libraries that might offer limited app management functionality within Apple’s guidelines.
- Stay updated on potential changes in Apple’s App Store policies, as they may evolve in the future.
Remember, a successful app focuses not just on functionality but also on user experience. Encourage conscious behavior change instead of relying solely on restricting access.