Dumbify 4+

So far, I enjoy this a lot. Seems like a good compromise between the Light Phone interface with the functionality of the iPhone. I don’t mind it jumping to shortcuts, but of course I would love if it didn’t (thanks apple).

Here is an improvement I would love to see that does not seem like it would be difficult to implement:

Various widget sizes. It would be nice to have the big square on top with the medium size rectangle on the bottom to have 2 widgets on one screen (iPhone 12 mini if that helps)

I do have one actual issue, the supplied background is slightly different than the dark mode widget and dock. It is just so slightly off that I can see the border of the widget and dock. I have made sure blur is off and no ‘reduce transparency mode is enabled’

I’ve been trying to dumbify my phone in fits and starts for a while now. I was in another fit and start a couple days ago. I tried one app I had read about but it was clunky to use and couldn’t find/link to simple apps that come with the iPhone. Found another and tried it and the process was convoluted and confusing. While trying to find out how to work it, I discovered Dumbify. It is heads and tails over anything else I’ve seen or tried. Simple, elegant user interface. In just two days, my phone use has already gone down.

I asked a question on the Reddit post where I discovered the app, and the developer was quick to respond, which was awesome.

A few (not all) of the iPhone native apps require going though Shortcuts (this is an Apple thing, not a Dumbify thing), and seeing that burst of color interrupt my calm minimalist phone drives me bonkers. It’s very quick and temporary, but come on, Apple!

First app I’ve actually taken the time to right a review. If you’re looking to Dumbify your phone this does exactly that. The premise here is you match the background with the widget color, which the app provides and then declutter your Home Screen.

It takes a minute to get used to as you’re adjusting yourself to how you’ve always used your phone. You can still access all of your apps and the smart part of your device. This just adds points of friction so you aren’t on autopilot to do those mindless scrolls.

How the app functions does mean there is a bit of lag every time you do something so that snappy feel that Apple has gotten you accustomed too will go away. I’ll keep testing but as for the first night I’m very pleased and not bothered.

I’ve seen some comments that already offer some great ideas so I’m hoping overtime there is still some support to keep my phone from controlling my life, but also being useful.