Dumbify 4+

Almost perfect

Overall works very well with one small gripe.
I’d like the widget to either be full screen or half screen to allow placing two widgets on my iPhone SE. I added too many apps, and the names are now overflowing outside of the widget. Currently I can only place 10 apps and I wanted 11!

It also looks like the Settings app doesn’t launch to the main page.

Developer Response ,

Thanks so much for the review! I will be adding support for multiple widgets in an upcoming release! Also, thanks for pointing out the settings app, I will take a look into that!

Best yet

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!

Does as advertised.

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.