Calgary’s Fahad Zaidi has launched PhoneFree, an app designed to help people spend less time on their phones by blocking distracting apps for set periods or on a recurring schedule.
Unlike screen-time tools that users can easily override, PhoneFree imposes a hard block for the duration selected. Zaidi developed the app after finding that willpower alone was not enough to change his own habits.
“It started with my own need and desire to set guardrails with my screen versus only relying on willpower,” said Zaidi. “When I looked at what was available, I saw a clear gap for an affordable product that enforces a hard block.”
Zaidi now uses PhoneFree to stay off social media between 10 p.m. and 2 p.m. the following day, helping him remain more present—especially when spending time with his son.
Built over the past several months using an AI-native technology stack that includes Lovable, Cursor, and OpenAI, PhoneFree launched on Apple’s App Store approximately two weeks ago. It has since attracted hundreds of users across Asia, Europe, and North America.
Zaidi is positioning the app as a more affordable alternative to products such as Opal and Brick. PhoneFree includes a 90-day free trial, followed by a subscription of $4.99 per month or $29.99 per year.
An Android version is planned for release later this month. Zaidi also intends to expand the product with calendar-driven focus periods and website blocking.
Leave a Reply