There’s no getting away from the fact that smartphones are engrained in our lives. Even if you’d like to live without them, the majority of us need them for work and organization. Indeed, sometimes you can’t even see a restaurant menu without scanning a QR code these days.
Of course, while there is an acceptance that smartphones are essential tools, most of us appreciate that they can be a distraction, particularly when you are trying to work or study. It has led to a roaring trade in apps and tools that aim to keep you off your phone or, at least, certain apps on your phone.
The idea is that there is nothing wrong with using your phone for entertainment in your downtime. Whether you are into TikTok videos, Wordle, checking out online slots, or conquering another level in Candy Crush, so much of our entertainment is found in our pockets. But we can all feel a little guilty when it’s time to get productive, so a market to address it has shot up recently.
Brick has seen a surge in sales in 2025
One of the most high-profile examples is Brick, a piece of hardware that helps you focus on what matters. Brick is a small magnet-based square (hence the name “Brick”). When it’s time to get to work, you tap your smartphone with the Brick, and it will block access to a selection of apps for a designated time period. For instance, it is Instagram and TikTok that stop you from being productive; you can “brick” those apps just by tapping your smartphone with the device. There is a companion Brick app that allows you to select the apps you wish to brick, allowing you to keep important ones open – email, for instance.
Brick is not free. It typically costs $50 to buy the device, but using the app, etc., is free and requires no subscriptions. It might sound like a hefty price, but sales have been going through the roof since it was first launched in 2023, and there has been a surge in sales in 2025.
Popular options already on your phone
It’s understandable that some would not want to pay $50 for Brick nor carry around yet another piece of hardware in their pocket, so it is worth reminding people that they do have productivity apps built into their smartphones. Digital Wellbeing is available on Android devices, allowing you to manage app usage with timers, etc. On iPhone, the same tools are available in the Screen Time section of your settings. Popular 3rd party apps include Forest, Stay Focused, and One Sec.
The last of those is quite interesting, as it gets you to pause for a moment before opening an app, adding a bit of mindfulness and nudging you into making the right decision. Please be aware that while the 3rd party apps are free to download and use basic features, they may require in-app purchases to unlock more functionality.
The beauty of all these products is that they do not require you to go cold turkey on your favorite entertainment. They ‘respect’ the fact that the smartphone is an indispensable part of our social and working lives. Yet, the majority of us will feel guilty from time to time, knowing that we are doom-scrolling before bed when we should be sleeping or feeling that we should be studying when conquering yet another kingdom in Age of Empires. If you feel you can’t put that smartphone down by yourself, it’s worth remembering that there are tools out there to do it for you.
