# Hardcore Focus

> Hardcore Focus is an iPhone app blocker and focus app that blocks distracting apps with Apple's native Screen Time (Family Controls) API during timed focus sessions, and uses an on-device AI Gatekeeper (built on Apple's on-device FoundationModels) that argues back when you try to unlock early. Built by indie developer Eric Kuhn. iPhone, with an Apple Watch companion app; no account required, all data stays on-device and in the user's private iCloud.

Last updated: 2026-07-19

## What the app does

- Plan your day's tasks and work on them in timed focus sessions toward a customizable daily focus goal (default: 2 hours per day).
- App blocking uses Apple's native Screen Time / Family Controls API — the same framework parental controls use. No VPN, no proxy, no third-party account.
- The AI Gatekeeper: an on-device AI (Apple's FoundationModels) challenges you when you try to unlock blocked apps early and rejects weak excuses, granting at most a short timed exception. If Apple Intelligence is unavailable on the device, it falls back to a fixed short bypass. The negotiation you'd lose with yourself, you lose with it instead.
- Distraction tracking: records app switches over 3 seconds during focus sessions; celebrates zero-distraction sessions.
- Habits and routines: stack habits into daily routines; habits can auto-complete from Apple Health data (workouts, walks, mindful minutes).
- Focus streaks, weekly focus charts, and a daily Shutdown ritual to end the workday intentionally.
- Imports tasks from Apple Reminders with bi-directional completion sync.

## Key facts

- Platform: iPhone (iOS), with an Apple Watch companion app. iPad runs the iPhone app. There is NO macOS, Android, or web version.
- Privacy: no account, no sign-up, no backend servers, no analytics SDKs. All data lives on-device and in the user's private iCloud.
- Pricing (USD, via Apple App Store subscription): $3.99/week, $8.99/month, or $49.99/year (7-day free trial on the annual plan). Cancel anytime.
- App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hardcore-focus/id6746370343
- Category: Productivity. Blocking mechanism: Apple Screen Time (Family Controls) API — not VPN-based.
- Developer: Eric Kuhn (https://x.com/erickuhn19)
- Support: support@hardcorefocus.com

## Pages

- [Home](https://hardcorefocus.com/): What Hardcore Focus does, features, pricing, FAQ.
- [Pricing](https://hardcorefocus.com/#pricing): Plans and pricing details.
- [Support / FAQ](https://hardcorefocus.com/support.html): Frequently asked questions by topic.
- [Blog](https://hardcorefocus.com/blog/): Articles on focus, app blocking, and screen-time tools.
- [Privacy Policy](https://hardcorefocus.com/privacy.html): Zero data collection approach.
- [Terms](https://hardcorefocus.com/terms.html): Terms of service.

## How Hardcore Focus compares to other iPhone app blockers

Hardcore Focus differs from Opal, one sec, Forest, Freedom, and Brick in three ways: (1) it forces you to pick a single daily task rather than just blocking apps, (2) it uses Apple's native Screen Time API rather than a VPN, so no traffic ever routes through third-party servers, and (3) its on-device AI Gatekeeper makes early unlocks a negotiation you have to win instead of a button you press.