Terms of Service

By downloading or using Phantom Focus you agree to these terms and to Apple’s Licensed Application End User License Agreement, which governs every app distributed through the App Store. If the two ever conflict, Apple’s agreement wins.

Phantom Focus helps you limit distracting apps on your iPhone using Apple’s Screen Time framework (Family Controls): a shared daily budget, a hold-to-unlock challenge, focus timers, schedules and app groups. Blocking is performed by iOS on your device — the app asks the system to shield the apps you choose.

The app is currently free and has no accounts. If paid features are added later, they will be sold through the App Store under Apple’s purchase terms, and the price will be shown before you buy.

You decide which apps to limit, for how long and when. Phantom Focus is a self-control tool you configure for yourself. Don’t use it to restrict anyone else’s device without their knowledge.

Some Apple apps — such as Phone, Messages and Settings — can’t be blocked by any third-party app, and you can always revoke the Screen Time permission in iOS Settings → Screen Time. Never rely on Phantom Focus in a way that could keep you from emergency services or important communication.

If you are under the age of majority where you live, use Phantom Focus with the permission of a parent or guardian.

Blocking depends on iOS. Apple’s Screen Time framework can occasionally miss a scheduled start, end, or usage threshold, and system updates can change how it behaves. Phantom Focus is provided “as is” and “as available”, without warranties of any kind, to the extent permitted by law.

Phantom Focus is not a medical or psychological service. Streaks, focus hours and the Phone Addiction Test are motivational aids, not diagnoses. If phone use is seriously affecting your life, consider talking to a professional.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, we are not liable for indirect, incidental or consequential damages — including missed messages, lost streaks, or time spent — arising from your use of, or inability to use, the app or this website. Our total liability is limited to the amount you paid for the app, which is currently nothing. Nothing in these terms limits rights you have under consumer law that can’t be waived.

The app, its name, logo, design and copy, and the content of this website belong to us. Apple’s agreement gives you a personal license to use the app; please don’t copy, resell or reverse-engineer it except where the law allows.

The website, its blog and the Phone Addiction Test are provided for information only. Blog posts describe iOS as it worked when they were written; menus and behavior can change with updates.

The app collects no data. The details are in the Privacy Policy, which is part of these terms.

Features may change between versions, and the app may be updated or withdrawn from the App Store. You can stop using it at any time by deleting it — that removes all of its data from your device.

If these terms change, the date at the top of this page will be updated. Continuing to use the app after a change means you accept the new terms.

Questions about these terms: timeshin@icloud.com